So the counselor told the king to plant four acorns. The king did, but then he fell asleep for 80 years. When he awoke, he was amazed that the four acorns he had planted had (to him) instantaneously become four fully-grown trees. He thought a miracle had occurred because to him, it had only seemed like a moment.

Few things get our attention as much as speed. We want the fastest computers, the fastest routes to work, the fastest ways to get rich, the fastest… well, everything.

This is why the fastest growing churches get attention, but the slow and steady often do not. Or immediate healings through prayer, as opposed to slower healings through the hands of a doctor with the spiritual gift of healing through medicine. Or the “Saul” to “Paul” conversion stories, as opposed to those who take months to ask questions and explore, moving gradually to faith.

The point is that we often equate the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit with speed, rather than effect.

In truth, fast-growing churches are not always long-lasting success stories. They tend to be personality-centered, and when that personality has a trainwreck, flames out, or moves on, the “speed” ends. 

There are also benefits to slow but steady growth. Roots have time to run deep, character is tested and refined, processes can be put in place that serve ever-increasing numbers, and efforts at discipleship have time to produce multi-generational leaders. There is much to be said for a church going through season after season of growth followed by consolidation.

The bottom line is that weeds grow fast; oak trees grow slowly. A typical grass weed lives for a single season, sprouting in the spring, dying in the fall. An oak tree can live for hundreds of years.

A now-retired pastor whom I respect greatly served faithfully at the helm for three-plus decades. He had been used by God to help build a great church.

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