GOD'S CALLING HIS CHURCH 8:

FROM NUMBERS TO DISCIPLESHIP   By David Tait

When one pastor meets another, the first question usually asked is, "How big is your church?" The replies immediately establish the relative pecking orders. The pastor with the larger church automatically has the greater status.

Numerous seminars are conducted on 'church growth', on the latest and greatest way to attract more people into your church, and the programmes that will surely succeed in growing your numbers.

When one asks pastors for their God-given vision, usually it will be focused around increasing the numbers of people in their church. Visions range from hundreds to thousands.

Yet the reality is, 90% of churches worldwide, based on my experience, would have less than 100 members with the majority, less than 50. This would seem to indicate that God is either giving impossible visions, or that most pastors are complete failures. I don't think so. The reality is, we do measure success by numbers, and in most cases our visions are human, rather than God, based. Put very basically, we measure success by 'bums on seats'. Or perhaps, on the floor, as in some countries.

But is this really God's way? What really are we called to? What does the Great Commission actually say?

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

It does not say to get everyone in the world into a church (preferably our own!) on a Sunday, but to make "disciples", for it is only disciples who will "obey everything I have commanded you."

Jesus, although He spoke to a lot of people, only attempted to train 12 male disciples, and one of those didn't last the distance. He did of course, train a number of women also, but in the custom of the times, they weren't listed as part of the group.

The point really is, it is virtually impossible to disciple people in large groups. For developing discipleship is a relational activity. One on one. Or in small groups. This is the most effective way for a pastor to 'shepherd' God's people. And shepherding is the true role of a 'pastor'.

Today God is calling on His church to discard the human based philosophy that 'big is best' and to go back to the relational basis of discipleship which Jesus modelled.

I want to encourage the vast majority of pastors out there whose churches are not growing into 'mega-churches'. The Lord first and foremost desires you to encourage your people to a deeper commitment, not to you of course, but to the Lord. It is through this pastoral commitment to discipleship that the Lord will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant'".

Let us put aside the ways of man's 'biggest and brightest' philosophy and return to the Biblical pattern of discipleship, of commitment, of submission and obedience to God's will.

Remember the warning to the Laodicean church, the well established pattern of today's church.

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Revelation 3:15-18)

To those prepared to change their ways to become disciples of Jesus, a wonderful promise is made.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:19-20)

Pastors, leaders, your shepherding role is to encourage your people to open their door to Jesus.

PRINCIPLE 8: God desires to see believers grow into disciples.

"But God, if I have a big church it will glorify you - and pay my salary!" "Who will it glorify David?" "OK God, me really! I understand now. Forgive me Lord."

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