Growth verses Gospel

Dan Winkler

            As God’s people, we find ourselves in competition with the world and denominational circles. The conflict is serious for the salvation of souls and the expansion of our spiritual kingdom are at stake. We want to succeed! But should be succeed at any cost?

            A subtle danger faces us, which might be called the “growth syndrome.” Without care, “Will it help us grow?” will become the criterion by which we measure success and the standard by which we live.

            With a pen of balance and a heart of loving concern, might we suggest some terrifying consequences of this danger?

            First, if growth is our man emphasis, we could be encouraged to shift our “mission.” Jesus said, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19). As a church, we exist to walk in the steps of Jesus who “came to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Without care, our mission can subtly shift from “going into all the world,” to “growing before the eyes of the world.” God forbid!

            Second, if growth is our main emphasis, we could be encouraged to weaken our “message.” Again, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). As a church, we exist to “preach the word” (2Timothy 4:2-4). Without care, our message can become slated, weakened, or even compromised out of a desire to be less offensive/controversial and more appealing to the masses for which we compete God forbid!

            Third, if growth is our main emphasis, we could be encouraged to pursue an improper “metamorphosis.” Christians are to be “transformed [literally undergo a spiritual metamorphosis] into the same image” of Jesus (2Corinthians 3:18). As a church, our goal is to think and feel the way Jesus thought and felt (Philippians 2:5), as we attempt to follow His example (1Peter 2:21). Without care, we can subtly become more interested in “our image” than we are in “the image of Jesus.” God forbid!

            Fourth, if growth is our main emphasis, we could be encouraged to weaker our “missionary” thrust.” We are to “go…make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In Paul’s day, the gospel “was preached in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). Can we say the same? Without care, we can easily become imbalanced, pressing for a strong home base with numbers funning over to the neglect of souls elsewhere who are starving for the good news of Jesus. God forbid, for both are important!