Effective Church Growth

Jesus carries a Sheep A change in the economic climate of an area can also result in transfer growth. One area of South London in England had been populated until recently with elderly people. Their children had always wanted to better themselves and invariably transfered to the newer suburbs until a downturn in the economy came along. Suddenly, enthusiastic young married couples came flooding back into the area. The local church was given a grand influx of new members without really trying. This is transfer church growth. Most churches have new families who transfer in from time to time but generally this does not lead to transfer church growth. The problem is that it can just as easily reverse itself and become "transfer church shrinking" should the circumstances change. Transfer church growth is largely beyond our control, but there is another type of growth that can occur that is not good for us either. This is called fatness growth.

Prodigal is greeted by his father The Sunday school teacher had been telling the story of the Prodigal Son. "The elder brother was angry," she said, "because the Prodigal was getting such preferential treatment." After explaining the story thoroughly the teacher asked one little boy, "Was anyone sorry that the Prodigal son had returned?" For a moment the child hesitated and then answered, "Yes, the fatted calf."

"Effective church growth."

^Top Page

Next

Previous