growth is in the eye of the beholder

Usually, a churches takes on a building project because it is growing. After your facility has been renovated/expanded/razed and reborn, your body will probably grow. During the process, maybe not so much.

A building project is a serious analysis of the health of a local church. It will call people out - How serious are you about this place? It is not uncommon for little rifts to crack during a building project, and ya, a few people may leave.

Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, has been posting an interesting series of blogs (which are making for even more interesting conversation in the comments sections) called "Leaving the Church." Number 3 in the series recounts one special Sunday wherein Craig taught on the church's vision and lovingly encouraged everyone who didn't think they could sell out to that vision, to consider finding another church. He had information in the lobby on ten other churches in the area that he knew and respected.

The next week, we had about 500 new seats for people who could get excited about the vision. Within a short period of time, God filled those seats with passionate people. Many of those who left our church found great, biblical churches where they could worship and use their gifts.

Also interesting is Jim Wideman's recent blog post titled, "Why people resist change." He lists ten really good insights. Number 7 is, "Change requires additional commitment."

Now, if 500 people leave your church during a building project, something is wrong - especially because your church is probably not as big as LifeChurch.tv. But if a few families get a clearer picture of the vision and direction of your church (and they should), and decide it is not for them, don't get upset about your eroding numbers.

It's easy to read about church growth, and all of Outreach Magazine's "25 biggest and best" lists, and make that the goal. Yes, a healthy church will grow, but it will grow best when everyone is where he should be. Church leaders also need to remember that while you have been made responsible for your local church, the people are Christ's. If someone is not blossoming in your ministry, it is more important that you move him to another one.

So yes, a few families may leave, but rather than conduct an exit survey - help them find a local church that they can get excited about.