A new church in the community usually leads existing…
““A new church in the community usually leads existing churches to face this issue of kingdom-mindedness. New churches typically draw most of their new members from the ranks of the unchurched, but they will also attract some people from existing churches. When we lose two to three families to a church that is bringing in a hundred new people who weren’t going to any other church before, we have a choice! We must ask ourselves, “Are we going to celebrate the new people the kingdom has gained through this new church, or are we going to bemoan and resent the families we lost to it?” In other words, our attitude to new church development is a test of whether our mind-set is geared to our own institutional turf or to the overall health and prosperity of the kingdom of God in the city. Any church that bemoans its own small losses instead of rejoicing in the larger gains of the kingdom is betraying its narrow interests. Yet the benefits of new church planting to older congregations can be great, even if that benefit is not initially obvious.4””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
New churches draw members from both the unchurched and existing congregations, testing whether churches prioritize personal turf or kingdom health.
In simple terms: Churches must choose between jealousy and joy over growth.
Key Takeaway
Celebrate overall growth, not just personal loss.
Themes
faith
community
growth
competition
Mood
hopeful
thoughtful
Type
theological
practical
When to use this quote
- pastoral leadership
- denominational meetings
- strategic planning
- community outreach
Key Concepts
ecclesiology
kingdom mindset
church planting
Questions to Reflect On
- What would a kingdom‑focused church look like?
- How can churches turn loss into opportunity?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on loss can breed resentment and hinder collaboration.