New Members at First Reformed Church

Pictures say more than a thousand words! And so it is important to share these images of one of our most beautiful moments this year with you, our readers. The photographs were taken moments before the baptism of Devon and Reshan Wade, and their father, Kraig. It was a joyful event, with lots of joy and water in front of God who ever increases the gathering around his table.

In addition to all this, these blessed moments offer also a good opportunity to ponder our theological position on membership growth. On Oct15th, Susan and I had the opportunity to participate in a webseminar sponsored by our denomination and KIDS HOPE USA. Presenter Reggie McNeal provided a very useful distinction between the attractional and the incarnational model of the church. These are difficult terms, but the concept is relatively simple.

The church that follows the attractional model tries to be as intriguing as possible so that people will want to come and see it. Everything the church pursues on this track serves the goal of increasing membership. A church in this mode does, in principle, not differ from any other organization that tries to market itself. Some would call this the church’s sell-out to the world.

The incarnational church, by contrast, follows the way of the incarnation of Christ. As he is sent into the world and assumed our flesh and blood, so does the incarnational church attempt to focus not on itself but on the world it serves. Membership growth in this model is not a result of smart marketing but comes as a result of the authentic service of the church.

Oh these theories! Whether we find them plausible or not, if they can help us at least to understand a little bit better why we are here as a church, they may have already served their purpose. In the meantime, let us continue to welcome the Wade and Knox families!