Nine Reasons Why the “Church Growth” Movement Is Dangerous

Generally speaking, the Church Growth/Church Marketing Movement is dangerous because …

1. It is based upon the perceived needs of sinful men rather than upon the eternal declarations of the Word of God (what one desires rather than what one truly needs).
2. It minimizes Biblical doctrine and emphasizes the feelings and emotions of mankind (how one “feels” rather than what one “thinks“).
3. It uses the amusements, fads, philosophies and gimmicks of the world and fails to exhort people to have a different mindset from the world.
4. It changes the message of Christ by focusing primarily upon the “positive” texts of Scripture and frequently neglecting the “negative” words of God. In this manner, the “whole counsel of God” is no longer taught or emphasized.
5. It furthers the agenda of the ecumenical church by encouraging unity with men and ministries that either disbelieve or question God’s Word or that join hands with those who do.
6. It despises faithful ministries that are small and glorifies compromised ministries that are large and physically impressive.
7. It concerns itself more with quantity (numbers of people) than with quality (making and growing true disciples of Jesus Christ).
8. It stems from the New Evangelical attitude, philosophy of ministry and theology which magnifies love over truth and unity over sound doctrine; thus, it naturally conflicts with (and disdains) Biblical Fundamentalism.
9. It mixes truth with error by embracing and declaring many truths while, simultaneously, embracing and declaring much that is contrary to Scripture. This fact makes the movement especially dangerous.

The motives of church growth proponents may be pure and good, but their ideas, philosophies, and programs are not consistent with the teaching of God’s Word. Therefore, Bible-obeying Christians must take a stand and refuse to have any part of this dangerous movement.

For a more detailed report and analysis of the Church Growth Movement as well as a study of God’s Biblical blueprint for faithful ministry, order a copy of the FEA booklet “What About the Church Growth Movement?”