Playlist: Growth, Numeric (topic)
Anniversary Message 2026
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughCGG has intentionally remained small, maintaining a core of about 400 members, because its mission has never been numerical growth or mass evangelism.
Franchising the Faith
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)An increasing number of preachers are using American business strategies to build their congregation's membership, focusing on numeric growth. A young preacher even copied Starbucks' business procedures, giving away coupons valued at $10 for a free Starbucks coffee to attract attendees to services. These promotions lack any …
Dissatisfaction
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA strange distortion of truth has spread through churches worldwide, calling God's people to embrace change from the world's perspective and fuel transformation. This Church Growth Movement uses familiar words to persuade, conforming God's Word and human thinking to politically correct views of unity, community, service, and …
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Outcome-Based religion, as exemplified by the Saddleback Community Church in Anaheim, California, has experienced significant numeric growth after transitioning from the Southern Baptist Convention to the New Paradigm church model. This shift, while still technically tied to the Southern Baptist Convention, represents a …
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Outcome-Based religions, also termed New Paradigm churches, exhibit a striking attractiveness through their rapid membership growth, evident in their huge congregations and high Sunday service attendance. This numeric expansion is further highlighted by the extensive media coverage they receive, with significant attention …
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Parable of the Mustard Seed, we see a picture of unnatural growth in the church. The mustard seed, representing the church, is expected to grow into a modest plant, but instead, it becomes a tree, far exceeding its natural bounds. This transformation, described by the Greek word "ginomai," implies a change or turning into …
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe prophecy of Habakkuk reveals the Chaldean-Babylonians as ruthless conquerors and oppressors, embodying the persecution of God's people. In the taunt song of Habakkuk 2:6-20, a five-fold woe is pronounced upon these wicked oppressors, reflecting the misery of a nation that believes it can thrive without God. Among the woes, …
Wandering or Pilgrimage?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the American religious scene, a report covering 34 denominations and 60% of Protestant membership reveals a troubling trend of numeric decline. More Protestant churches are closing than opening, a pattern persisting for five consecutive years. In 2019, nearly 3,000 new Protestant churches began services, yet this was …
In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Five)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the Charlotte area, there is a large, popular mega-church group led by a charismatic personality that exemplifies the mindset of many Americans regarding spiritual and moral issues. This group is experiencing rapid numeric growth, having opened what is believed to be its sixth congregation in the general area, with the …
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn this time of spiritual exile, God calls us to grow numerically as part of our journey toward restoration. Through the words of Jeremiah, we are encouraged to increase and not be diminished, to expand our numbers as a reflection of spiritual vitality. This growth is not merely about adding members, but about fostering true …