10-02-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 2, 2025
Last Sunday, I talked about how we continue to grow as a church, but how our growth will occur by us intentionally getting smaller. At first, it sounds counterintuitive, if not outright nonsense. It’s one thing if growth by itself is the goal. If we were trying to generate numbers alone, then bigger at any cost would be the driving and blinding force. But since growth is secondary to our vision of Putting Love First, then we are given pause to think more clearly and intentionally around how one grows a church where love is central in every aspect of that growth. Love can be preached from the pulpit, and people can even be touched by what they hear, but if it is not matched with one-on-one or small group encounters that reinforce what has been preached, then any growth will be short-lived. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1st Corinthians 13, if we do amazing things (like grow), but do not have love, we have achieved nothing. At CCCC(DoC), we currently have numerous support groups, small gatherings, classes, and fellowship groups in which people connect with other people. But if I were to make an estimate, I would say only 30% of the congregation participates. Now some of those folks have other amazing and supportive communities outside the church, and I celebrate that. But for others, we need to be creating new spaces and new opportunities, while making sure the welcome is clearly stated and the threshold at the entrance in no way serves as an obstacle by which people will think they are not welcome. It is one thing to be welcomed with a smile and handshake in the sanctuary before worship, and something completely different to sit with a small group that seems genuinely interested in hearing your story. 

If one person feels seen and heard, then we have served you well, O God of all humanity. Continue to nudge us as we expand your reach by choosing to create more small communities of fellowship. Amen.