Balancing Church Growth with Spiritual Maturity
As church leaders, our primary responsibility is to shepherd and nurture the spiritual growth of our congregation. However, in our efforts to attract new members, we often focus on creating an appealing experience for non-Christians, potentially neglecting the needs of our existing flock.
The Dangers of Overemphasizing Outreach
When our church programs and services cater primarily to non-believers, we risk hindering the spiritual maturity of our own members. A pastor once confessed that his church had grown, but at the cost of producing “baptized pagans” who lacked a deep understanding of their faith.
Rooting Corporate Worship in Scripture
To strike a balance between outreach and spiritual growth, we must root our corporate worship in unchanging scriptural principles. This means prioritizing gospel-centered teaching and biblical truth over trendy methods and seeker-friendly approaches.
Considering the Needs of Non-Christians
While we should not compromise our values and message to appease non-Christians, we must still consider their needs and perspectives when planning our services. Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians remind us to be mindful of unbelievers in our midst, taking care to explain our words and actions in a way that is clear and accessible.
Creating an Inclusive Environment
When non-Christians visit our churches, they should encounter a warm and inclusive environment. We can achieve this by using simple language, explaining common Christian phrases, and occasionally addressing those who may be unfamiliar with our faith.
Prioritizing Spiritual Growth
Ultimately, our goal should be to foster spiritual growth and maturity within our congregation, rather than simply attracting large numbers of attendees. By prioritizing the needs of our members and staying true to our values, we can create a community that is both welcoming to outsiders and deeply rooted in its faith.
Practical Ways to Serve Non-Christians
So how can we serve non-Christians without compromising our values? One approach is to focus on expressing genuine love and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and valued. We can also prioritize clear and concise teaching, helping non-Christians to understand the gospel and its significance.
Maintaining a Healthy Tension
By proclaiming and expounding on the gospel, we can maintain a healthy tension between building up our own congregation and reaching out to those outside our walls. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and it speaks to both believers and non-believers alike.
Staying True to Our Values
In the end, our goal should be to stay true to our values and priorities, even as we seek to serve and engage with non-Christians. By doing so, we can create a community that is both authentic and attractive, one that reflects the beauty and power of the gospel.
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