Multiplication by Subtraction
-DOLPH LARAIO-
People often ask, “How many churches do you work with?” While we know that the theologically correct answer is One, we can also agree that’s not what people are thinking when they ask. They want to hear that there are dozens or hundreds of churches working together across the region.
But is this the right question? Does more churches equal greater effectiveness?
Flash back with me to the summer of 2020. You’re on my deck and we are grilling some burgers and hot dogs. The others in the picture are Pastors Anthony and Kim, and Pastor Matt. It’s their first time meeting each other. We’re still in the shadow of the George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery incidents, and Pastors Anthony and Kim are black, while Pastor Matt is white.
It doesn’t take long for the hot dogs to be ready, although the burgers are taking more time because the grill is really old and not functioning well. This gives time for friendly conversation and getting-to-know-you small talk. And in short order, the value of education comes to the surface. Just about every member of Anthony and Kim’s immediate and extended family are educators, and this is a connection point with Matt.
By the time the burgers are cooked, discussion has moved to deeper spiritual topics. Once again, there’s a clear sense of the unity that the Spirit has brought to the gathering. Not just agreement, but tough questions being asked in honor and respect, and different perspectives being shared in humility. Everyone left that lunch challenged, encouraged, and strengthened in their faith. It was a sweet picture of the Body building itself up in love.
Fast forward to today: the summer of 2022. These two congregations have committed to spend the summer in Sunday morning worship together. Now many people are having the chance to get to know one another and grow in their faith as well as in their perspectives on life. It’s a wonderful thing to witness, even on a small scale. It brings hope for what can be in our communities, when we see it taking place in the Church.
All of this leads us back to the original question: is the number of churches really what’s important? Or, by lowering the number from 2 to 1 (at least for the summer), is the Church now stronger and more effective for Kingdom growth and ministry to the community? I would argue that in this instance, we will see more fruit because the pastors weren’t concerned about numbers, but about the heart.
What are the things you are concerned about? Would you have innocently asked the question posed at the beginning of this article? Take a minute and examine why you think/thought that was important—God might reveal something to you about your assumptions or ideas that He’d like to shift. Or, He might affirm the things you set as priorities. Isn’t it worth the few minutes to know either way?