Check again… that wasn’t a question.
I was browsing though CrazeClown’s Instagram page a few years ago and came upon a post he put up when he discovered he had hit 50,000 followers. In short, his head spun – he could hardly contain himself. Of course, his followers are close to 2 million now, but the 50,000 must have been a milestone at the time. The craving for followers on social media is huge. People even pay funny amounts to agent to help them get ‘fake’ followers. It’s a battle for numbers and unfortunately Christians like you and me and have drawn our swords to a similar battle. Should we?
Church growth, we call it. The phrase ‘church growth’ in it’s actual context is supposed to be an oxymoron. Those two words should hardly coexist if seen through the eyes of Christ. Am I out of my mind? You’d ask. Did Jesus not have a multitude tagging along him for most of his ministry? Perhaps I am outta my mind, because what I’m about to share is uncommon: Jesus was probably the person who exhibited the most agoraphobic characteristics in the Bible. He was never taken by the numbers.
Take a quick look at these scriptures.
“By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples.”
Luke 12:1 MSG
And
“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:”
Matthew 5:1-2 MSG
It seems the gathering of the multitude always served as a reminder to Jesus to spend an alone time with his disciples. Some were even stepping on others, but Jesus didn’t seem to pay a mind to them. He didn’t teach the multitude how to be organized or to be polite when they step on one another. He didn’t bother to arrange with his disciples on the logistics for keeping the people or ensure a regular attendance. No. His concern was for his disciples. A fewer bunch.
What’s all the fuss about numbers, when clearly Jesus was the least bit concerned about that? It’s not about the number of people you led to say the sinner’s prayer. Or the number of those who hang around me. No, it’s the few who can stand on their own and make disciples the same way they became one.
So help us God!
