The summer I turned 13 was a particularly painful one for me. A growth spurt had me in frequent tears and eating Tylenol. Ultimately, it was good for me. But, at the time, my body had a little difficulty adjusting.
Church growth can be much the same. And very much like it was with my legs, it can cause a few tears. But, and as it was with me, it is ultimately a good thing.
One of the best features of a small church, whether it is an existing church or a plant, is the feel of family. The pastor can be more personally involved with individual members. People can get to know each other. The church can respond quickly when presented with opportunities.
But once it begins to grow, and can sustain that growth over time, some of those characteristics change. You come to church and don't know everyone's name. The pastor must spend more and more time managing, leaving less time to "shepherd". Decisions take longer to make, and usually cost more. Not to mention costs associated with facility needs.
So why grow? Why not stay as you are? Well, for one, I can't even imagine being a 43-year old man in the body of a 13-year old boy.
Growth is both natural and appropriate. And it should be expected and welcomed. But it must be planned for. And it must be done correctly. And there is a correct, and an incorrect, way to do it. Be aware though, doing it the correct way will actually add to the growing pains. At least at first. Which is one reason so many churches hire consultants to help with the transition.
You see, the correct way entails bringing people into your church who don't know much about church. They don't know much about Christ, or being Christ-like. They can be "messy". They can make messes. And it sometimes takes a while for them to get "clean".
Growth also brings staff changes. New staff takes time to adjust to "our" way of doing things. New staff doesn't know everyone. Everyone doesn't know them. Often that means that people who may be used to being "in the know" suddenly aren't, while other people are.
But that is good. Because growth is good. Just scary sometimes.