I’m taking a little time off for the next couple of weeks, so I’m going to be posting some of my more popular posts. Call it a “greatest hits”…not that I’m saying my writing is great, these simply have gotten the most hits. Thanks for reading my blog. Feel free to share these on Twitter, Google Plus, and Facebook.
“So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” Acts 16:5
Healthy churches balance:
- Discipleship & Evangelism
- Deeper Walk & Wider Reach
- Inward Discipline & Outward Influence
You can have both! Your church does not have to compromise one for the other. Yet, far too many churches focus on either growing insiders or reaching outsiders. A church that only focuses on insiders produces a “country club mentality” where outsiders feel unwelcomed. And the result of a church that is only concerned with outsiders is a huge backdoor where insiders are left desiring more. When churches have this either/or approach the outcomes are either…
- Deep believers & no converts
Or
- Many coverts & no disciples
The purpose of the church is to focus on inward discipline & outward influence – at the same time! It’s both/and not either/or. They are growing up and reaching out simultaneously. And the result will be same as Acts 16:5…your people will be “strengthened in their faith” & your church will “grow larger in numbers”.
Eric Echols 
I’ve often said, “you don’t get to pick which part of the great commission you want to do.”
LikeLike