I don’t know if it was faith, leadership, or naiveté, but we prayed and we led. It was a catalyzing moment. Many people left immediately, and many more left slowly. We were faced not only with the attitude of the congregation that was left, but we were left to raise funds with those people. The big question: Would a stewardship program work with all those people gone? Only if God honored our decision. What happened was that the remaining flock was united and inspired by the vision of the future and the faith of the leaders. We thought the “spiritual” people had left, but the ones who stayed proved their spirituality in the most faithful way, through giving.
We had a campaign and raised pledges of 25 percent MORE than our goal. Obviously weekend attendance is only one metric, but since 1998 we have grown an average of 21 percent a year. I firmly believe that the reason Parkview is on any of these lists is because God looked down on a group of dedicated leaders who made one single decision that has impacted thousands of lives. He saw faithful leadership that trusted him. A time when the two spies outflanked the 10 and said, “We can take this land.” They decided to make decisions based on the impact of those outside of Christ instead of the impact on the ones who already have him, just like that shepherd in Luke 15 who left his flock in the “open field” to go find the one lost sheep. God honored that faith, and things have never been the same.
MEASURING SUCCESS
We measure the same as anyone. The real answer is nickels and noses, but everyone is trying to figure out how to measure the deeper discipleship issues.
GETTING DOWN TO WORK
My work habits suck, and I’m getting help with that.
PARKVIEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH Orland Park, Ill.
Website: ParkviewChurch.com
Twitter: @TLHarlow
Founded: 1951
Affiliation: Independent Christian
Locations: 2
Attendance: 7,093
Growth in 2012: +890 (14%)
Fastest-Growing: 52
Largest: 76