Seems that there is quite a stir over what churches are producing the best growth in Christians. I wish there was more of a stir on why most churches aren’t producing any Christians, much less how they are growing…but for another time. Willow Creek, the big church that helped many of us realize that we must step outside the four walls of the church has been actively engaged in seeking whether or not there is “growth” produced in new believers all the way through mature believers. It seems that much of the findings were taken out of context and Tony Morgan has posted a great read on this topic of growth and what the action Willow is taking is really all about. PLEASE READ IT.

So here is my rambling on this (read the article or at least skim it so this makes sense):

1. Most “new believers” are so engaged in the MISSION of Christ (the Church) that they are self-feeding and self-fired up daily to serve Christ.

2. Over time this fades for whatever reason, and I say this hesitantly “mature” believers become dissatisfied with the church and their “growth.”

3. It is not the churches job to “produce growth” it is OUR job through our walk with God and the Holy Spirit. I don’t want a mortal being my primary growth engine.

4. The church helps SPUR ON what Christ is doing in us, but WE must maintain this connection.

5. I as Pastor am rarely “fed” by others, am rarely engaged in “classes for growth” etc. But for whatever strange reason, I am still bleeding the mission of Christ and the group of people who call themselves New Hope Community Church. I am so engaged in raising others around me up and reaching the lost, and helping to reach the outcast, that I don’t have much time to complain about “me” not getting fed enough.

6. It is my daily job to grow with Christ. Not a weekend event or a class event or even a small group event. It must be a consistent walk with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We must all learn to become engaged in a mission so much larger than ourselves and learn to become “self feeders.”

Blessings and peace…oh, and growth in Lord!