Comments on: Church Envy…Is it Godly?

By: kimberlykoo

kimberlykoo — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:41:14 +0000

hey dave,

you’ve helped me to see things from a different perspective, before I read this, I definitely wouldn’t have thought that the “Top 100″ list would add to the list of stumbling blocks pastors and leaders need to avoid.

From a marketing view point, it’s a great idea (esp the bit about links to the books that the pastors of the top 100 have authored!) and could have the potential to inspire other pastors…like the business week 100 (or forbes 100) for entrepreneurs.. (aspire to what though? larger congregations?) I think that you were right about the measures being too skewed towards numbers, the statistics are good to know.. but also not really necessary in the looooong run.

cool post I learnt a lot

By: daveingland

daveingland — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Steve Harrison! Thanks for your comment! I definitely agree that each pastor and every church they lead that stands on the word of God and Christ as Lord is invaluable in reaching God’s people. Especially now in what many see as the last days.

By: daveingland

daveingland — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:43:38 +0000

Pastor Meysembourg, some of your reply was something I was afraid I was going to see at some point. I was not trying to make the point that pastors in the mega-church pad their numbers and offer cheap grace. What I was wanting to address was that there are pastors that do this because they want to keep up with what’s going on and believe that attendance numbers or baptisms tell the world they are doing a good job, or possibly a better job than the church down the street. Even if and when this kind of thing foes occur, there are authentic life changes and salvations happening so I totally agree with you.

As I pointed out in my disclaimer, I am not trying to be critical of the mega-church or the mega-church pastors. I am just very, very worried that the climate we as pastors and the media have created is a dangerous place to be in as pride and envy can come about as a result. Unfortunately, it is not always about the mission of Christ and sometimes competition rears its ugly head and I think top 100 lists such as the one from Outreach magazine can be glamorous to some and quuite frankly, with all that we struggle with already, seeing something like this be used to see another pastor stumble and fall is heartbreaking. Thanks so much for your passion for what you do and for taking the time to share your valuable insight!

By: David Meysembourg

David Meysembourg — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:27:25 +0000

Great post Pastor Ingland. I agree with most of what you wrote, and have been (I am now!) in your shoes.
However, those of us with less than mega-church size congregations have to be careful not to believe that every mega church pads it numbers and offers cheap grace. You and I know pastors of several of the churches listed, and know they ARE healthy, strong, growing and rooted in God’s truth.
Certainly some do pad numbers and offer cheap grace. But you know what? Authentic life change and salvation is happening there too. Cheap grace is just part of the story.
My job as a Pastor and teacher is to lead God’s church “ever up and ever in”, inviting all who need Jesus to join the love train. And when I can help, I do. When I can’t, I pray. When I don’t want to, I confess and pray harder.
I love your heart Dave, and have seen your communication skills improve so much. I am encouraged by your love of Jesus and people. I believe that every person God has called to Revolution is offered Gods truth.
Keep the Faith Brother!

By: steveharrison

steveharrison — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:47:47 +0000

Good word Dave! I agree…the ministry of every single bible believing church and every single pastor who shares the infallible word of our Lord is vital to the growth of the kingdom. We, as believers must be encouragers. Thank you for your heart! Blessings!