How Do Churches Grow -- Part 2

The mathematics of ministry is probably not an original thought, and at some level I'm not sure we've seen one of those for a long time. I am a product of many great mentors who have written and spoke to form and shape me. But here's an abbreviated stab at this lesson in how churches grow.

Churches grow through simple math. Adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. It is not complicated in theory; it's the practice that makes things more of what President Bush calls, "Fuzzy Math".

Addition is the most common form that churches take when it comes to ministry math. They are looking for a chance to add someone here, and add someone there. There is biblical precedent for addition in the church. Acts 2 tells us that the Lord "added" daily to the numbers of church. (perhaps as an aside for those who are trying to get their head around the math motif, remember that numbers are so important to God that He included a book in the Bible by that title.) Luke recorded several times that numbers were added to the church. The Lord gets the credit.

In other cases subtraction is the mathematical form to church growth. This seems a paradox; taking away in order to gain. But in certain cases it is just what is necessary. In Corinth a church celebrated the fact that they tolerated immorality. Paul's prescription? Subtract the immoral brother. In other cases Paul subtracted from the church so that the ones he took away could be destroyed so that in some last chance effort they would repent and have standing before God.

Dividing is necessary at times. It is often awkward to divide. Nobody likes to, but it is sometimes necessary. It is only slightly less awkward than multiplying, but we'll get there in a second. Paul and John Mark divided. This led to Paul and Barnabas dividing. Paul and the Jerusalem council divided. In every case the church grew because of the division.

Finally multiplication. This is the most divine way of growth. It was the first mathematical command God gave man. "Multiply and fill the earth". It doesn't take a mathematician to see the effect of multiplication on Jacobs children and many descendants to follow. It is evident in Jesus who multiplied bread and fish, and followers. And that, to me, is the rub of its awkwardness. It is God-based. We work in addition, subtraction, and division, but only God brings multiplication. We have to relinquish control. In fact, I believe that when we work in addition, subtraction, and division He takes care of the multiplication.

There's probably a ton more that could be added, subtracted or divided from this idea, so I look forward to the multiplicity of thoughts shared in your comments.

--Ben