Is It His?

"The kingdom of God is like this," He said. "A man scatters seed on the ground; he sleeps and rises; night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows—he doesn't know how." - Mark 4:26-27

I have been a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ for 40 years and in addition to pastoring five churches, I have had the privilege to be a missionary overseas and in the US. In these capacities, I have seen churches planted, I have have seen them grow, and I have learned of their deaths. I have observed a variety of methods being used by planters and pastors (and have used some of them myself). Some methods were successful and some were not.

Why is it that some churches survive and grow and others do not?

Apart from the obvious reason that we often fail to "sow," I don't really have the answer to this question. I have heard it said that all healthy things grow. This is true, but so do malignant tumors. I have often observed "healthy" activity in place with little or no growth as a result.

One thing I have learned and was clearly expressed by the Savior Himself, is this, Jesus will build His church. The question for us should be, "Is what we are building His"

Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. - Jesus (Matthew 16:17-18)