Finding us Faithful

Dan and I struggle with dissatisfaction from time to time on the size of our church. We want to see growth. We want to reach our community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We want growth because we want to see lives transformed. And yet, growth is slow or at times, non-existent, and not everyone seems to have the same desire in our church. 

It's easy to get discouraged. We often think if only we had different personalities, were more driven, or had better leadership skills, people would come. If we had wonderful programs it would grow. Perhaps we aren't praying enough or praying the right way or doing the right things. And that may be true, but there are also many other factors involved.

There are times when I want to throw in the towel and cancel a program because we only have a few people coming. Or I think we aren't making a difference. Or I'm just plain tired. And to be honest, there are days when we've both thought maybe it's time to quit church ministry. But then I hear a comment or see something positive that makes me realize that even if only one person changes isn't that worth it in God's eyes? Haven't we pleased Him in our obedience to remain faithful? 

Our church hasn't grown much in numbers but when I look at who has come the past 5 years, there has been transformation in lives. We've seen people grow in their faith. We've seen others overcome addictions. There has been growth in the desire to study God's word. There has been a better awareness of reaching out to our community. There have been better connections and relationships happening than were occurring when we first arrived. People who were never involved in things are involved now.

So we continue to plug away. We keep praying that God brings growth and we continue to do our best to go out and impact our community.  And I think all God expects is to find us faithful.