Growing or Going?
Brian R. Kenyon

Some faithful churches of Christ more “naturally” grow because of their location, size of membership, and/or reputation in the community. That is, some congregations are so centrally located that people know exactly where they are and when these people become interested, they visit the church building they constantly see in their community. Some congregations attract visitors because they have many members who invite their friends and acquaintances. People are more likely to visit large churches where they can mix in and not be as noticed. People also usually see a large church as growing and active. This is not to say that there is no effort on the part of these churches because the visitors still need to be followed up with personal contacts, Bible studies, etc., but this is to say that some congregations are in better positions to grow than others. Eagle Lake is not that type of congregation. We are not large, nor are we centrally located within the major population centers of Polk County. However, we can and must grow, even if our growth is only spiritual!

Every congregation is either growing to heaven or going the way of all the earth. We must realize that growth for us will not come easy, and realizing this, we must give extra effort if we want this congregation to experience quality growth. Here are some suggestions. First, let each of us be faithful, seeking “first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Mt. 6:33). We must be interested in the Lord. We cannot influence others for Christ when we do not show interest ourselves by studying God’s word, attending services, and living an exemplary life. Second, let us constantly communicate to others our concern for their souls (cf. Mt. 16:26). This does not mean we beat them over the head with the Bible, but it does mean that we should look for opportunities to bring spiritual matters into the conversation and invite them to services. Every accountable human being will either spend eternity with God in heaven or completely separated from Him in hell (Mt. 7:13-14). Do we believe that? Third, “let us not be weary in well doing.” People do not always respond favorably. We may not numerically increase. This, though, does not mean we have failed, “for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).