“Every pastor wants their church to grow.”
Okay… But.
Not every pastor wants their church to keep getting bigger, nor should they.
As we look back at the church growth hype of the 1990s-2010s, people are recognizing that bigger isn’t always better, and that a growing church doesn’t necesarily mean a relentless drive for more people in the room on Sunday.
New Ways To See Growth
The definition of growth is changing, and this is good.
True church growth is seen in deeper worship, more effective discipleship, stronger relationships, and greater community impact. In short, it’s found in faithfulness and effectiveness, not size.
In some churches, those characteristics will lead to significant numerical increase, but in most churches the numerical increase will be moderate. Maybe not at all.
Chasing after numbers that may never materialize (and that may not lead to better ministry) has contributed to high levels of pastoral frustration, burnout, and resignations.
Determining to be effective at your current size is not settling for less, it’s the path to greater health, hope, and wholeness.
Our True Mandate
Our mandate as church leaders is not to grow bigger, it’s to make disciples by “equipping God’s people for works of service.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Getting bigger is the destiny of some. Being effective is the mandate for all. Don’t waste time chasing an uncertain destiny, invest in your absolute mandate.
(Photo by Ville MJ Hyvönen | Flickr)
