Unity and Church Growth Through Personal Growth

My roots include formative years in a church that had only two pastors in forty years, twenty years each. The church took pride in the fact that we valued relationship over ownership. Though serving as a pastor in another state at the time, I returned to that church of my childhood to be ordained. I hope to serve churches where our bragging rights are that we too value most ‘being’ in The Way of Christ.

Regardless of numbers or style, church growth for me is about the growth of the individual; and consequently the maturation of the church as the body of Christ. A church of any number of believers; whose chief aim it is to ‘be’ in 'The Way' is indeed, for now, just the right size. Ironically, members in The Way find growing in numbers, along the way, more likely.

An overall vision and long term commitment are necessary. Our eyes must be open. Opportunity must always be sought. This generates tension. Will the parking lot be paved, new hymnals be bought, a certain person serve on the council, vestry or board? These are important questions.

I encourage not ‘deciding’ but ‘trying.’ I have found the key to be, not in selling ideas, but in selling a vision and patience, one with another; while dreams are openly explored. I hope to work with a group of leaders who will be the calming influence required while we do church growth education together with the congregation.

Most often, the palatable approach has been to ‘try things’ rather than presenting them as ‘about to be adopted.’ Success seems to be in delighting over having tried that which failed; laughing at ourselves while maintaining our unity. Once in a while, we look back at something that was tried. It began to be embraced by an established culture; easing its way into that category we call 'the way it’s always been.'

Jesus taught his followers to be blessed by adopting the inward journey. The Way is the essence of Christianity. The Way lives alongside many doctrines, many creeds, many confessions and many styles of worship. The Way struggles in the presence of many motives and personalities. Yet, The Way of Jesus brings joy; blessedness and unity. The Way is the tie that binds the church together; the path beneath our feet. We need only watch our step to travel the route together.

Rev. Elise Elrod