The Realities Behind the "100 Fastest Growing Churches" Phenomenon

 

It's always a moment of intrigue when Outreach Magazine releases its annual list of the "100 Fastest Growing Churches." It's a spectacle of sorts, the equivalent of a church's red carpet moment, where the biggest and seemingly most successful congregations are celebrated for their rapid growth.

However, let's pause for a moment and delve into the reality behind these growth figures. It's easy to attribute this growth to divine intervention, to God working His miracles in these congregations. But if we're being brutally honest, isn't it more likely that many of these churches are growing because they have a steady stream of faithful donors?

Indeed, it's no secret that money plays a significant role in church growth. Those hefty donations can fund full-time staff, state-of-the-art technology, grand buildings, and extensive programs. These are the very elements that are often used to measure a church's success, but do they truly reflect a church's spiritual health and effectiveness in discipleship?

Let's take a moment to consider the allure of these mega-churches. With their flashy lights, contemporary music, and charismatic preachers, they certainly offer a spectacle. But is it the spectacle that draws people in? Or is it the promise of genuine spiritual growth, of a community where they can delve into the Word of God and grow in their faith?

If it's the latter, then shouldn't the small, humble First Church on Integrity Street, with its 30 dedicated members, be outpacing these mega-churches in growth? After all, isn't the church's primary role to make disciples, to foster spiritual growth among its members, rather than to put on a show?

In reality, the growth of a church should not be measured by its size or its budget, but by the spiritual growth of its members. A church can have the most advanced technology, the most charismatic preacher, and the biggest building, but if its members are not growing in their faith, if they are not being discipled effectively, then all these things are in vain.

It's time we shift our focus from the spectacle and start prioritizing genuine discipleship. Let's celebrate the churches that, despite their small size or limited resources, are faithfully serving their members, nurturing their spiritual growth, and making a positive impact in their communities.

After all, the true measure of a church's success is not its size, but its faithfulness in fulfilling the Great Commission. The next time we see a list of the "100 Fastest Growing Churches," let's remember to ask the right questions. How are they fostering spiritual growth? How are they making disciples? Are they focused on the spectacle, or are they genuinely committed to their mission? These are the questions that truly matter.