How Are You Doing in Your Growth?

How do you measure church growth? Numerical measurements are certainly valid. People that say numbers do not matter when it comes to church growth cannot say the same in most other areas. In the world of academics, a number is the difference between passing and failing. How important is the blood pressure number or temperature number to the physician? Sports teams are in first or last place based upon the number of wins and losses. However effective numerical measurements are in determining church growth, growth within the church is determined by different measurements.

First, a clarification is needed. Growth within the church is growth taking place in the lives of those who make up the church. It is theologically known as sanctification. It is progressive and comes faster for some than others. Several factors relate to this growth that is not within the scope of this blog. For simplification, suffice it to say that growth within the church is growth toward Christian maturity. One of the marks of this growth is when a Christian begins to share the gospel with others. It is taking the good news to others. It is being a disciple maker. It is seeking to reproduce.

Early today, one of our members excitedly told me of recently speaking to a friend about Jesus. To their utter astonishment, the person had very little understanding of even the basics of the Christian faith. In sharing with this person about Christ, there was no response. Yet, it was not long until the person being told about Jesus actually sought out another Christian that had the opportunity to lead them to Christ.

How do you measure church growth? One good place to start with is growth within the church. One of the marks of church health is reproduction. By the way, how are you doing in your growth?