Outreach, Missions, Evangelism are all critical components of a successful church. If our purpose as a body of Christian believers is to promulgate the Gospel of Christ, why are we so busy “growing” our church that we do not have time to speak to unbelievers or our community?
Author Disclaimer: Once again, I remind readers that this is my blog and I have the privilege of writing whatever I choose regarding its content. (smile)
While attending service recently at a local church, the focus of the organization was on increasing the membership. Every Sunday people were joining the church without commitment to Christ, the doctrine or statement of faith of the church. When the idea of outreach was presented to the Leader, the response was we need to raise funds for ________ (you fill in the blank). Membership in the leader’s mind was the way to increase finance, add to the roll and advance the brand of the local church. Please do not misunderstand my idea of growth. People, large crowds and funds are an important part of church growth. The key, however, is to balance church growth efforts with biblical principles.
According to Brian Tubbs, The clear lesson from the life of Christ and the book of Acts (a lesson fueled by the epistles) is that the church is to be constantly expanding – constantly on the move. And that its impact should not be restricted to formal church services, but rather to the community itself, even to the point of reaching families “house to house.”
A local church that withdraws into closed-door legalism, “Comfort Zone” complacency, or elitist judgmentalism is a church outside of God’s will. This is not to suggest that a church shouldn’t stand for truth or practice sound doctrine. Both are clearly part of God’s mandate for the church.
The biblical model for a church is a church that actively and passionately ministers to both the physical and spiritual needs of those around it — especially, of course, the spiritual needs. Such a church should desire to grow — not for its own glory or satisfaction, but because of its love for God and the people within its reach.
When we fail to incorporate community outreach in our church growth plans, then we as church leaders have failed. Quiz question for the reader. Where was Christ most successful in the synagogue or on the hill top? (please provide scriptural support with your response)
Should a Church Desire Rapid, Massive, “Explosive” Growth?
Answer: Yes, if….the desire for church growth is based on LOVE and not greed! And if the desire is more toward IMPACT – and not simply to fill pews. The apostle Peter tells his readers that pastors should not “shepherd the flock of God” for “dishonest gain” (I Peter 5: 2). Paul makes clear in his letter to the church at Corinth that all we do should be motivated by love (I Corinthians 13) and Jesus tells us that the two greatest commandments are Love God and Love Your Neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).
In closing, it is our heart’s desire to see churches full of integrity grow, prosper and minister to their demographic of choice. At the same time, as passionate people committed to evangelism and outreach, we desire to see and feel a balance in churches strategic plans that will include Outreach and Missions as critical components to church growth rather than as a second thought to the work of the church.
Grow in grace….II Peter 3:18
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