The Rate of Growth

The church of Philadelphia was a small one, but nevertheless one that was highly praised and complimented by God. Size never matters. The bible says that when two or three are gathered in His name, God will be right there in fellowship with us. I suppose you could have a congregation of less than ten, and still call it a church - a church isn't a fancy building, it's not even an institution, it's about the people, about a people who are united in their worship toward God.

Recently there's been this talk on the tagboard about church growth, I'm not even sure who is WABOOMBOOM. But ya...let's spend a moment to ponder about this.

I'm sure all churches start out small, especially overseas on mission trips when the pioneer Christians are but a group of ten to twenty or less. Small churches, being small, would definitely be more close-knit, knowing one another better, comfortable, and more hospitable. However, they lack out on prestige, on size, on these tangible measures of 'growth'.

Big churches on the other hand, grow. Both physically and hopefully spiritual. They expand exponentially, reputation gets things going for them. However, more often than not, many new congregation members get neglected. Cliques are extensive. Personal needs may not be met. Most unfortunately. I've met Christians before, who went to mega-churches and left promptly after a few months only to abandon the faith. That's the danger of big churches.

Every small church becomes big in its own time, planned according to God's purpose. It's a process I'll probably see FPP go through in my lifetime, a process that I welcome yet look with fearful anticipation. Welcome because it is the blessing of God for a church to grow, as well as an outward sign of its growth. But fearful anticipation because of the problems we may run into.

Nowadays, we love playing the number game. Many organizations have lost the meaning of evangelism, mass-production is not the end-product. Discipleship is more important. We work and toil not for results but out of faith because God has told us to do so. God never promises instant results, He only promises to be with us as we toil and work. Any results are a bonus, but lack of results should not come as a discouragement to us who are working. We might be sowing seeds - seeds that will take long nurturing and care to grow. And God will grow them in His own time. God only desires for us to submit to Him. Not our will but His be done.

People measure success by numbers these days. It's a saddening sight. sigh.

So back to small churches. Ya, we can't get too cozy in them. This doesn't just apply to churches, but to bible study groups, prayer groups, or any other Christian related organization. Let's always have the great commission in mind and be outward-looking. Being outward looking and reaching out to the community is a frequent exercise that must always be done lest we become spiritual obese (because of not sharing what we have received, or not applying what we have learnt).

As to how spiritual growth can be measured: I am most unsure, perhaps we could seek God on that point. But it's not just one criteria. It's a whole rubric :P. And perhaps God doesn't have a set rubric, He's probably not as shallow as that, remember that He is complex beyond human reasoning (not merely a teacher who uses rubrics :P). But I do know what spiritual growth is not (merely):

1) Not merely numbers
2) Not merely spiritual dynamic-ness (yes, even if a church is actively organizing activities and reaching out, it does not mean it is growing)
3) Not merely growing inwardly

Spritual growth would probably be getting oneself right with God first, then going out dynamically, in the process staying close to God and not running ahead, not forgetting God in the process. And any increase in number, would be a bonus, a blessing from God, his favor upon us. Not a fruit of our works, but of His work.

I guess I'll never know for sure, gots to pray over it. Meanwhile. Today's TRAC was very encouraging, in more ways than one :D Praise God! Hallelujah!