Bigger is better, right?

Bigger is better, right?  Bigger paychecks are better, bigger houses are better, bigger tacos are better.  This is how our culture works.  So InterVarsity at Ohio State must be better too right…I mean, it’s bigger.  But is this how Jesus’ kingdom works too?

Jesus didn’t come riding in on a white horse waving a sword to begin his revolution.  He chose humble beginnings, a humble donkey.  His ministry could’ve been massive if he just healed everyone/anyone who asked, but sometimes he chose to move on from town to town before everyone was healed (Luke 4:40-44).  He was after something more than just ‘bigger’ ministry.  He didn’t want simply to be the ‘most popular’ preacher dude in town.

Alvernia University:
suburban, founded in 1958
2,100 undergrads
no Greek life or football team
30 student organizations
one IV chapter plant of 25 students

The Ohio State University:
urban, founded in 1870
42,000 undergrads
65 fraternities and sororities and a sorta well-known sports program
1000+ student organizations
3 IV fellowships functioning
as one family of 138 students

We are eager to partner with the staff team and students here, and we’re grateful for the bigger size of campus and the increased opportunities here for us to learn and grow.  We do think the Lord has something really good for us here in Columbus.  But it will take us some time to adjust to the new size of campus.  It will take discipline to not just fall into the culture's viewpoint that "bigger is always better."

Speaking of getting bigger, we’re reminded of the tiny baby inside of me that’s already grown in 17 weeks to 4 ½ inches long!  Growth is a good thing.  Jesus does want babies to grow into healthy toddlers, and he does want our chapters to grow into thriving witnessing communities on campus.  

We are eager to lead out at Ohio State and see this growth happen.  But, what will it take for Danny and me at Ohio State to believe that the bigger size, reputation and prestige of our chapter here at OSU doesn’t mean that it’s better than our small intimate moments of fellowship, discipleship and pursuing Jesus in Pennsylvania?

How might we still have eyes to see the "mustard seed" kingdom of God at work in this big place?