Growth Strategy

[don the techtacular]

OK - I have read Amy's recent post in which she mentions growth strategy. This led me to ponder today's church in general. It is my view that there is no outward growth without major inward growth first. By this I mean that I can't effectively minister to someone when I'm not right in the first place. I do believe that while you grow inwardly, that growth becomes apparent on the outside becoming outward growth. That said there is only one true growth strategy for church and that is inward growth on an individual basis through small group/Sunday school - real growth not get together and eat growth. Once this is done then the church can/will be an effective force again in our communites instead of a bunch of whiners so typical of Americans today. If the church was doing it's job effectively then we wouldn't have to whine about a monument being taken out of the courthouse or the pledge being re-written to take God out. Churches are constantly sending people on mission in other countries - yields great results from uneducated 3rd worlders - but the sad fact is that America is the single greatest mission field that there is and our churches are totally ineffective due to leadership. Ironic really when you consider that our once great nation was founded on such humble values and morals.

Don

[moonweb]

have to agree. it is sad though that our churches have resorted to attracting with fluff and flash (chocolate cake) rather than salt and light (both necessary for survival). When someone is TRULY discipled, they are not inward focused at all but trying their best to give to others what God has so graciously given them.

[Amy]

I have been a part of a college and career group that has been all about discipleship for the past three years. Of course we have served and tried to do outreaches, but discipleship and small groups have been the focus. We have grown spiritually so much! We have now been commissioned by our head pastor to switch from the focus of discipleships to do outreaches and focus on reaching the lost. We have also become a main vain in our church, with most of our leaders servings as leaders in other ministries in the church. Isn't it ironic that Jesus discipled his disciples for 3 years as well. The trick is to listen to God in every step and change your focus and direction when He calls you to.

[moonweb]

Awesome. what your pastor is really calling you to is a deeper level of discipleship. To be a disciple is to emulate the master or teacher - Jesus. No one can be like Jesus by just learning and praying - they must do and act as He did in the world. That is where the real spiritual growth happens. You are on a great journey.