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Almost every pastor wants their church to be bigger.

By at least 50 to 100 percent.

Got 50 people? 100 would be great.

100? Let’s shoot for 200.

There’s a lot about that drive that’s healthy. But there’s another side that’s unsettling, uncertain and dangerous.

Just A Little Bigger Than What?

We’ve convinced ourselves that, whatever our church’s size, “just a little more” would make everything better. Ministry will expand. Leaders will be developed. Pastoring will get easier.

Here’s the reality.

Bigger fixes nothing. Bigger churches aren’t any easier to pastor than smaller churches.

Sure, some things get easier with a bigger budget, more members and a larger staff. But other things get harder.

And those new problems may not be the best ones for you and your ministry to face. We’re not all gifted to deal with big church problems. Some of us are called to deal with small church problems.

So, you may not actually want a church as big as the church you think you want.

The Danger Of How We See Success

In pastoral ministry, as in the rest of life, what we perceive of as success is as dangerous emotionally – and usually more dangerous spiritually – than what we perceive of as failure.

There are no greener pastures.

Just different ones.

So sure, strive for better. For healthier. For greater effectiveness and impact for the kingdom of God.

Never settle.

But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that “just a little more” will make anything easier, or will make you more fulfilled in ministry.

The Joy Of Contentment

You are where you are right now because God put you there.

You’ll be in a different place later. And only God knows what that place will be.

If you want to be happy with where God takes you, be content with where God has placed you.

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