Church Growth

We are called to make disciples, God said that he would build his church.
I love that our focus is to be on people not organization and power. Throughout history the church has focused on power.... power over people and their lives by fear, guilt and sin.

We all sin. We all know that we sin. Sin is a never ending battle that we all face, and we all face the shame and regret that comes with it. We don't need religious leaders and organizations reminding us over and over again how bad we are.
The first century religious system had fallen into that and look how that helped people grow with God and one another.

Jesus came and exposed that fear power driven system. Jesus often could be heard sayings things like "you say, but I say.
Or "you say, but God says." Jesus was always trying to draw us back to original mission, of saving mankind by faith, hope and love... not fear and manipulation.

The church in the first in the first century exploded on the scene through people and personal relationship. Not a system. They had no system. They had not officially building to gather at. Read Acts 2:42-47.

I love it that within the last year Journey has grown through very personal relationships. 6 babies have been born in 12 months.
More families are coming than ever before... of all ages. If we continue to focus on real people, real issues, and develop real relationships we too may explode like the early church. Systems will come and develop out of need and natural gifts and passions... not out fear and control. In don't want to control people, God or the Holy Spirit. I want to see people live free full lives, that are passion-driven under God's love and directed by the Holy Spirit.

The church will grow... as long as we stay focused on the mission of making disciples... not making "churches"