This passage explains why I have always been skeptical of church growth authors and experts:
The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; HE KNOWS NOT HOW. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. (Mark 4:26–29 ESV, emphasis mine)
HE KNOWS NOT HOW.
Very often the explanation we give for the growth we have been privileged to be a part of has absolutely no connection whatsoever to the miracle that has actually transpired.
HE KNOWS NOT HOW.
There are things we can do that are more or less obedient; there are things we can do that better position us to receive blessing and help from the Lord, but at the end of the day, such things do not guarantee blessing. Such things do not always and inevitably lead to growth. Therefore if/when God causes there to be significant growth in our ministries – please let us covenant together to not attempt to reduce the miracle to a 7 step process that can be purchased for $29.99 and replicated in every city in North America.
HE KNOWS NOT HOW.
So, brother pastor; just follow the example of the humble farmer.
Plant the seed.
Water the seed.
Protect the sprouts.
Sleep like a baby.
Repeat as necessary.
And let God take care of the growth.
SDG,
Pastor Paul Carter
To listen to Pastor Paul’s Into The Word devotional podcast on the TGC Canada website see here. You can also find it on iTunes.