Could there be a simple starting point in our quest to save souls, strengthen and grow the local church, and increase the population of heaven? I believe that there is such a trigger. In fact, it is staring us right in the face.
Of course, we might begin with faith, prayer, Bible study, contact lists, outreach methods, and more. Without discounting any of those things, however, I want to propose one component of growth that is absolutely essential.
I have a preacher friend who likes to ask groups two questions. The first one is, “What business is the church in, that is the Father’s business?” Invariably one or more people will answer, perhaps referring to Luke 19:10, “To seek and save the lost.”
Then my friend will ask this question: “How’s business?” Hopefully, the answer may come back, “Business is booming! We are concentrating our efforts on growing the kingdom of God as our primary purpose!”
Since the “business” of the church is to carry out the Great Commission, it would seem logical that every church “business meeting” would include a major focus on that subject. We would seek to address virtually all concerns by asking, “How can we approach this and resolve this in a way that helps carry out our mission?”
In other words, I suggest that church growth begins with a growth mindset.
After the exile of Judah, when Nehemiah offered to lead the Jews in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, the people responded by saying, “Let us arise and build!” (Neh 2:18). The scriptures go on to note that “the people had a mind to work” (Neh 4:6). Once the entire community adopted a growth or building mindset, the wall was sure to result.
Let’s compare a growth mindset to a management mindset.
With a management mindset, leaders focus on maintaining systems, staff, teachers, schedules, and budgets. Are the worship services well organized and conducted properly? What repairs and improvements does the building need? Are the Bible classes covered? Are the young people and their parents happy? What was the attendance last Sunday? Do we have a good preacher? Is the contribution consistent? What will help us keep our members and keep the peace? How well are the ministers and staff members using their time? How can we accommodate our members who want to schedule more activities of various kinds?
Many of these concerns are valid, and they have their place. Churches cannot exist, much less grow, without managers. If you belong to a congregation that shared in worship, Bible study, and fellowship last Sunday, those who made these things happen are to be commended. Thank them. Pray for them. Assist them!
Now let’s think about a growth mindset.
With a growth mindset, the questions address similar areas but from a different starting point. Rather than maintaining systems, staff, teachers, schedules, and budgets, a growth mindset determines to utilize and employ them as tools or means to fulfill the Great Commission, to seek and save the lost.
So each question might begin with the phrase, “Because we are here to seek and save the lost …” With that starting point, we address each situation from a “big-picture” standpoint right off the bat.
We ask, “How can we incorporate a growth mindset into each of these areas?”
Our Bible class curriculum and all of our Bible classes.
Our youth ministry and youth activities.
Our various small fellowship groups.
Our annual planning calendar.
Our preaching plan and personnel.
Our staff meetings.
Our elders’ meetings and deacons’ meetings.
Our deacon assignments.
Our budget.
Our building and other facilities.
Our involvement in the local community.
A growth mindset does not exclude or minimize the vital need for edification. Nor does it overlook the necessity of fellowship. Rather, a growth mindset incorporates and connects edification, fellowship, and growth. For example, a person who is edified (built up and strengthened) will be more like Christ and more focused on seeking and saving the lost. One who loves Christ-centered fellowship will want the lost sheep of this world to enjoy that fellowship, too.
On the other hand, shall we isolate edification and fellowship, separating them from the Great Commission and the Father’s business? Shall we treat them as independent areas of church life? If so, the church may become more and more inwardly focused and less fervent about reaching out to win others. If the church does not begin with a determination to grow, all kinds of well-meaning activities and efforts may take place that are never evaluated as to whether souls were saved as a result.
For the local church to grow, there must be concentrated prayer, committed leaders, willing members, and specific strategies. A growth mindset in and of itself is not sufficient, but it is absolutely necessary. A church with a growth mindset may still not reach its full potential, but a church without a growth mindset will certainly not.
Many years ago, a group of elders interviewed a then-young preacher that I know. (It was not I, but a faithful minister in another state.) As they considered inviting him to come to work with them, here is what they said. “We want this church to grow to at least 1500 members. Are you prepared to preach for a church of that size?” He answered, “Will you allow us to consider doing whatever it takes – within the limits of biblical authority – to grow this church?” They agreed.
Did those elders and that preacher accomplish their goal? What do you think? Yes, they did, and it all began with a simple starting point – a shared commitment to a growth mindset.
Think about it, and help develop it in your own life and in the congregation with which you serve God. To God be the glory; great things He will do!
