Clarification
In the Nov. 17 article, "Forum to share ministry blessings," Rev. Bruce Becker, administrator of the Board for Parish Services was quoted in regard to a recent congregational leadership forum. One question he said participants would be asked to examine was: "What factors, beyond the power of the gospel, do you believe are contributing to God's blessings of numerical growth in your congregation?"
Becker wishes to clarify that quote, saying, "Obviously, we believe and confess that only the Holy Spirit can bring about growth in the holy Christian church; only he is responsible for people being called out of the darkness of sin and unbelief into the light of the gospel."
Becker, however, draws a distinction between conversion into the holy Christian church and numerical growth in a congregation. "Individual Christians join our congregations for many reasons," he says. "Congregations may experience numerical growth because of good, solid biblical worship and preaching; because it is a warm and friendly congregation; because the congregation has a Lutheran school for their kids; or for a host of other reasons." The goal of the forum, says Becker, was to identify factors common to congregations blessed with numerical growth that have led to their ever-increasing audience for the gospel.
