It seems like these days I spend a lot of time reflecting on our obsession with church growth… or maybe I should more honestly say my own obsession with church growth. I am among a growing number of pastors who are growing increasingly weary and disillusioned with the incessant push for “more” and “bigger”.
I find myself paying more attention to statements like those from the apostle Paul that Christ’s desire is for a bride that is “without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”. More than the size of the bride, the focus is on the character of the bride. Instead of fixating on a BIGGER bride, maybe we should work harder at presenting a BETTER bride.
This morning in my quiet time, I was reading in Colossians. I was struck by the last part of verse 19.
"He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow." Colossians 2:19 (NIV)
The body “grows as God causes it to grow”. That statement is not license for passivity. But it squarely puts the ultimate responsibility of “growth” in God’s court. It takes the pressure off. And I can go back to planting, watering, cultivating, nurturing, protecting, and praying. I can create an environment where growth can happen. But it is imperative that I am clear on this one thing… the body grows as God causes it to grow.
Posted on
Thursday, February 19, 2009
by Lance Witt
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