I recently learned something interesting, encouraging, and empowering; That 85 percent of congregations come by way of a "warm hand" that brought them in initially. Plus, the majority of church growth comes by way of personal invitation, public proclamation, and people living out their faith. Proof that church growth and obedience to God are synonymous.
While this seems like a no-brainer I must admit most of our (by "our" I mean my personal experience with churches) efforts to grow the church rely on administration, outreach, and building projects. While these certainly have their place they should never replace spiritual growth, discipleship, and obedience.
To me this is a "tough blessing." What I mean is that it is comforting to know that God grows the church by growing the people (which makes sense because the people ARE the church); it is tough because my "business sense" takes comfort in projects like advertising and promotion.
It is going to take some "personal renovation" for me to wrap my head and my life around these principles… How happy I am that I serve a God who loves me- will create a clean heart in me- and is able to renew my mind.
May the Lord God Almighty bless and equip each of us with disciple's hearts, make us wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Let us never forget upon which Rock Christ builds His church!
