Given the fact that we're in the midst of studying Ephesians in our Wednesday night bible study, it's quite timely that Mark Roberts has begun blogging an address he gave to the PCUSA General Council. The focus of his address is a study of Ephesians 4. Part 3, which was posted today, is a home run. I cannot say "amen" loudly enough.
In reaction to the perceived excesses of the church growth movement some have retreated into a mindset that says numerical growth doesn't matter, only spiritual growth matters. This is a false dichotomy. In fact, spiritual growth and vitality leads to numerical growth. If it doesn't, then it is not true spiritual growth. True spiritual growth is not just about learning doctrine, but about taking on the mission of God. Doctrinal purity without a missional focus is a recipe for pharisitical self-righteousness. True spiritual growth leads to numerical growth not through the latest techniques or ministry fads, but through the body of Christ living out its faith with Christ-like compassion and Holy Spirit-empowered boldness.
Granted, numerical growth without spiritual growth is equally dangerous, but that topic has been done to death by many others. My concern is that the church does not overreact and become insular. As I commented during our previous Wednesday study on church history, the church is a pendulum constantly swinging between extremes never reaching equilibrium. As flawed human beings, that's a good thing. We need to keep moving while hopefully minimizing the apex of our swings.