Why Does a Church Grow? I'm Not Sure, But Here Is My Best Stab at an Answer

I am often asked why I think North is a growing church (and I mean real growth - not just numbers)...  more AND better disciples...  I probably am asked a question like this about once a month by other pastors or those outside of North.

I used to struggle to figure out how to answer the question. I could attribute it ONLY to God, but that would make people think there is NOTHING they can do to advance the Gospel in their community. So I needed to figure out how to say, "It is because of God" without minimizing the tasks God has called us to do.

In the last few months, I've finally come up with an answer that I'm comfortable giving... see what you think.

I would attribute our growth to the following four things - in this order:

1. God's blessing... Just as God pardons whom He wants to pardon - He also blesses those He wants to bless. Over the last several years - God has blessed North with more and better disciples.  Without His blessing - the other factors mean nothing and will not give true success. Without God being involved - there will be no eternal fruit. 
2. Commitment to the Gospel... I believe that a continual commitment to the Gospel is crucial for a growing church.  It needs to be proclaimed so it can be embraced by unbelievers and rejoiced in by believers. And I don't simply mean the Gospel being "preached" or an invitation given (we don't do "typical" invitations at North). I mean the Gospel being central in ALL we do. I don't mean a canned Gospel "presentation."  But rather, the Gospel being predominant in the way we talk and live.
3. Commitment to communicating to our culture... It seems that many churches create their own culture that others have to fit into rather than the church taking the unchangeable truth of the Gospel and contextualizing that beautiful message to an ever-changing, messed-up world. This is the controversial part of the list, but the one that is often ignored. 
4. Commitment of the church leadership to a Great Commission vision... I've been reminded lately that without the right leaders around me (pastors, deacons, trustees) - being committed to the Gospel in the language of the culture can't be successful.  I've been reminded vividly through a close friend that if I had to stand alone on what I believe God was calling us to do - I wouldn't be able to do it. I am so thankful for teammates that believe in what God has called us to do. How many of our leaders have been "complained" to, but lovingly but firmly stood by the vision that we are pursuing - more AND better disciples!

Just some thoughts.  What do you think?  What did I miss? 

Comments

[matt T]

This focus/ answer is a big reason of why we are at the church so i'd say that's a pretty good list!

[Brad Files]

This reminds me of my former pastor, good friend, and great role model, Martin McCorkle. When a Northwestern student asked him why he thought Evanston Bible Fellowship was growing, he said, "The blessing of God." Then she said, "Yeah. But besides that." And he just stared at her. :-)

I'm sure, however, that Martin would agree that the other three were very present at EBF.

In fact, he was the first pastor I had who demonstrated charting a clear vision for the church and moving unashamedly (some would say forcefully - but I would say he applied "just enough" force) in that direction.

Karen and I visited the church for the first time on a Sunday. The following Friday we were sitting in a room with Martin and half a dozen other newcomers to EBF for a "Vision Dessert". Dessert was the "felt need" but vision was the "real need".

The beauty of it was that most of what he described was NOT present reality. But the vision of what was ahead kept us around, curious at first then very involved.

Four or five years later, while we were still at the church, I found that handout in my files. I would say 80% of what was in there had actually come to pass. That was a great ride. Praise God (and faithful, tenacious servants).

Keep it up, David. Karen and I are loving this ride as well.

[Sheri]

You didn't miss a thing which is why I have been coming to North for almost 8 years since our very first Sunday visit AND why any man that I have had a date with I make it perfectly clear, this is my church and will REMAIN my church, just in case anyone has the idea I might change for them :)

[Pam]

In your humble way you didn't list the fact that you are a LEADER WORTHY OF FOLLOWING and are filled with God's wisdom and are able to communicate that wisdom to your listeners.

From the moment I first saw you raise your hands in praise to a God who loves praise I wanted to learn more from you and emulate more of your ways. You are genuine. In the past year my spirit man has grown and my natural man has less influence on me (thank goodness). I attribute that growth to the Word of God you have preached so effectively and to our small group that helps to hold me accountable. Thank you for the impact you and North have had and continues to have on me and my family's lives.

God bless you,