by Matt Clifton

The recent discussion over Richland Hills and Quail Springs has spawned what should be an examination of some deeper issues. Specifically, some progressives in the church claim that the church will “die out” if we do not change with the times.

Is this a true statement of the state of the church? Should the church change in order to grow?

As we begin to consider an answer to this question, it is important to realize a couple of things. First, the most recent ”change agent” movement in the church was initially spawned by the feeling that our “numbers are decreasing among churches of Christ.” Those involved in studying leadership and church growth techniques have seen how the “mega church” movement created enormous congregations in larger cities, and they desired to see such large congregations among the church. Bill Hybels and Willow Creek became a model for many change agents. The change agents in the church of Christ saw the “growth” of such denominational groups, and wanted to model congregations of the Lord’s church after that fashion.

The problem with this first idea is that the Willow Creek movement is not creating disciples! According to a multi-year study done by the group itself, this is what the Willow Creek model resulted in:

The report reveals that most of what they have been doing for these many years and what they have taught millions of others to do is not producing solid disciples of Jesus Christ. Numbers yes, but not disciples.

Not only that, but Hybels himself commented:

Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.

What they were crying out for was true teaching of the scriptures, and not the “seeker friendly” model that draws people looking for entertainment.

Secondly, we need to remember that the churches of Christ are not as far in decline as the change agents would have use believe. In a study done recently by Flavil Yeakley, we learn that the retention rate for young people among the churches of Christ is greatest in those that are considered “middle of the road” as opposed to ultra-conservative or liberal. See the BrotherhoodNews.com article or Steve Higginbotham’s blog for more on this study.

Yeakley’s study also shows that churches of Christ are sixth fastest growing group in the United States, and fourth in the nation in total number of congregations. There are other great stats in the report, so check it out for yourself.

The bottom line is this: The “seeker friendly” model that progressive congregations are attempting to adopt (which includes adding instrumental music to draw more people) is ineffective at making true disciples of Christ. Even those who started the movement admit this!

Also, we must realize that the church of Christ is not as bad off as the change agents would have us believe!

It is clear that “change” away from the doctrines of the Bible that were practiced in the first century is not what brings growth. In future articles, we will look at what does bring growth!