Most churches want to grow, or think they do. It may be helpful to see that all church growth is not created equal. That is, there usually is more than one source for a church’s growth. Growth can come from three sources: biology, transfer, or conversion.
BIOLOGICAL growth is that which is generated through a church’s family units. Members have kids, then, grandkids. Fortunately, most of these progeny come to the Lord. That is growth from basically a biological origin. Praise God for that kind of growth. But, unfortunately, we all tend to grow old. So, depending upon biological growth to maintain and advance a thriving church is not realistic.
TRANSFER growth basically is that which occurs when existing believers move from one congregation to another, whether from local or distant sources. Now, there may be good reasons to change. Maybe not. Add to that the fact that, in our times, churches are more into competition and marketing, targeting “consumers” in other churches. I can’t fix that. But I can say this: transfer growth is a double-edged sword. It can be a blessing or a curse. Some will bring their faith while others may bring their fight. Our challenge is to be a blessing to people and let the Lord sort it all out.
CONVERSION growth is that which results from a church’s evangelistic activity. It is the fruit of harvest from working in the field of the world. It is gospel-growth. It is the kind of growth which should most characterize a church’s aims and advancement. It is work primarily done outside our four-sided Sunday box.
Most churches want to grow, or think they do. We have seen that growth can come from three basic sources. Now, how much does this interest me, here? I may can sorta’ see the church in all this, but how do I see me in it? There is more to this. Later.
robert
