When Jesus talks about fruitfulness, he is not afraid to throw around numbers, real numbers,

numbers like 100 fold and 60 fold and 30 fold.

So does this mean pastoring a small church that is not growing less fruitful than pastoring

a large growing church?

It's a question from a listener named Wilson, who is a discouraged pastor.

From Dr. Pastor John, I was told by a seminary professor that to bear fruit is to reach an

increasing number of souls with the gospel.

I think he gets this from Matthew 1323.

Basically, if you only serve a handful of people, a congregation of 40, for example, you're

not bearing as much fruit as a larger church.

God is investing in you and seeing less significant fruit in return.

He wants big fruit measured in the hundred folds.

I believe many pastors, especially from small churches, struggle with the weight of this pressure.

What is the fruit that Jesus meant when he says bearing fruit?

Is it number of converts?

Is it personal holiness or repentance?

And how did you define success and fruit in your own pastoral labors?

Well, I sure want to be used by God at this moment to help the discouraged pastor keep his hand on the plow.

When John the Baptist comes in preparation for Jesus, one huge part of his message is

bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

Even now, the axe is laid to the root of the trees.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

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