Under Contruction

"The kingdom of God is like this," Jesus said. "A man scatters seed on the ground; he sleeps and rises; night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn't know how." - Mark 4:26-27

I am a minister of the Gospel and I have had the privilege (over the past 36 years) to be a missionary overseas and in the US, in addition to pastoring five churches. In this capacity, I have seen churches planted and have seen them grow. I have observed a variety of methods being used by planters and pastors (and have used some of them myself). Some methods were successful and some were not.

Why is it that some churches survive and grow and others don't?

Apart from the obvious reason that we often fail to "sow," I don't really have the answer to this question. I have heard it said that all healthy things grow. This is true, but so do malignant tumors. At the same time, I have often observed "healthy" activity in place with little or no growth.

The sobering and assuring truth is this, JESUS will build His church. The church, Christ's Bride, will form as He intends and it is unstoppable. The question for us should therefore be, "Will we join Him in His enduring construction where we live?"

Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. - Jesus (Matthew 16:17-18)