Congregations are generally either growing or dying. They are either reaching the lost souls
around them, or they are not. You can observe this if you look across the brotherhood at the various
congregations with which you are familiar. Some stand out as vibrant and alive. They are growing
in their communities, and carrying out the great commission, (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). Some
of these are establishing additional congregations in surrounding areas, some are enlarging their
influence, their facilities and programs of work. They are making a difference for Christ in the
world.
As I look at various congregations, I ask myself what is the difference? I think about the
characteristics of growing congregations, and whether they have anything in common. As we
reflect upon this, we can all recognize one common trait of growing congregations: they are deeply
involved in personal evangelism. Their members are conducting home Bible studies with their
friends. The sermons are evangelistically oriented. The various works of the congregation—even
the Bible classes—are basically designed to reach the lost. In short, the great commission is their
number one mission in everything they do.
Last week I received the names and addresses of those who visited our Vacation Bible
School this year. There were over 40 contacts on this list. These are individuals who came mainly
from our community, although some came from greater distances. Most of them had children
attending VBS, and are not members of the Lord’s church. Many of them have no religious
affiliation at all. Some of these are actively “looking for a church.”
I immediately drafted a letter to thank these individuals for coming and supporting VBS,
and inviting them to come back. I told them a little about the church, and enclosed a copy of the
Lifeline Publications tract entitled, What is the Church of Christ? This is an excellent “door
opener” for honest souls seeking the truth. My amazing secretary individually addressed all 40
letters and accompanying envelopes, and they were mailed out on Monday.
Now, why am I telling you this? Because I think you should know (or be reminded) that
the focus of the Central church of Christ is reaching the lost. I know we have our own needs, our
own problems which must be addressed. We need to take time encouraging each other, listening
and ministering to each other, helping each other through the difficulties of life. But as a
congregation, our main emphasis has got to be beyond ourselves. We have got to notice our
visitors, and think about others other than ourselves. We must look outward as well as inward. We
have got to reach out to the lost.
And this is what growing congregations do well. Some years ago, Marvina and I visited a
large congregation out west. Although our visiting experiences to different congregations as we
travel are almost always positive, this was an exception. We attended both the morning Bible class
and worship. Literally no one spoke to us. No one introduced themselves, gave us directions,
offered us a seat, or asked who we were or why we were there. We have often thought back upon
that strange experience. It was obvious that they were very busy with their own programs. There
were many announcements. But I believe they were busily focused, at least that Sunday, only upon
themselves. Although this congregation was at that time quite large in number, I fear their days
are limited. I have often wondered, what if Marvina and I had been lost members of their
community, visiting for the first time?
Brethren, we just simply cannot be self-centered with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are
living in a lost and dying world, and many churches are declining because they have turned almost
completely inward, (“islands unto themselves”) and are no longer making any difference in the
world around them.
May we as a congregation never forget why we are here. It’s about far more than
ministering to ourselves. We are here to glorify God, and to share his saving gospel with others.
It’s about personal evangelism. It’s about reaching the lost. It’s about forgetting my troubles for a
moment and thinking about the souls of those around me.
– by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
