What happens when the church’s desire for growth becomes a form of idolatry?
Andrew Root returns to Future Christian to discuss his new book, Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry. Root argues that churches across the theological spectrum have become captured by a logic of escalation: more people, more resources, more innovation, more relevance, more affirmation. The problem is that there is never a point when we can finally say, “Enough.”
Drawing connections between the worship of Baal in the Old Testament, modern capitalism, and contemporary church growth, Loren and Andy explore what churches believe will actually save them. They discuss Root’s categories of “techno-optimists” and “identitarians”—two groups that may appear opposed but can share the assumption that the church will survive if it can simply accumulate enough of the right kind of capital.
Together they explore:
- When church growth becomes a form of idolatry
- Why churches struggle to ever say “enough”
- Techno-optimists, identitarians, and competing visions of church renewal
- Why money can function as more “real” than God in church decision-making
- The relationship between economic prosperity and American Protestantism
- Why the church keeps trying to recover its golden age
- Prayer, confession, and discerning where God is actually at work
Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations. His recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline, When Church Stops Working, and The Church After Innovation. Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.
Mentioned Resources:
📖 His Book: Baal and the gods of more
🌐 The Iowa Preachers Project: iapreachers.org
🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge
🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andy Root
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Future Christian Team:
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Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host
Dennis Sanders – Producer
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