This week in the news, you may have heard the Hewlett-Packard is buying Compaq Computer Corporation. For a measly $25 billion and some stock swapping the number four company in PC sales, Hewlett-Packard will merge with the number two company, Compaq, creating a gargantuan corporation that will surpass the current leader Dell Computer. Of course growth of this magnitude does mean about 15,000 people will be out of work. But, hey—this is business.

We hear these kinds of stories all the time. Companies merge, people are laid off, and the newly formed company leapfrogs ahead of competitors. This is the way of the business world. Unfortunately, it seems that it has—in too many circumstances—become the way of the church as well.

Churches are often vying for new member from other churches. Members of other churches are enticed by bigger and better programs, different styles of worship, and the like. Membership letters are swapped and the members merge into their new church, at least until something bigger and better comes along. Eventually the smaller church may go under and the remnant is then absorbed into other churches. Because of this, one church may appear to grow, but it is at the expense of others and the kingdom of God is not advanced.

When Hewlett-Packard and Compaq merge, no new customers were created immediately. They have instead consolidated their customer base. This strategy in business may eventually lead to some real growth, but at first it is only the appearance of growth.

This strategy used in churches may also lead to the appearance of growth, but this is not God’s plan for church growth. You see, the Church of Jesus Christ is not to swap Christians as if they are shares in a company. We are to make disciples. Our guide should be the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, not the bottom line whether financial or total attendance. We need to remember that it is God Himself who builds the church and adds to it. Programs, outreach events, special guests, advertising, and any other methods are fine as long as the purpose is to mature the believer and reach the lost and not simply entice Christians from one church to another.

May God bless your church and may He add to it such as should be saved. (Acts 2:47)