GA08134

Reaching outward is key to growth

by John Sniffen

Paul Borden, author of Hit the Bullseye and Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field, spoke on congregational growth at the Presbytery Leadership Institute Luncheon on Friday. Photo by Danny Bolin

SAN JOSE, June 27, 2008 — The bottom line for congregational growth is a continual stream of new disciples coming into the kingdom of God, Paul D. Borden told the Presbytery Leadership Institute Luncheon Friday as part of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Borden, executive minister of Growing Healthy Churches of San Ramon, Calif., spoke about how to build what he called “a Great Commission congregation” (ref. Matthew 28:19-20).

“Evangelism is the key,” he said. “People automatically think that means tactics or strategies, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”

A Great Commission congregation — which can also be called a missional congregation — continually presents the good news of the gospel in a variety of formats, he explained. It is a congregation focused outward, not inward, always seeking to reach the unchurched.
“Great Commission congregations work to change their communities and to advance God’s kingdom,” said Borden.

He noted that churches can get hung up on whether the surrounding culture is their friend or enemy. Churches that feel culture is bad may pull away into their own world and lose contact with it and the chance to change it. Those that are too friendly to the culture, on the other hand, lose their identity and also their ability to minister to it.

Started in 2000 by the Rev. Gerry Tyer, executive presbyter of Tampa Bay Presbytery, and other presbytery executives, the Presbytery Leadership Institute provides annual continuing education opportunities for presbytery staff members.