What is wrong with a small, close knit group of people who love and care for one another and are growing in their understanding of God? If you have a church of 50, and it's been about that size, yet it's healthy..... There's a verse in the Bible that says God doesn't see as man does. Humans tend to see growth in numbers. And more numbers = more $$ which equals bigger, nicer building or programs, new sound system. That doesn't necessarily mean diddly squat to God. And instead of getting "bigger", why not choose a leader full of the Spirit to take part of the group and start a new one? Kind of like cells dividing. That group, then has the possibility of reaching a different segment of the population. And instead of the building and maintenance taking such a big portion of tithes and offerings...why not remain in the smaller building or home and use 100% of the offerings for giving the pastor his compensation, + more $ available to help brothers and sisters with financial hardships...new tires for their vehicle, heating assistance, home repair? etc. Today's church (particularly in America) is so big that it doesn't even know who in their congregation is needy, or struggling, or falling back into sin. No one contacts the pastor b/c they don't know him 'personally' and he is sooo BUSY! And sadly, most often, a church will steer their needy member to gov't resources. Maybe they need help learning how to stick with a budget? Maybe they need help getting a job! Maybe they just need someone to watch their kids for a couple hours. Who in their church can help?
I agree with you Kristen. There is nothing wrong with different approaches to growing the Kingdom of God. There's no doubt that the Lord has called us to help Him "seek and save the lost" and to help the less fortunate. If we are doing that by using different methods than what's typical, I think that's a wonderful thing!
Awesome! Best episode ever!
Thank you Trey! That’s encouraging words!
Awesome session! Such great information for pastors and those looking for their church to grow!
Thank you Jonathan!
What is wrong with a small, close knit group of people who love and care for one another and are growing in their understanding of God? If you have a church of 50, and it's been about that size, yet it's healthy..... There's a verse in the Bible that says God doesn't see as man does. Humans tend to see growth in numbers. And more numbers = more $$ which equals bigger, nicer building or programs, new sound system. That doesn't necessarily mean diddly squat to God. And instead of getting "bigger", why not choose a leader full of the Spirit to take part of the group and start a new one? Kind of like cells dividing. That group, then has the possibility of reaching a different segment of the population. And instead of the building and maintenance taking such a big portion of tithes and offerings...why not remain in the smaller building or home and use 100% of the offerings for giving the pastor his compensation, + more $ available to help brothers and sisters with financial hardships...new tires for their vehicle, heating assistance, home repair? etc. Today's church (particularly in America) is so big that it doesn't even know who in their congregation is needy, or struggling, or falling back into sin. No one contacts the pastor b/c they don't know him 'personally' and he is sooo BUSY! And sadly, most often, a church will steer their needy member to gov't resources. Maybe they need help learning how to stick with a budget? Maybe they need help getting a job! Maybe they just need someone to watch their kids for a couple hours. Who in their church can help?
I agree with you Kristen. There is nothing wrong with different approaches to growing the Kingdom of God. There's no doubt that the Lord has called us to help Him "seek and save the lost" and to help the less fortunate. If we are doing that by using different methods than what's typical, I think that's a wonderful thing!