Shepherd's Corner (January 14th, 2026)

Shepherd's Corner (01-14-26)Brian Lee

7:46

Is what draws a crowd the same as forming disciples?

We live in a time when “trend,” “platform,” “brand,” and “experience” are familiar words in our daily lives. And those words can quietly slip into the church’s vocabulary too. In recent decades, particularly in the United States and Korea, many churches have increased in numbers exponentially, leveraging marketing principles, trends, and experiences. However, we should question, "Is such an increase a real growth?" I believe if one seeks to be a Christian church, the "growth" should be measured in maturity and fruit-bearing. In other words, "Discipleship."

In recent years, we have watched the rise and fall of high-profile ministries. They offered what seemed to be a model for a “successful church.” Why not? People flocked to those ministries. They all offered "great" music and "worship" experiences, resulting in growth and global influence. There was a sense of momentum. A lifestyle that seemed irresistible, especially to younger people hungry for something alive. For many, it even seemed "cool" to attend those worship services. Even Justin Bieber got baptized by a trendy church in New York City, which was led at the time by Carl Lentz. And then, when integrity collapsed, the aftershock wasn’t merely in the organizational. It revealed the spiritual reality. Many people became disillusioned and did not just leave that ministry. They left the institutional church altogether.

That is a sobering thought. The danger isn’t “music” or “excellence” or even “growth.” These are neutral values. However, the situation is dangerous when growth becomes the goal rather than the fruit. When churches mistakenly pursue growth rather than maturity, and success rather than sanctification, they are following the footsteps of the failed hip and influential ministries of yesteryears.

What is the church to do? The older pastor, Apostle Paul, gave the younger pastor, Timothy, a charge that is almost offensively simple.

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)

Notice he does not say, “Work to keep the crowd.” He does not say, “Make it easier for people to believe.” He says, in essence, “Be a disciple that disciples others.” The church is built by truth, sustained by grace, and protected by accountability.

I am told that this matters deeply for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. If a church wants to reach them, it should resist the temptation to follow the footsteps of failed ministry models.

The younger generation is often quicker to reject performance. They want genuine and authentic Christianity. Now, they may not always agree with Christian convictions, but they tend to respect clarity and courage more than religious marketing. They are not looking for a shinier show; they are looking for something real—humble, honest, accountable, and rooted in a community of people who walk the talk. People are looking for a community where sinners can be known, loved, and changed by Jesus Christ. Authentic Christianity wins every time.

And, authentic Christianity starts at the servant-leadership level. Apostle Peter wrote to the first-century church servant-leaders:

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3).

Nurturing the saints requires that those who are called to be "shepherds" (the principle is true for pastors, parents, elders, teachers, and any servant-leaders) must strive to be "examples" to the flock.

We should avoid temptations to chase trends. We should examine our hearts to ensure we are not merely pursuing growth when we should be striving for maturity. If we confuse "productivity" with "fruit," we do so at our own peril.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." (Matthew 5:13)

We exist to proclaim Christ, make disciples, and love our neighbors in his name. And God has shown us the way. They are the ordinary means of grace that God has always used to build his people: the Word, prayer, worship, fellowship, the sacraments, and a shared life of repentance and faith (small groups).

The decline of the so-called mega churches and ministries should wake us up. Why did the crowd gather in the first place? Were they seeking to be disciples or consumers? Were they seeking to worship God, or were they seeking to be entertained? From churches that outright proclaimed the health-and-wealth gospel to those that provided worship experiences rather than the call to bear the cross, the evidence is clear. Following trends and pursuing growth do not end well. Jesus calls us to follow Him and not the trends.

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" (Mark 8:34)

I dare say that a faithful church will not always look "impressive" to the world. At times, it may look messy, but the authenticity of the faithful people in the midst of the "messiness" will signal to the world that this church is a safe place for the wounded. May we hear the call of the Christ who promises rest for our souls.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

In His Grace Alone,

Pastor Brian Lee