Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Church Growth?


There are obvious practical reasons why any given church may fail to grow. Unbiblical doctrine, or doctrinal disunity, comes to mind. But what are some reasons that may not be as obvious, or at least, spoken less of?  Any thoughts? Here's mine. 


1. Ridged Ritualism that leads to an improper balance between external vs internal acts (e.g. Church leadership regulates all attendees to perform duties/rituals instead of simply trusting that God will motivate them to meditate, pray, and study). 
3. No checks and balances of leadership that can result in a pastoral dictatorship. 
4. Pastoral opinion's and convictions are emphasized against clear biblical teaching. 
5. Doctrinal teaching without carefully considering opposing doctrinal views to better learn, understand, and relate. 
6. Church expectations for non-members that gives rise to sectarianism and pharisaical  doctrinal supremacy. 
7. Church members hide their struggles and brokenness from others. Church members act morally superior that breeds depression, insecurity and alienation. 
8. Burdens are put on the backs of non-believers that even Christians daily fail to lift (e.g. Brokenness over sin, daily scripture reading, praying, etc.).
9. Preaching is narrow to only those that are in doctrinal agreement. It is one-sided preaching that lacks empathy, understanding, or discussion. 

Why A Church May Grow
1. A proper balance is kept between external vs internal acts (e.g. Church leadership does not regulate all attendees to perform duties/rituals instead simply trusts that God will motivate them to meditate, pray, and study). 
3. There are checks and balances of leadership between pastor(s), deacon(s), and members.
4. Pastoral opinion's and convictions are transparent against clear biblical teaching. 
5. Doctrinal teaching is preached carefully considering opposing doctrinal views to better learn, understand, and relate. 
6. There are no church expectations for non-members to prevent sectarianism and pharisaical  doctrinal supremacy. 
7. Church members are transparent about their struggles and brokenness. Church members are humble in Christ that breeds joy, security and unity. 
8. Burdens are not put on the backs of non-believers that even Christians daily fail to lift (e.g. Brokenness over sin, daily scripture reading, praying, etc.).
9. Preaching is broad to those that are in doctrinal agreement or disagreements. Saints and skeptics are welcome! It is preaching that exemplifies empathy, understanding, and dialogue. 

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