A very sad and unfortunately normal fact for the Church in the Western world is that it is not growing, and so many churches are closing, being demolished, or being turned into nightclubs or trendy apartments in cities. This is something we should be very concerned about, and we should be being proactive in dealing with head on. How many church mission statements cover this rising trend by saying they are looking for “quality and not quantity” in their congregations.
Acts 2 shows us the wonderful Day of Pentecost, and the growth of the early church was not just in the amazing numbers, but geographically also. The Gospel didn’t just stay in Jerusalem, it went throughout the world within a few years. By the end of Acts, the Gospel had hit most of the Middle East, and even Europe and possibly England itself. What would have happened if the first church had the same attitude as we seem to have in the 21st century? It is possible it would have been a short phase and just fizzled out before the disciples had died.
A healthy church is a growing church, not just in growth of numbers, but spiritually as well. It sees its congregation growing in their walk, in their life and as they change and grow, they spread the wonderful good news of the Gospel to all they meet and live with. They live and relate in different ways to those around them, to the point that people know there is a difference to them, a feel that only knowing God can bring.
A church that only looks inwardly, that only wants to stay as it is, is destined for self – destruction. It cannot sustain itself. It becomes burnt out or it could only take one major incident that could split the congregation to the point of closure. A church cannot survive without growth, or any imbalance in how it is lead or taught.
Teaching and preaching is what we in churches do. That is part of our roles, all of us. Older, mature brothers and sisters mentor the younger spiritual members. Leaders bring teaching and leadership that gives the congregation the strength and confidence in God to go out and live the Gospel and new life they have. We all have a role of some sort of evangelism. I believe there are those with specific evangelism gifts by the Spirit, but we all have a role of evangelist when asked about our beliefs. We have the job to pray and bring those around us before the Lord, to bring the Gospel to them. How are they going to know about the new life God gives if we dont show it, live it and tell them the why and how? Don’t leave confusion of preaching christianity and then not living it. It brings words like hypocrisy into minds where there should be a wanting to know more. It is a sacrifice, it is laying down our lives to God. Its how we live for God. Its a change that happens inside when we truly understand what He has done for us and what He has saved us from.
The Minstrel's Wife 
Oct 04, 2014 @ 13:12:24
It really is kind of sad watching so many of our churches fall apart. One thing I think that is missing is that outreach to the community, that reassurance that you are one of us, that you belong in the family. Churches can be some of the most unwelcoming places, mostly because they’re made up of human beings and we always seem to have a need to protect and defend our territory.
Oct 04, 2014 @ 14:40:00
very true, and as a life long church girl, I seem to have watched it happen. I am not a member of the church, but Life Church in Bradford have just had a massive Neighbour scheme run with home missionaries going into the community. Hundreds of them doing whatever needed doing at that time to help. My church is small, but some of us try to live in the community we are trying to reach, and to make a difference where and when we can. I dont like terratorial churches. we are all the children of God, so can move wherever He calls us. Thanks for taking the time to read and stop by. Many blessing and hope you have a good week.
Oct 05, 2014 @ 20:05:03
I do agree! We are called to move about and evangelize. I have seen so much since I was a child in the churches, that I today recalls. And now that I’m a Mature Christain. Knowing what God is pleased, and not pleased with what has happen, and is happening today. Thank you for sharing this with us. Amen!!
Oct 05, 2014 @ 20:37:47
I am a church child as well, and have seen some terrible stuff happen to other believers from inside the church. If we live more to please God and not ourselves, the church would run more smoothly, be a nicer place to be and would be a growing, mature and safe place to bring those who want to hear the gospel. Many blessings and much love.x
Oct 04, 2014 @ 16:39:29
It is so very sad. I used to work for a church that talked about how they had to manage for an ageing population….I never understood why they didn’t seek to attract new members, including young people. It’s almost as if some churches don’t really believe that they have good news, amazing, powerful, life-changing good news. Very sad.
Well done on offering some solutions too, solutions that everyone can take steps to do. Thank you for a thought provoking post. Happy weekend!
Oct 05, 2014 @ 20:06:11
Amen!!
Oct 04, 2014 @ 17:35:59
Every church I’ve been apart of has disappointed me in the fact that growing their numbers was the most important thing. in one, a pastor was voted out because he wasn’t bringing in people fast enough. The other was a youth pastor who was a great influence in my life, and he got in trouble for bringing the “wrong” sort of kids into the youth ministry- aka the people who needed it the most. I’ve been wary of churches since and I know thats horrible. I want to find another home church, but I admit my fears and only laziness has dragged this process out.
Oct 04, 2014 @ 19:27:29
I’m so sorry you have had such experiences from the place that is supposed to be your family. I have had similar stuff happen and it has made me extremely wary of most things that happen and has also left me prone to being very hurt with the tiniest bit of criticism. I know its my fault but can’t help it. I really hope you find a church you can settle in, or a house church that makes you feel more a part of what happens. It is wrong to just look at numbers in church, that’s missing the point totally of the bible. Many blessings and hoping you have a good week. It is really lovely to meet you.
Oct 05, 2014 @ 16:31:07
I love your posts. They are real and down to earth. Keep up the good work and keep pressing on with praying for revival at your church and for this whole country!
Oct 05, 2014 @ 17:28:45
thank you for your lovely message. I will keep writing, and pressing on. I know we will see revival one day. I hope its soon, but its Gods timing not mine! Many blessings.x
Oct 05, 2014 @ 20:08:48
Amen!! Keep being Obedient to Him. It is what He want us all to do. Standing Strong! and Spread the Good News!. Agape!
Oct 05, 2014 @ 18:28:31
There really needs to be a revival in the Church, and it seems that the only way the majority of Christians are going to learn is through hardship. You can see that hardship growing in the way that God slowly slips off His hand of protection over our individual countries.
Oct 05, 2014 @ 20:10:24
God He is In Control! Amen!! /
Oct 05, 2014 @ 19:56:29
Reblogged this on Sistertosister53's Blog and commented:
Amen!!
Oct 21, 2014 @ 19:06:10
This is so important. I am praying that as a pastor I will not settle for worldly standards of success. Thanks for being bold!