I think that most of the Eastern Meadows church is concerned about church growth. That is, it is important to us to see the “numbers” increase; we are interested in the attendance and contribution figures. This, in itself, is not a bad thing. Numbers do say something about growth.
However, why are we interested in the increased figures? Is it pride? Solomon said, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame . . . Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 11:2; 16:18).
Is it a desire to be a part of something that “appears” successful? Or do we desire to grow just because we want to be a part of something big? Friends, motives are important to God. “The why” made all the difference in I Corinthians 13:1-3. So why should we want to grow?
Growth, number one, was characteristic of the New Testament church; therefore, I want Eastern Meadows to grow. In fact, the growth of the early church was phenomenal! Three thousand in Acts 2; daily growth (Acts 2:47); number of men came to be about five thousand men (Acts 5:14); “believers were the more added to the Lord” (Acts 5:14); “when the number of the disciples was multipled” (Acts 6:1) — what growth! Should we not seek to follow the example of the New Testament church?
Growth, number two, occurs because of the preaching of the gospel; therefore — again, I want Eastern Meadows to grow. Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached (Mark 16:15). When men were obedient to the gospel that was preached, “the Lord added” them to the church (Acts 2:47).
Growth, number three, represents men being delivered from the clutches of Satan. Paul said, “(God) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and bath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). I want to see men delivered from Satan; therefore, I want to see the church grow.
Growth, number four, means the salvation of men’s souls. Jesus will save the church (Ephesians 5:23). The saved are in the church (Acts 2:47); therefore, I want to see the church grow.
Friends, if you really want to see the church grow, what are you doing to promote church growth? Teach! Live! Give! Pray! Together let us work for church growth at Eastern Meadows!
– Steve Housley
Steve Housley is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
