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Growth: Is it a Numbers Game?
More than a few phone calls and emails have come my way from people just like you asking, essentially, the same question? “How can our church grow?”
What do I say? First, this is a very real concern for all of us, so thank you for asking the question! Second, there isn’t a single answer, or a simple solution to the question. Third, the good news is the bad news – you are not alone.
I want to let you in on a bit of my “behind the scenes” thinking. Because I don’t want to parse words, or get into an argument. But I do wonder what people mean by the word “growth.” To be transparent with you, though, the way I enter the question of church growth is with the understanding that we grow our faith. And it is over time that we commit to public acts of faith like worship and tithing.
Might there be energy in you, and people in the church where you worship and serve, to come together for a meal or coffee or tea and be in fellowship – for the sake of fellowship; that is, getting to know one another more deeply beyond the Sunday morning time? And ask who would be wiling to visit with people who are not able to come – to worship, or a meal/coffee, or to serve in the community? To visit with folks and be present with them, offer a word of prayer, maybe talk about their faith, explore a bit of Scripture or a favorite hymn or song or poem? To celebrate Communion with people who are sick, in the hospital, or homebound?
Are you ready to stop reading because you think this isn’t for you --- this is what our minister, or Elders and Deacons do. Or, maybe getting to know people more fully stirs anxiety and fear in you. You are not alone. Ministers often tell colleagues of their butterflies when visiting with folks; who knows, a question might arise that the minister doesn’t know the answer to. Yes, it happens! And it will happen to you, too. But the more you practice these faithful visits and conversations, the more comfortable you will be in listening to all sorts of insights and reflections, being challenged by questions, and showing someone you may not know very well that you care.
Earlier, I mentioned three things that I say in response to “How can our church grow?” There’s another thing that I do say. A fourth thing. “Growth” is not about numbers.
Let’s talk some more about growing – in our faith, together in ministry.
- Rev. Christopher B. Morton
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