Make—Not Take—Disciples
By Blake J. Matthews
9/4/01
This week in the news, you may have heard the Hewlett-Packard is buying
Compaq Computer Corporation. For a measly $25 billion and some stock swapping
the number four company in PC sales, Hewlett-Packard will merge with the
number two company, Compaq, creating a gargantuan corporation that will
surpass the current leader Dell Computer. Of course growth of this magnitude
does mean about 15,000 people will be out of work. But, hey—this
is business.
We hear these kinds of stories all the time. Companies merge, people
are laid off, and the newly formed company leapfrogs ahead of competitors.
This is the way of the business world. Unfortunately, it seems that it
has—in too many circumstances—become the way of the church as
well.
Churches are often vying for new member from other churches. Members
of other churches are enticed by bigger and better programs, different
styles of worship, and the like. Membership letters are swapped and the
members merge into their new church, at least until something bigger and
better comes along. Eventually the smaller church may go under and the
remnant is then absorbed into other churches. Because of this, one church
may appear to grow, but it is at the expense of others and the kingdom
of God is not advanced.
When Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merge, no new customers were created
immediately. They have instead consolidated their customer base. This
strategy in business may eventually lead to some real growth, but at first
it is only the appearance of growth.
This strategy used in churches may also lead to the appearance of growth—but
this is not God's plan for church growth. You see, the Church of Jesus
Christ is not to swap Christians as if they are shares in a company. We
are to make disciples. Our guide should be the Word of God and the Holy
Spirit, not the bottom line whether financial or total attendance. We
need to remember that it is God Himself who builds the church and adds
to it. Programs, outreach events, special guests, advertising, and any
other methods are fine as long as the purpose is to mature the believer
and reach the lost and not simply entice Christians from one church to
another.
May God bless your church and may He add to it such as should be saved.
(Acts 2:47)
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