/in·'dik·ə·tiv/

"So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers."
-Acts 16:5

Building upon my previous post, I continue in my challenge to those who believe that our attendence, buildings and cash are primary indicators of a healthy church. Throughout many Christian bookstores today there are growing sections devoted to church growth and pastoral leadership while the areas related to in depth Bible study seem to diminish rapidly (you can ask my wife what a headache I am to take along these days).

And while I can make my best case(s) for our approaches to growth and spiritual maturity within the local church, there is still a sentiment that can quickly respond with Acts 16:5 - a "clear claim" that growth is a sign of a healthy church. Suppose we accept that logic. . .if we allow this verse to be so simply applied to our current situation why not refer to Mark 13:6, "Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will decieve many." This seems to be more appropriate to the issue at hand and actually helps us to see the difference between many and many.

For so many are so quick to claim their growing numbers as a sign of the New Testament church. . .yet one can hardly find one who is ready to prepare themselves as did the early church. In other words, seeking the ends without working through the means. So what are we to conclude from such a situation? Perhaps it is that many will come. . .and will decieve many. Numbers are not so indicative as some would have us believe.

Relationships and maturity and Christ-like love are the marks of a healthy congregation. And instead of building a community on earthly wisdom we seek and find the word of God, which will not pass.

"There was no confusion in the minds of the first Chrsitians about what to proclaim. There was no searching for new and novel messages. The plain gospel that they heard form Jesus their Lord was considered entirely adequate."*



*Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), 105.