Isn't it wrong? Churches being more focused on getting more members.?

Question

Then getting the people they have living for god? Like, how to be sanctified by the Lord Jesus Christ, through what he has done for us at Calvary.

Answer 1

The motto is............."SHOW US THE MONEY"

Answer 2

I don't know that it's wrong for churches to be focused on getting more members, but if that is the only emphasis, then it is questionable. Of course as Christians we want churches to grow and for more people to understand and know the love of Christ--and through that, many may very well come to the understanding that you speak of! Some people have a gift for attracting others to their church--it could be for any number of reasons. But I have been to churches where it seems as though all that is discussed is the idea of being "the biggest", or "the best" church in the area. That can get a little out of hand, and can really make people question the intentions of those "in charge". However, with that said, I wouldn't write off any church just because it was large or "mega" :)

Answer 3

Getting more members and getting people living for God are both important, Balla. But I can see how the two goals might become unlinked. For example, if a Christian organization organized great entertainments so that worship was always fun and the message never challenged anyone, they might be able to build a large membership while doing little or nothing to help members grow more Christlike.

Recall, however, that Jesus often called his disciples' attention to creative businessmen who were "wise as serpents" as well as "innocent as dove." Christian organizations should make themselves attractive to modern Christians, e.g., by arranging for music that will inspire worship. Some modern churches are evangelizing with web-based video that reaches far beyond church walls.

But in the end, people drawn by Christ and drawn to Christ will be looking for Christ--his way, his truth, and his life. Not finding Christ, they will seek him elsewhere.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 4

You know what's funny? Some churches keep people on their membership lists even after the members have died, left the church, or switched religions, so that their membership appears larger than it really is. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm still on the rolls of the United Methodist church I attended as a child, or the Assembly of God church I went to later. This is why it is hard to get an accurate idea of how many Christians there really are in the United States.

Answer 5

I think it is wrong to focus on getting more members if we just want to increase attendance so we can bring in more money and keep a balanced budget. The purpose of the Church should always be to help people transform their lives through the knowledge and love of God in Jesus Christ.

Answer 6

The main focus of the church should be to spread the true word of God. If that is the purpose behind increasing the numbers then it isn't wrong but if the church is just looking at numbers and not focusing on what is being taught then yes it is wrong.

Answer 7

How about take that concept and find twelve that agree. As they meet people or their family or friends start coming and believing. On and On.
The more people we can get to join us in belief the better because it brings us all closer to The Day of the Lord.
When I was in business I read an article I trusted that stated that if your business isn't growing by 20% per year you were doomed.
If the body of Christ doesn't grow we are not meeting our tasks as believers.

Answer 8

I agree with the point that you make. However, Jesus taught the disciples to become fishers" of men. He also said that every branch that did not bear fruit would be cut off. In Acts 2, we see where three thousand were added to the church in one day. The Bible does teach exponential growth however, it takes mature sheep to produce so it is all relative.

Answer 9

YES! I do think it is wrong that many churches and religions focus too much on the quantity of members, rather than the quality of those they already have.

I find that many are more concerned about baptizing and converting others, rather than helping those who are feeling neglected.

But then again, as the poster above me answered... both are equally important! I agree with him/her 100%!

Answer 10

Many people don't understand that church is just a business, like any other business. There is nothing "special" about it. No more special than the place you work.

Answer 11

Both should be equally important.