I was listening to a lecture the other day and the speaker asked the question of what type of church growth was best. Would it be to just increase average attendance at a church on Sunday mornings, whether they be people migrating from other churches, or new people who don’t normally attend a church service. Or would church growth be better if the current members would grow deeper in their faith? If you are like most Americans, you would probably say both, or all of the above. If you see a church growing in size, it usually means they are doing something right, or something is drawing them there. Some have been critical of the consumer driven model of church in which they cater to the desires of the members by having good coffee and snacks, fun activities or ministries for the kids, or a message that makes you feel good and not like a sinner in the hands of an angry God. There are probably a smaller number of churches that regularly challenge or promote the spiritual development of its members, lest they be Christians in name only and not in how they live. What are some examples you have seen of a healthy, growing church?
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
When was the last time someone witnessed to you? I stopped by a place earlier today and when I checked out, the woman offered me a small (in size) hundred page booklet called ‘the life book’. I asked if they were promoting a Christian ministry or church and she shared a bit what they were doing, and eventually offered me as many of the books as I wanted so that I could share with others. I thanked her for what they were doing and encouraged them in their endeavors in that community. Most of us probably want to see others come to Christ, but may not feel called to be evangelists on a regular basis. But each of us has the ability to draw others to Christ not only with inept words of persuasion, but more so with how we live our lives each day. There should be something about us that stands out from the crowd that may cause others to ask questions. I find that sharing your story is much easier than asking tough questions of others, especially if you don’t have a strong relationship. Do you feel comfortable asking others about their faith, or inviting them to talk with you about Christ?
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12
What have been some things that have helped you grow deeper in your Christian faith? Maybe you have attended a class or retreat, read a book, or been invited by a friend to meet regularly or been challenged to grow in some other way. Some avenues may afford you more growth than others, but it all starts with an awareness that you want to be closer to the God you profess to serve. This desire can challenge us to want to know Him or his advocates better and there are several ways to get there. Individually, spending time in the Word and prayer are some of the most helpful means to better understand the character of God. Some of the most helpful books I’ve found on spiritual growth are Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline and The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. May you never be content with where you are, but always have a desire to grow in your faith and help others do that same!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Yours in Christ,
Clark
