The Fruit of Souls

Are you a Soul Producing Tree?

by David Shannon

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

Recently Flavil Yeakley, Jr. spoke in Centerville at the Middle Tennessee Preacher�s and Church Leader�s Forum assessing the numerical condition of the church today. Please notice below the numbers bearing in mind that each number represents a soul.

U.S. Totals

The church in the U.S. is growing, but not at the rate of the U.S. population. The sad reality is the fact that the church in Tennessee declined by more than five thousand members and over ten thousand adherents (those who attend with members�such as children) over the past 25 years. Wilson County�s population has increased over fifty thousand people since 1980, but the church adherents increased by only 1,528. The church is actually growing in the �mission states� and declining in the Bible belt. Tennessee ranks number 48 in the U.S. due to its declining membership. Florida (12,243), Georgia (11,264) and North Carolina (6,712) are leading the way with increasing membership. For this we are thankful. These three states have more than 180 new congregations since 1980 while Tennessee only has 8. Growth is often hindered because Bible belt congregations are more likely to merge than plant.

David Shannon�s concern. I say that to make sure no one thinks this is a scientific conclusion of Flavil. In the Bible Belt many individuals prefer larger congregations which offer greater selection of classes, ministries, peer groups, etc. Because of this many congregations have merged over the last 25 years instead of growing themselves or planting new congregations. Others say �we are large enough.� They don't want more members and at the same time don't want to help plant another church. The church is never large enough as long as those in our community are without the Savior. Our purpose is set by God. We are commissioned to go out and make disciples and continue teaching them ( Matthew 28:19-20). This isn�t about numbers, it is about souls. The numbers simply tell us how many more we have to reach! Let�s be fruitful and wise!

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