Church Growth

By Ron Thomas     In an issue of The Christian Chronicle, the lead article gives attention to the decline in church attendance, and the pending death of the Lord’s church in certain locations. They addressed how do churches of Christ turn the decline in attendance around and spur new growth? One response: “Using the creativity that God has placed in each of us but keeping it holy – biblical and Spirit-led – is what we need to reach 21st century souls.”     I am in no position to say anything against an expert in church growth, but I do have a few ideas that might be worthily considered. First, according to the Holy Spirit, Christians need to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:16-17). If Christians were to live in accordance with this admonition, would not the fires of the Lord’s revival radiate outward, as it does internally?     Second, Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward (1 Thess. 5:16-18). There are good reasons to rejoice in the Lord. If there is no joy within your heart, there is none who can instill it within you. You are the solution to why there is no joy. In order to turn this around, consider the first point again. How fervently do you pray? The frequency of your prayers to God are not enumerated in Holy Writ, but heart-felt devotion is.     Third, “... let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh” (Heb. 10:22-25). Those who love the Lord choose to be nowhere else. This means, in practical terms, those who say they love the Lord and do not attend, they do not love the Lord. If they did, they would listen to Him. Since they are not present, they do not. Plain and simple.     Fourth, “Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11). The precise application of this verse is to Paul, the apostles, and those in Paul’s immediate environment. Yet, there is a profound application that each of us should make. If we do not fear the Lord, our lives reflect that, and so do the few words that come from the heart telling others about Jesus, hope, and judgment.     Church growth is crucial, and the methods employed are what they are. I bet whatever method applied, the method will work better if the four considerations above are applied.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com