On Salvation, Saints, and Strategy
April 8, 2009
Here at West Broad, we are endeavoring to have a heart that beats with the heart of God. His is a heart so filled with love that it prompted him to send his son for our salvation (Jn. 3:16). If salvation is important to God, it must also be important to us. And it is. Our church was planted with the goal of introducing the unsaved to Jesus (Rom. 15:21). Thankfully, many people are responding to our efforts. Some twenty guests are present each week. Why do they return each Sunday? What is attracting them? One church growth expert helps us answer that question. In his estimation, “growing churches are full of excited, enthusiastic, joyful, motivated attendees who think there is something special about their faith and their church. This excitement is so great that they want to — even have to — bring their friends to experience it.” This writer notes further that, “growing congregations get the word out by publicizing and advertising who they are by having a clear, meaningful Web site and by doing activities in the community and world that demonstrate a Christian influence in society.” Do you see it, West Broad and friends? (1) Joyful motivated members and (2) aggressive promotional and outreach efforts — we have a long way to go, but according to this expert we are well on our way to being a dynamic, thriving, growing church! And remember: growth is not about numbers; it is about lives surrendered to the Master (1 Thess. 1:9). May the Father guide and bless us as we work to bring others to him! —JLNJR (Resource: Christian Chronicle, 1/08, 25).
