This post is written by Katie Orr as a companion for Unit 32, Session 1 of The Gospel Project for Adults, Volume 11: From One Nation to All Nations (Spring 2024).
Our culture tends to obsess over numeric success. The church is no exception. We love to count momentous occasions, such as professions of faith, rededication commitments, baptisms of new believers, and church members added to the fold. As we should! These are exciting turning points in the life of the believer—each of which is a great cause for celebration of God’s work. But in our counting and reporting, it can be easy to forget about other signs of growth that may not be as easily measured. Numbers of public decisions made point to only one potential element of church health.
In Acts 9, Luke takes a moment to summarize and celebrate the work of God in the brand-new local church. “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers” (Acts 9:31). The numbers increased, but that’s not all Luke focused on. He provided a multifaceted report of growth. There was peace present among the believers. Spiritual strength was evident. Individuals lived life in the fear of the Lord instead of following the path of this world. The body of Christ found their encouragement in the presence of the Spirit.
There is a solidity and depth present in the church that was more than mere numbers. Yes, numbers can be indicative of a movement of the Spirit and subsequent life-change. But it is also possible to have a room filled with bodies who are more enamored with the show on the stage than the grandeur of God.
We must learn to celebrate not only the beginning stages of faith but also (as Eugene H. Peterson put it) a long obedience in the same direction, because there are many milestones of growth to look forward to after a soul takes the first steps in faith. Thus, there are precepts to teach, how-to’s to impart, worldviews to shift, and lifestyles to transform. This is the work of the church—and it is a work that takes time. The process of sanctification is messy and long and requires the work of the Word of God, the provision of the Spirit of God, and the support of the people of God.
As we celebrate big decisions for Christ, let’s also celebrate the small, everyday obedience. When we see men and women live their lives in the fear of God instead of the world’s ways, let’s rejoice. Where there are signs of church growth, such as the unity that comes after years of living side by side, let’s give praise to God. When we mourn the losses of our loved ones who endured to the end, let’s not forget to laud the life of a faithful servant of Christ.
Katie Orr is the author of Secrets of the Happy Soul, seven FOCUSed15 Bible studies, and is the creator of the Bible Study Hub community, where women can receive training, encouragement, and accountability to enjoy God’s Word. Katie holds an MA in Discipleship from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Chris, along with their three children, live in Central Florida.
