Are you sure that’s growth?
A statement in a tweet from a Twitter friend captured my attention. That’s because it casts light on how we tend to “do church” in today’s culture.
My friend stated that some churches “swell” while others “grow.”
I thought that was insightful.
That’s because many churches bloat in size without experiencing spiritual growth. They swell into a larger numerical shape by abnormal growth — the simple addition of people — without experiencing the spiritual transformation of those in the church body.
The downside to such growth is that swelling isn’t healthy for a body. It’s a complaint from the body that something is wrong. Care needs to be taken to address what is plaguing the body so the swelling can be decreased and health achieved.
Instead of swelling, a healthy body needs to grow organically and naturally. That happens by providing it with proper nutrients, consistent exercise, and even rest. The same goes for the body of Christ that feeds on the Word of God, finds rest in Christ, and exercises its faithful obedience in carrying out the Great Commission.
Is your church swelling or growing?
Scotty
March 8, 2012 at 11:43 am
Good question Scotty. I hope ours is growing in all senses of the word. Certainly its not burgeoning numerically but growing steadily, and we have a good spiritual growth program too.
March 8, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Sounds like healthy growth!