Thoughts about Church Growth

The past month, I've seen many things that need to happen -- many things that can and will happen.  For some of them I've already begun to cast vision.  Here are some reflections about church growth. 

• Church growth is uncomfortable.  It is thrilling, but along with the thrill comes the chill -- I'm absolutely clueless on some of the "how."  That seems so unfair -- to ask people to embrace a "what" and then not be able to answer their questions, most of which concern "how."  While the answer "We'll have to wait on God" is true, it sometimes seems a cop out.  Truthfully, I'm at a loss.  All I know is that we need to pursue a certain thing.  At times I find myself thinking, "God, You'd better come through." (As if He's ever let us down, right?)
• Church growth is inconvenient.  If you want more parking, you must spend more money.  (Wait...we have to raise that money first.)  More seating might mean less eating.  Is losing the fellowship hall worth having more seats for Sunday service?  For every thing we pursue we must surrender something else.  Growth is fun, but it is not easy.  There is always a price.
• Church growth is lonely.  Not everyone wants the church to grow.  Not everyone thinks additional parking is a wise investment.  Not everyone agrees we need another van to bring more students to Sunday School.  Temporarily, growth can be a lonely platform.  If you'll stay the course, God will bring you a supporter or two.  Start praying for those one or two right now. 
• Church growth is distracting.  You can waste a lot of time theorizing about solutions, dreaming about possibilities and wondering about outcomes.  There is a time to dream and there is a time to make the coffee and get busy doing.