Big Question

Recently, I was asked, “What is the plan for growing the church?” I often think about that, but I don’t always have to answer so succinctly. I did my best to answer, but I usually feel like I come up short. So, I thought I would take a better shot at that here. Let me use bullet points in my effort. Some of this is an answer, and some of it is a redirect to what I believe are some better questions or ideas.

• The overall answer is, “No, not yet.” “Yet” is the key term. Answering that question takes time, prayer, and work.
• The church has a Leadership Team (they are currently taking a short break). That team is working with me to set some goals and a mission for the church. It is a process that takes time.
• Usually, when I am asked that question, I ask, “What kind of growth are you asking about?” Financial increases? More membership? Increased attendance? Spiritual growth? Extra volunteers? Maybe that makes the point. Growth can take many forms. Ideally, we would pursue and achieve growth in all those areas. However, that is incredibly hard to do based on what is happening in churches across many parts of the world. Still, it’s a great set of goals.
• I have learned that setting a growth goal just to grow is not the right target. While we might want to grow for several reasons, I believe there is a better goal. I have told this story at times. Most people know that Chick-fil-A is an incredibly successful and large fast-food chain. However, their founder had to steer them away from making growth their primary goal. Instead, he encouraged the leadership to make their goal to be better, not bigger. The philosophy was that if they had better service, food, and restaurants, they would naturally grow. That translates to us having excellent worship, hospitality, facilities, outreach, etc. If we strive for excellence, there is a greater chance of growth. Plus, the bonus is that we won’t just grow … we’ll be an even greater church.
• Lastly, if we want to grow in any way, we have to add value to our members, community, and the world. This requires an honest assessment of what we are currently offering and what other things we can offer. 

Well, those are the most common things I have to say about growing. I feel like it has become a well-rehearsed speech by now! The last point I’ll make is that if I had the perfect, one-size-fits-all answer to that question, I would write a book and become rich. Until then, we’ll search for the answer together.