CHURCH GROWTH (02)

 Concepts of Growth

Mike Johnson

There are two ways a church can grow. Generally, when people speak of the growth of a church, they are talking about numerical growth. The reason for this is that we can easily observe the numerical increase, and we tend to look at this type of growth as the most important kind. But, another important kind of growth is spiritual growth. Numerical growth pertains to quantity; spiritual growth relates to quality. Both types of growth are essential.

Numerical Growth

Consider the importance of numerical growth. Without this kind of growth, a congregation eventually will cease to exist. In the days of the early church, numerical growth was documented, which would indicate the importance of this kind of growth.

Consider a few reasons why numerical growth is essential. Usually, it takes a larger congregation for there to be men qualified to be elders. Further, more people in a church will generally result in a more significant contribution, which can result in more money being available to spread God’s Word. Also, the more people in a church, the higher the chances are there will be more who vigorously work for the Lord in teaching others.

Have you ever considered the fact that for a church to maintain the same number of people, it must grow? In time, some people in the congregation will die; some will move away; some will become unfaithful; some will get mad or dissatisfied about something and start attending another congregation. A church can lose numerous people at one time due to a split (friendly or otherwise). Any church which stays the same over a period of time (even as little as five years) has probably been experiencing some growth. The problem is they have not had enough growth to produce any net gains.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is also essential. Someone once asked a fellow Christian if the congregation where he attended had grown any. He responded by saying, “yes.” He then added, “We have not grown numerically, but we have grown spiritually.” He was saying they had grown, but this was probably not the sense the questioner had to mind.

Many passages speak of the importance of spiritual growth for the individual Christian. Peter, for example, commands (I Pet. 3:18) us to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Thus, we do not have a choice about spiritual growth. Further, the writer of Hebrews says (6:1), “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” Again in Hebrews, the writer rebukes these early Christians for a lack of growth as he said, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (5:12). Also, several passages speak of the need for Christians to be “perfect,” i.e., complete and full-grown (Mk. 5:48, II Cor. 13:9-11).

Numbers do not always determine the strength of a congregation as there must be a consideration of spiritual strength. For example, in this way, a group of 50 people (to the surprise of many) may have greater strength than one of 200. For instance, the church at Philadelphia (of the seven churches of Asia) had only good things said about it by Christ. Yet, Jesus said that they only had a “little strength” (Rev. 3:8). This expression does not refer to their spiritual strength, as they were strong in that respect. Most likely, Jesus spoke of their small numbers. They were much stronger than the church at Laodicea, which was probably a large, prestigious, and wealthy congregation (Rev. 3:17). Yet, Christ wanted to spew this lukewarm church out of His mouth (Rev. 3:16) while having only praise for the little church at Philadelphia.

Some may say they prefer a small congregation. Generally, when people say this, they mean they like the closeness of a small group; they can get to know everyone, and there is a close family atmosphere, which exists. This view is common and is understandable. However, we must not use this concept as an excuse for failing to go out and teach God’s Word or for being satisfied with a lack of growth. There are advantages of a small group, but we should want the church where we are a member to grow, and we should be willing to work to convert people to Christ so we can bring more into the Lord’s Kingdom.

When a church is growing spiritually, it is said, the numbers will take care of themselves. This concept is not always the case as numerous factors can result in a lack of growth in a congregation, but, generally, this is true. When individuals in the church are growing, they will follow the path, which will produce numerical growth!

Conclusion

Is the congregation where you are a member growing? The answer may be “yes” and “no” at the same time. Remember, there are two ways a church can grow — numerically and spiritually. We have more control over our spiritual growth than we have over the numerical growth, but both are important and need to be achieved. Are you doing your part in helping the congregation to grow where you are a member?