‘His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known’ – Ephesians 3:10

Should popularity be the goal of the modern church?  

At some point, the modern church appears to have made likeability and popularity one of its main aims. Today, offence and controversy are avoided, and the message is conveyed that the people of God are real, relevant, and no different from everyone else – that any visitor will feel right at home. But do we see a pattern of popularity in the life of Jesus, His disciples and the early church? And should this be our goal?