A wise man once said, “Bigger isn’t always better”. I whole-heartedly agree with this! We live in an age where the rule of the day is “progress” at all costs, “growth” at all costs, “more” no matter the impact. I remember learning in business school that the primary job of a business is to, “maximize share-holder profit”. More.
I have also seen this mindset infect the church. We tend to celebrate large attendance numbers, growing ministries, and filled chairs as if these things are a testament to our obedience or God’s love. Sure, I love meeting new people and preaching to a full room is exhilarating. But the sad reality is that MORE doesn’t mean better or even spiritually healthy. We see this in the ministry of Jesus. In multiple places the Gospels note that crowds came to hear, even putting the numbers in the thousands multiple times. But how many were there at the cross? Only a few. Consider the massive and miraculous growth in the book of Acts. How many still followed once Nero began burning Christ’s followers? Only a few.
My point is that true, healthy growth must be inward first. The church must realize that we are called to GROW UP into the full maturity of Christ (Eph. 4) and in doing so the church will grow. Often this growth will be outward, expanding to include new families, new followers, and those who have turned away. Often, this growth will be down, extending like tree roots into fertile soil. Both are needed. Both are good. Both are pleasing to God. So, let’s be content when our growth is downward, and let’s be ready when our growth is outward. Because bigger isn’t always better.
James Morgan Gravley
