I am aware of a certain danger in myself that I also see in others around me and its this, we tend to judge ourselves and ministry success by numbers. So the question 'How is church?' is interpretted to really be 'What growth have you seen?' and it is always answered with either the number of people who have joined the church or home group or whatever else it may be.
Strikingly I think the Bible would call us to answer that question in terms of the increasing maturity we see. Here's Paul writing to the Thessalonians: “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3) What was it they were always thankful for? Notice what it isn't; it is not that the Thessalonians are a numerically bigger congregation than they were last year, it is that they have grown in the faith. Grace has gripped and transformed them and its seen in their work, labour and endurance. If that is what Paul is thankful for then I think it is something I am to be thankful for.
And curiously my hunch is that from such maturing, transforming, changing lives others with be attracted to come and hear the message of the gospel and will themselves encounter the risen Saviour for themselves, and thus the growing church continues to grow.
How will you answer that question next time it is put to you?
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