Church growth

Church growth is a mysterious God-thing. When someone owns a business, with a certain amount of expertise and marketing they should do pretty well. Applying business techniques and marketing to church life does not necessarily guarantee growth. Yet, I believe that God wants all churches to continue to grow, maintain health and reproduce. Church size isn't so much the issue as is church health and vitality. As we move forward as a church here in Encinitas, our job will be to continue to discern what God's will is for our future and well as our size. I have told people many times that I'd love to see our church become a healthy family church that people of all ages will consider attending. I've specifically never mentioned a number, because that will be up to God. I recently met with another pastor here in north county and explained our situation. He was so kind and generous. He pastors a large, well known church and said to me, "Just let me know what we can do to help, it's great to be on your team." That was the best meeting I've had so far with another pastor here. I do believe that as we all pursue the connections we already have, God will bring new people into our church. Meanwhile, I will pursue some of the help that is being offered and continue to pray that God will bring us the worship leader that is just right for our church. Let's continue to pray together that God will grow our church in His way and in His time as we do all that is humanly possible to help Him. Seeing our church grow will be a team effort between every single one of us as we trust God and seek His direction. Then when we do see some growth and change at our church we'll know that it had nothing to do with a business strategy and everything to do with God's blessings as we do our part to bring in the help we need.