How to Grow Your Church

Typically if you read about a local church in the newspaper, there’s a strong possibility you’ll be reading about accusations of financial mismanagement or philandering. Unless it’s a stock article in the paper’s “faith and values” section, it’s likely not announcing good news or the “Good News.”

That’s what makes an article in our local newspaper all the more special.

The article notes the activities of an area church’s pastor, Steve Nelson (whom I should disclose is a friend of mine), in his community, activities that include being a chaplain for the county sheriff’s department and local fire department. He is also involved with the local chamber of commerce, besides being a caring undershepherd for his flock. He also has the nerve to implore his church members to be active in the community, taking Christ’s love to the streets, and encouraging them to be active politically as “salt” and “light.”

Nelson views his community involvement as not only a way to serve in Christ’s name among the masses, he also realizes, “Most people will come to church because they are invited. Very few just show up. People respond to caring relationships. How can they see Christ in us if we cloister ourselves only among church people? We must be out among the people.”

It is easy for us to live out our biblical values in the relatively safe confines of the church building. We can look good and sound good for each other. The real test is when we take our faith outside the walls of the church building. The first century church was out in the open. The message of the early church was on display for all to see, to ponder, and often, to attack. That’s the time-tested way to “grow” a church and a church member.