Church Growth
A. GOD HAS APPOINTED THAT CERTAIN MEN IN THE CHURCH WOULD HELP IT
TO GROW.
1. Apostles and prophets have the responsibility of receiving revelations from God.
2. Evangelists have the job of sowing the seed.
3. Pastors (elders, or bishops) and teachers work with members of local congregations
to help them to grow.
B. THE PURPOSE OF THAT GROWTH?
1. That members may grow to a maturity
a. Where Christ can be seen in their lives and dispositions (Matt. 5:16).
b. Where they can discern error and stand against it.
c. Where they may speak the truth in love. Proclaim the gospel themselves.
2. That the members might learn to do their part, according to their abilities
(Rom. 12:4-8; 2 Cor. 8:12).
3. Growth of the church is a natural result.
C. ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART?
A. TEACHING THE LOST AND UPHOLDING GOD’S REVEALED TRUTH.
1. God’s eternal purpose fulfilled in Paul’s preaching (Eph. 3:8-11).
2. The pillar and the ground (1 Tim. 3:14-15; 1 Thess. 1:7-8).
B. GROWTH IS AN EXPECTED RESULT OF THE CHURCH FULFILLING ITS MISSION.
1. The church grows numerically.
2. We grow through the exercise of our talents (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
3. We must not lose sight of individual growth (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Pet. 3:18).
4. A concern for other members (Heb. 3:12-13; Gal. 6:1).
5. Christians are supposed to be the light of the world (Matt. 5:14, 16; Phil. 2:15-16).
A. DEVELOP A SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE (Matt. 6:33; Col. 3:1-3; Rom. 8:5, 13).
1. Purity of life is a result (Rom. 6:12; 2 Cor. 7: 1; 1 Pet. 2:11-12).
2. There must be a visible difference (1 Cor. 2:14-16; Rom. 12:1-2, 9; 1 Thess. 5:22).
B. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY.
1. Redeeming the time (Col. 4:5; Gal. 6:10).
2. Don’t be lazy or fearful (Rom. 12:11; Heb. 12:5-6).
3. Be conscious of your responsibility (Jas. 4:17).
C. OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME OUR WAY – WHAT CAN I DO?
1. Help to restore the wayward (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20).
2. Help others to bear their burdens (Gal. 6:2; 1 John 3:16-18; 1 Thess. 5:14).
3. Cooperate (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13).
4. Be faithful and regular in attendance (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24-25).
5. Be active in spreading the gospel (2 Tim. 2:2; Acts 8:4)
Prospects are needed! Find one and work on him.
a. Offer a home Bible Study - I will teach it if you can't.
b. Offer a correspondance course.
c. Invite to services – MAKE DEFINITE PLANS - offer a ride on a specific day.
d. Be ready always to discuss the Bible( 1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:15 ).
e. Pray for success, Reflect God's goodness and Joy. BE HAPPY!
6. Work at keeping unity in the church (Eph. 4:1-3; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:2-4).
A. THE LORD’S EXPECTATION OF US (1 Cor. 15:58).
B. ARE IN CHRIST? (Gal. 3:26-27).