Ira North knew about church growth. Although North died in 1984, his name is still synonymous with that of the Madison Church of christ. His vision helped Madison grow from 400 to more than 4,000 members. But growth was a result of North's application of biblical principles rather than a goal in itself.
North emphasized doctrinal commitment rather than mere pragmatics. His summary chapter opens with this statement: "God does not require that we be big, or wealthy, or powerful, or super smart. What our Heavenly Father requires is faithfulness."
Much of the error that masquerades as progressive thinking would disappear if the church would listen to North's biblical approach. In an era that seems to stress growth at the expense of soundness, North's principles warrant careful examination. Here is "A Tried and Tested Formula" to achieving growth and remaining faithful at the same time. Although Balance was originally published in 1983, its insights and guidance are as timely as tomorrow's newspaper.