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6 Ways Leaders Sell Jesus (and Their Calling) Short

We Want To Grow Churches and Programs, Not People.

In his book Transforming the Church in Rural America, Shannon O’Dell reminds us, “When you desire to grow a congregation, you will never get it. But if you grow congregants, then you are going to see transformation in their lives and within the church.” 

Often, we put the cart before the horse, asking God to bless our congregations or church programs by growing them in number, forgetting that Jesus cares desperately about that one lost sheep. 

I once told our congregation that I wanted to see us make the jump from 1,000 people to 1,500 people. In all honesty, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit dirty as I challenged the church in this way, not because it’s wrong or sinful to pray for and desire church growth, but because in that moment I knew I was more concerned with the number than the people.

This was a defining moment in my ministry as I realized my priorities were out of whack. I had some repenting to do and it led me to this realization about myself: I wanted to be known.

We Want To Be Known.

We live in a culture like no other, where podcasts, social media, smart phone apps and the magic of the internet have helped to create a world where pastors can be rock stars. 

Truth be told, ministry has morphed into its own little subculture, where leadership experts and captivating communicators are viewed as gods or ministry superheroes. In no way do I fault guys like Driscoll, Stanley or Hybels for doing what God has gifted them to do! The problem, however, lies in the pastor who aspires to reach their status, not for the sake of bringing glory to Christ, but to bring glory upon themselves. 

To say that Scripture speaks against this sort of mindset would be an understatement.

Many biblical scholars agree that if one were to rank sin, pride would likely be at the top of the list. There’s a reason that God “detests the proud” (Psalms 16:5).

Simply put, when we place attention and glory upon ourselves, we steal it from our heavenly Father. Our desire should always be to point people to Jesus, not to ourselves.