Biblical Church Growth

Over the past 10+ years of ministry I have been caught up in too many church growth programs, books, and ideas. When it comes down to it, the power of church growth (especially conversion growth) is not found in new innovative ideas or church growth programs, it is found in the gospel itself (Rom. 1:16-17).

Maybe I am simple minded and maybe I will never live up to the exponential growth gurus, but I must preach Christ. As a church planter I have made several observations about culture and church culture. These observations have caused me to consider the method I will use to grow our budding congregation. These are my observations:

• What church culture wants and what secular culture wants out of church are very different things.
• Culture overall is very consumer driven. This is especially true when it comes to church culture. We want a program for every ich we might have. This is very difficult for small churches (I am not complaining about the big churches, but to be honest I cannot and should not compete.)
  
• Most "churched" people are not missional in their personal life. The great mission (comission) is often considered something for the church rather then something for the individual.
• Most "unchurched" people want to hear solid, biblical, and even theological preaching.
• Most "churched" people need that kind of preaching.
• Most "churched" people want creativity rather then substance.
• My last observation is perhaps the most important. THE GOSPEL IS ALWAYS RELEVANT AND NEEDED BY BOTH THE CHURCHED AND THE UNCHURCHED.