If you spend any time in today’s Christian landscape, you’ll notice a trend: ministries growing into brands, leaders becoming influencers, and churches building extensive platforms. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with growth or influence, it’s worth asking—when does a ministry become an empire, and is that always a blessing?
When Growth Becomes the Goal
Jesus never discouraged growth. In fact, He sent His disciples out to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). But He also warned about the dangers of misplaced priorities. When the mission shifts from introducing people to Jesus to expanding our own reach, we risk missing the mark.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” — Matthew 6:19-20
A ministry empire can start with the best intentions—reaching more people, providing more resources, serving more communities. But if we’re not careful, it can become about protecting the brand, increasing numbers, and building something for ourselves rather than for Christ.
The Subtle Shift
It’s a subtle shift, but a dangerous one. The early church grew rapidly, but their focus was always on Jesus. In Acts, we see believers sharing everything, supporting one another, and pointing people to the risen Lord—not to their own achievements. Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it simply: “The church is not a building, but a people.”
When ministry becomes more about the institution than the individuals, we lose sight of the heart of the gospel.
Blessing or Burden?
Growth can be a blessing when it means more people are being introduced to Jesus, more needs are being met, and more communities are being transformed. But it becomes a burden when it creates pressure to perform, maintain appearances, or serve the growth itself rather than the people. If ministers begin to feel more like CEOs than shepherds, or if congregations become more focused on programs than on people, it’s time for a heart check.
Guarding the Mission
So how do we keep growth from becoming a burden? By constantly coming back to the mission—introducing people to Jesus. Every platform, every resource, every program should serve that end. If it doesn’t, it’s time to reevaluate.
Ask yourself:
Is this about making Jesus known, or making our ministry known?
Are we celebrating changed lives, or just growing numbers?
Are we building disciples, or building an empire?
Action Steps
Evaluate: Take an honest look at your ministry’s priorities. What gets the most attention and resources?
Refocus: Recommit to the mission of introducing people to Jesus. Let every program and platform serve that goal.
Simplify: Don’t be afraid to let go of things that don’t fit the mission—even if they’re successful by worldly standards.
Final Thought
A ministry empire can be a blessing when it’s built on the right foundation. But if we lose sight of Jesus, it quickly becomes a burden. Let’s build ministries that point people to Him, not to ourselves.
Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
In this series of articles, we will explore the meaning of being a Christian, as described in the book of James. We will start by examining the origins of the term “Christian” and its significance to followers of Christ.
The term “Christian” is used three times in the Bible; Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. Each time the word is used, it refers to a follower of Christ. Regardless of their origin or location, disciples of Christ began to wear the name of Christian and were recognized by others as being “followers of Christ.”
Before the term “Christian” was used, followers of Christ were known as people of the “Way.” This term was commonly used to describe someone who followed the teachings of Christ, as we can see in verses such as Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, and 22:4.
In a commentary on Acts 9.4, A. T. Robertson says,
“It is a Jewish definition of life as in Isa_40:3 “the way of the Lord,” Psa_1:6 “the way of the righteous,” “the way of the wicked.” Jesus called himself “the way” (Joh_14:6), the only way to the Father. The so-called Epistle of Barnabas presents the Two Ways. The North American Indians call Christianity the Jesus Road.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures on Acts 9.4)
In conclusion, the term “Christian” has its origins in the early followers of Christ, who were known for their devotion to his teachings. As Christians today, we are called to continue this tradition and follow the Way of Christ.
The New Testament speaks of growing churches differently than men. A quick reading of Paul’s letters shows the emphasis of growth on the spiritual matters of the congregation more than the physical numbers. Consider passages such as Romans 1.8,
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”
Paul was thankful because of their faith, not their physical numbers. Paul knew the faith of the congregation in Rome was the #1 factor he could hear about their works. I could mention the same of several other congregations to whom Paul wrote. It was their faith being mentioned, not numbers.
The faith of a congregation comes down to the individual level. Simply put, if a congregation has faithful members, then the likelihood of it being a faithful congregation is great. Congregations are a family who depend on each other to build each other up (Hebrews 3.13; 1 Thessalonians 5.11). As each member builds their faith, it becomes an encouragement to all to keep pressing on and to not grow weary. (Philippians 3.13-4; Galatians 6.9)
Belief is a tough word because many think it only occurs in one’s mind. However, when a person believes, you can see their belief in their actions. James said to be “doers of the words and not hearers only.” (James 1.22)
Remember that Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7.16)
So, how do you know what someone believes?
Consider the life of Richard Wurmband. Richard spent 14 years in prison because of his faith in Christ. Three of those 14 years were spent in solitary confinement. During those years, Richard was tortured, but his faith never left. It is interesting to note that Richard had once been a strong non-believer, but he changed. His new life and choice was to tell as many people as he could about Jesus. After being released from prison, Richard Wurmbrand wrote a book containing this quote, “A man really believes not what is recited in his creed, but only the things he is ready to die for.”1
Jesus calls for His followers to let their lights shine. (Matthew 5.14-16) Each person whose light is shining allows others to see God. Your belief and conviction in God are clearly seen in your actions.
Do you believe?
Just some thoughts,
1 – Tortured For Christ, Richard Wurmbrand, 50th Anniversary Edition, 2017, p.83
