Can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard friends and different Pastors talk about the growth of their church in terms of being a sign that God is blessing them. I’m guilty of that myself on occasion, especially since I’m part of a fast growing Vineyard congregation. Growth does seem to be equated with God’s approval and blessing among many in Charismatic and Pentecostal circles.
However, I came across this news flash yesterday and responded on my Apologetica blog:
-Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons: Fastest Growing Churches in U.S.
I noted in the short article how there have been several occasions in the past where Mormon friends of mine at the time had remarked on the fast growth of their church and how God was blessing them?
I do think there is a lesson for us here to consider. Let’s just say the moral of the story is this:
"It ain’t necessarily so!" *Top
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One plants, another one waters, but it’s God who gives the increase. Not to say any increase is of God, but if we do what God has called us to do, increase is not in our purview but his. I never have understood, what seems to me a fleshly, egocentric and rebellious fascination with making a church grow. It turns church leaders into entrepreneurs, shepherds into salesmen.
And I might add, can be mastered by those who have nothing really to do with Christ and his gospel.
Thanks slw,
Amen and right on target!