I believe that growing congregations choose to grow. Growth isn't mysterious, accidental or unexplainable. Growth doesn't happen by osmosis-it's part of the plan. Just as individuals who don't make choices don't grow, congregations that don't make choices don't grow.
Christians are called to grow in response. Growth is both physical and spiritual. Corporate growth and individual growth go hand in hand. The Spirit empowers faith which empowers growth. God will bless our efforts.
I believe that there's "healthy discomfort" in congregations that grow. To them, a changing landscape is a welcoming part of life. Words like "content" and "comfortable" are seldom heard.
Change is anticipated as possibilities. There isn't enough time for conflict in growing congregations. The past is past; the future is inviting and promising. Jesus constantly "makes all things new" each day.
Growing congregations are filled with disciples instead of volunteers. The big issue, when we volunteer, is that we set the agenda-when, how much, where, and what it is we will volunteer for. We are not tied down to anything or anyone. The person in charge (who is usually paid) often treats volunteers like royalty-tip- toes around mistakes, and finds it hard to hold volunteers accountable. The volunteer, ultimately, controls the situation.
The church is NOT a "volunteer organization." Jesus calls us disciples. There is a difference. When you are a disciple you don't give up your time. You realize that you possess (or own) no time of your own. God created you, gave you life and time in this life. So it is His time.
We are not volunteers, to do what we want and to come and go as we wish. The church is the body of Christ called to discipleship. In baptism we are freed from the power of sin, death, and the devil, and we are freed from idolatry of self. To be freed from self is to be open for call. To be open for call is truly to be open to God.
What would the church be like if we were to see ourselves as disciples rather than volunteers? Disciples are more committed than loyal. Disciples act without regard for admiration or recognition. They don't want their name on a plaque. Their reward (in heaven!) is great enough.
A disciple's glory is always directed toward God.
I also believe growing congregations embrace stewardship as a way of life. Stewardship is not a private matter. God knows; the community knows; the world knows.
Growing congregations do stewardship faithfully. They don't limit God's gifts of time, talents, and treasures. They know where their heart is. There are many elements involved in congregational growth yet I believe, congregations that want to grow, do so by choosing to grow. Stewardship is ultimately the starting point for growth. How individuals and congregations deal with stewardship of their lives is the heart of the matter.
In the First Commandment, God proposes we adjust our attitudes. In Jesus, God proposes we adjust our hearts. In, with, and through the Church, God proposes we adjust our lives. We choose to be adjusted or not, for not to choose is to choose. God grant us the ability to make good choices for ourselves, our families, and our congregation.