11 June 2008
Thoughts on Growth
Southbrook Church has been on a whirlwind of fast growth.
I don’t say this pridefully at all. If you really knew the inside story you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it wasn’t because of me but in spite of me. I’m a firm believer in God being more interested in a person’s willing heart and great big faith than He is our own overblown estimation of ourselves.
In short, we’ve done a lot of things wrong in our relatively short existence as a church. But God has seen fit to grow us anyway. And, occasionally we even do a few things right.
So there you have it.
And every now and again someone will ask something like:
How did you all do it?
Hopefully by now you can see that that is the wrong question. But, I’ll play along anyway and give what little insight I can. As it just so happens, an old analogy really makes all the difference in the world.
First, let me say this. Growth has its price. There is an emotional toll on a lead pastor at each stage of growth that many are not ready to take. But the truth is, you’ll hit plateaus and the point isn’t that you do things to grow, the point is that you make these adjustments because you want people to keep meeting Jesus. Now, others will feel the pain as well, but the brunt of it always falls squarely on the shoulders of the senior leader. Why? Because everyone has spoken and unspoken expectations and when they are not met, get ready for the full gambit of responses (some will leave hurt, others will claim “You’ve changed!,” still more will feel betrayed, disappointed, displaced, Some will leave in a godly way, others will try to cause as much collateral damage as they possibly can [in the name of Jesus of course!] etc).
The accusations will run the full gambit as well. I’ve been called prideful, arrogant, power hungry, clueless, boastful, and those are just the ones I’m aware of! The bottomeline? Growth has had its price. It has cost me (and at times, my family) tremendously. I’m convinced that this is why so many pastors do not see through to completion the necessary transitions we need to make to see God’s vision come to pass.
As a church grows, leadership needs to morph form a sheep herding mindset and approach to that of cattle ranching—from shepherding to ranching. This is what most church planting gurus will tell you. However, that analogy falls a bit flat with the MTV/Xtreme sports generation. Let’s face it, “Cow Tipping” isn’t really an Xtreme sport no matter how you play it.
I can’t remember who said this, but I’ll never forget it. It’s right on!
First of all, the lead pastor must go from the point of all contact to then having layers of leaders between you and the leaders who lead the people. Not everyone can email you, call you, have lunch with you, be visited by you and you alone—not if you want to keep your sanity.
The bigger a church gets, it goes form being a team of generalists to a team of specialists—from one or two guys doing everything to several of you becoming extremely focussed.
Tomorrow I’ll share with you the single best analogy I ever heard (from Church planting guru, Larry Osborne) to describe the necessary shifts that impactful, growing churches must make.
Bet you can hardly wait. 
5 Comments currently posted.
Lance Ratliff says:
liz says:
Most everyone has expectations of what a church should be like, from worship style to leader typecast. I admit that I initially thought the music was too loud and of the wrong type (in other words, the songs were unfamiliar). I also thought that Rob (sorry, but it is confession time from this former Catholic) was arrogant and standoffish and ‘phony’. The enemy will use any number of weapons from his arsenal to keep you away from God and his church. God kept me coming back, and now I realize that no one can argue about what is happening in this church and that the Spirit is alive and well here. I believe the confidence (and persistence) that Rob displays and his faith that God will do what is necessary to lead others to Christ, despite what others think and say about him, is a gift from God. Next time I or anyone has a negative thought, it’s good to think about where that might be coming from. It’s always in our best interest to build people up, not to tear them down. Love in Christ - Liz
Christine says:
One thing Rob taught to me was that the bible states the our church in only one part of our relationship with Christ. If you are looking to the “church” or a “Pastor” to forfull ever bit of everything you will be disappointed.
Southbrook is a amazing church, it has change mine and my families life. Our church will help you with your relationship with Christ, if you forfill all the other things the bible (Christ) askes of you. If you are truly serving God, there would be no thought of whinning.
Jim Solka says:
Exodus 18
17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.
Interestingly allowing the leader to serve the people solo wears both the people and leader out!
Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
I don’t have Greek or Hebrew schooling but I believe the “workers” is plural.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
The bottom line problem is submission; it can be on either side or both; the fact that there are “sides” is a problem too. To submit is to be humble; Americans don’t care much for this attribute anymore.
1 Timothy 5
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
I wonder what is so confusing about this verse and the others I posted. It might be related to the desire of us to be like God.
When persecution comes, count it all joy.
Ron and Liz says:
Rob,
You of all people know the trials that we went through when we first came to Christ. We are behind you 200%. Christ led us to Southbrook because its what we both needed at the time. You’re a great Teacher, mainly because of your passion and heart felt messages. There are times that we don’t agree on subjects that you’re teaching, so we go to the Bible and to prayer. Just because you’re a pastor doesn’t mean we have to believe everything you say, does it? We have grown so much in such a short period of time and we are proud to call Southbrook Home. I remember that you once said that you had a vision of what Christ wants you to do. I believe that your vision needs to be adjusted a little bit. You have engaged your heart to follow Christ and he is doing Ginormous things with you and Southbrook.
Thank you for everything
Ron and Liz
Let us know what we can do to help or where the leadership needs help. I am not above grunt work and neither is anyone else I know. Keep the good word coming!