Essentials to Church Growth (1)

2000060

Topic # 1535

Introduction:

A. Lk. 16 – Richman/Lazarus. One finds himself in Abraham’s bosom & the other in the depths of Hades.

1. Both have entered into the brink of eternity – one in eternal bliss and the other in torment/agony.

2. Thoughts of rich man 16:27-31 – concerned that others would come to be w/him. Thought about souls of lost loved ones.

a) Would spend eternity thinking about the importance of salvation.

b) Eternity filled with regret. If only…

3. Great contrast presented: Rev. 19:1-2

a) Spend eternity rejoicing in their salvation.

4. NO more important work in life of a Christian than to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul! This = central theme of Christianity! Following God & teaching others!

B. We going to be talking a/b the importance of church growth in the next few weeks.

C. Our congregation must work to take the gospel to others. We must be looking for/expecting church growth!

1. What are we willing to do to achieve it?

a) Good intentions not good enough. Must ACT upon good intentions.

2. Church growth is the natural result of church health.

3. How is the health of our congregation?

a) Too often we put off what we know we need to do – both physically & spiritually!

D. Let us resolve that we will move forward with the Lord’s work here in this area!

I. Church growth is the natural result of church health!

A. All living things grow! You don’t have to make them grow!

1. Kids….ever commanded them to get taller? Stronger? Bigger?

2. Trees? Animals?

3. All living things will grow – if we remove the hindrances that would stop development.

a) Some hindrances to growth easily seen in physical realm.

1) Poor countries – kids don’t grow/develop well – b/c of lack of nutrition.

2) Trees/plants can die b/c of lack of nutrients in soil/water, etc.

b) Lack of growth indicates unhealthy situation.

c) Remove barriers? Growth = automatic!

B. The church is a living organism – made up of living souls!

1. Called a body – Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-15; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18

a) As Christians – part of the body of Christ – we are to be alive! Active! Working! Full of love/vigor!

2. Congregation’s spiritual health and growth are interrelated!

a) If it – healthy – we will be growing the way God intends.

b) Col. 2:19 – God wants His church to grow!

c) Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow. (TEV)

d) We will grow if we = healthy.

3. If a congregation not growing – it dying!

C. We might ask: what will make our congregation grow?

1. Need to ask: what is keeping our congregation from growing?

2. We must work to remove growth restricting diseases/barriers!

3. We must desire natural growth!

4. Is there anything stopping us from responding to the opportunities God has given us?

D. What are some essentials to spiritual health within a congregation?

II. A Willingness to Look Ahead.

A. Phil. 3:12-15 – you can’t look into future when you looking backwards.

1. We must be wiling to forget some things in past – to press on to the successes of future.

a) To grow – have to look ahead – ponder the problems – possible solutions – plan work to accomplish goals.

B. Which do we do the most?

1. Statements about the past & past events?

2. Statements about the future & where we are headed?

C. To move away from problems means that we must:

1. Pick up our spirits.

2. believe in God’s plan

3. Move on to hope & a positive spirit! 2 Tim. 1:6-8, 12

4. Let’s move forward w/resounding confidence!

III. Strong Bible Teaching.

A. Christians should not be afraid to proclaim gospel! Must preach the whole counsel of God!

1. Acts 20:27 – preach whole counsel of God.

a) 2 Tim. 4:2 – preach the word

b) Eph. 4:15 – preach truth in love

c) Jude 3 – contend earnestly for the faith.

2. Can’t compromise on Bible teaching!

B. Comer: all of the groups that are growing today are groups with a strong emphasis on Bible teaching. Any group that weakens their position & waters down their teaching may flourish for a moment – but that soon passes & uncertainty & doubt undermines their later efforts.

1. Brethren – strong bible teaching = a necessity & people are looking for it!

2. Denominational church that teaches contrary to the truth. But they challenge people w/Bible. People respond.

3. We have truth – how much more does this increase our responsibility? Rom. 1:16 – must NOT be ashamed!

C. If someone turned away from strong Bible teaching – they not a prospect.

1. Reasonable prospects will not be turned away from such.

2. Must not shirk from our responsibility in this area.

IV. Totally Committed Disciples.

A. Commitment defined: a giving in charge or entrusting/a pledge or obligation as to follow a course of action. The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to some cause of action. (American Heritage Dictionary.)

1. Did you know that many community organizations require more form people/participants than local churches do?

2. Join organization & you are expected to participate! Volunteer time, energy, etc.

3. Reason why we have so many weak Christians = because they half committed to many causes rather than being totally committed to the one thing that matters most!

a) we can be committed to the wrong things;

b) Hunting/fishing/hiking/golf/shopping/fun/work, etc.

B. Brethren – we need a commitment from you! Jesus asks for a BIG commitment!

1. It’s a commitment that will involve sacrifice! It’s a commitment to do whatever possible/biblical to grow!

2. Jesus: Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9 – Follow me. They left their nets & followed him. NO QUESTIONS. How many of us would be like this ….or would we be like the ones in Lk. 9:59-60?

3. Mt. 28:18-20 – a commitment to spread the gospel – take it to entire world. This fulfilled – Col. 1:6, 23.

4. Jesus was not at all reluctant to ask men/women to drop everything & follow Him!

5. Lk. 14:33 – demanded total commitment!

C. What are areas of commitment we must thrive upon?

1. Totally committed to being present at every service!

2. totally committed to grow into spiritual maturity

3. Totally committed to work together to take the gospel to others.

4. Totally committed to explore new, different – but scriptural ways to take the gospel to others! Open minded!

5. Totally committed to devote time/rearrange schedule/cancel other things in an effort to make this church b/c as healthy as possible!

D. Are you wiling to commit to making this church grow your first priority? Mt. 6:33

1. Conservative churches have a better % of deeply committed disciples than most groups do.

2. We must continue to develop a core of totally committed disciples.

3. We have a head start here – if we put our commitment to work in the right areas.

V. Good, calm, steady leadership.

A. People demand steady, wise, leadership today!

1. Christ-like leadership can point us in the right direction of:

a) service

b) involvement

c) openness

d) communication

e) love

2. A leadership where those in these roles remember that they are a servant! We are all servants! Compliment brethren. Sincere motives.

B. Contentions, combative conflicts over judgment matters (bible class/bus mtg) are a sure way to kill souls!

1. If it – your “judgment” a/b what’s best – better never to make it a matter of dogmatism.

2. Rom. 14:19 – pursue peace in these matters.

C. On matters of doctrine – stand up for it. Can’t back off.

D. Members of congregation must keep this in mind if we wish to accomplish much in the arena of church growth.

1. Calm, steady good leadership.

2. Christ like example.

Conclusion:

A. These are 4 areas we must check - and see that we are healthy in these areas.

1. Room for improvement? Is our lack of effort in this area – an indication of a barrier to growth?

2. If so, what are we going to do about it?

B. Tonight – we will talk about 4 more essentials to church growth.

C. Are you not a Christian? Would you be interested in getting on board w/God’s plan?

1. Back to Rich man/Lazarus. Here’s a man who realized only too late – the condition of his soul.

2. His fate was sealed.

3. We would love to assist you in obeying the gospel.

D. If you already a Christian – do you need to renew your commitment? Then do so today!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



Essentials to Church Growth (1) 2000060 Topic # 1535 Introduction: A. Lk. 16 – Richman/Lazarus. One finds himself in Abraham’s bosom & the other in the depths of Hades. 1. Both have entered into the brink of eternity – one in eternal bliss and the other in torment/agony. 2. Thoughts of rich man 16:27-31 – concerned that others would come to be w/him. Thought about souls of lost loved ones. a) Would spend eternity thinking about the importance of salvation. b) Eternity filled with regret. *If only…* 3. Great contrast presented: Rev. 19:1-2 a) Spend eternity rejoicing in their salvation. 4. NO more important work in life of a Christian than to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul! This = central theme of Christianity! Following God & teaching others! B. We going to be talking a/b the importance of church growth in the next few weeks. C. Our congregation must work to take the gospel to others. We must be looking for/expecting church growth! 1. What are we willing to do to achieve it? a) Good intentions not good enough. Must ACT upon good intentions. 2. Church growth is the natural result of church health. 3. How is the health of our congregation? a) Too often we put off what we know we need to do – both physically & spiritually! D. Let us resolve that we will move forward with the Lord’s work here in this area! I. Church growth is the natural result of church health! A. All living things grow! You don’t have to make them grow! 1. Kids….ever commanded them to get taller? Stronger? Bigger? 2. Trees? Animals? 3. All living things will grow – if we remove the hindrances that would stop development. a) Some hindrances to growth easily seen in physical realm. 1) Poor countries – kids don’t grow/develop well – b/c of lack of nutrition. 2) Trees/plants can die b/c of lack of nutrients in soil/water, etc. b) Lack of growth indicates unhealthy situation. c) Remove barriers? Growth = automatic! B. The church is a living organism – made up of living souls! 1. Called a body – Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-15; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18 a) As Christians – part of the body of Christ – we are to be alive! Active! Working! Full of love/vigor! 2. Congregation’s spiritual health and growth are interrelated! a) If it – healthy – we will be growing the way God intends. b) Col. 2:19 – God wants His church to grow! c) *Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow.* (TEV) d) We will grow if we = healthy. 3. If a congregation not growing – it dying! C. We might ask: what will make our congregation grow? 1. Need to ask: what is keeping our congregation from growing? 2. We must work to remove growth restricting diseases/barriers! 3. We must desire natural growth! 4. Is there anything stopping us from responding to the opportunities God has given us? D. What are some essentials to spiritual health within a congregation? II. A Willingness to Look Ahead. A. Phil. 3:12-15 – you can’t look into future when you looking backwards. 1. We must be wiling to forget some things in past – to press on to the successes of future. a) To grow – have to look ahead – ponder the problems – possible solutions – plan work to accomplish goals. B. Which do we do the most? 1. Statements about the past & past events? 2. Statements about the future & where we are headed? C. To move away from problems means that we must: 1. Pick up our spirits. 2. believe in God’s plan 3. Move on to hope & a positive spirit! 2 Tim. 1:6-8, 12 4. Let’s move forward w/resounding confidence! III. Strong Bible Teaching. A. Christians should not be afraid to proclaim gospel! Must preach the whole counsel of God! 1. Acts 20:27 – preach whole counsel of God. a) 2 Tim. 4:2 – preach the word b) Eph. 4:15 – preach truth in love c) Jude 3 – contend earnestly for the faith. 2. Can’t compromise on Bible teaching! B. Comer: all of the groups that are growing today are groups with a strong emphasis on Bible teaching. Any group that weakens their position & waters down their teaching may flourish for a moment – but that soon passes & uncertainty & doubt undermines their later efforts. 1. Brethren – strong bible teaching = a necessity & people are looking for it! 2. Denominational church that teaches contrary to the truth. But they challenge people w/Bible. People respond. 3. We have truth – how much more does this increase our responsibility? Rom. 1:16 – must NOT be ashamed! C. If someone turned away from strong Bible teaching – they not a prospect. 1. Reasonable prospects will not be turned away from such. 2. Must not shirk from our responsibility in this area. IV. Totally Committed Disciples. A. Commitment defined: a giving in charge or entrusting/a pledge or obligation as to follow a course of action. The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to some cause of action. (American Heritage Dictionary.) 1. Did you know that many community organizations require more form people/participants than local churches do? 2. Join organization & you are expected to participate! Volunteer time, energy, etc. 3. Reason why we have so many weak Christians = because they half committed to many causes rather than being totally committed to the one thing that matters most! a) we can be committed to the wrong things; b) Hunting/fishing/hiking/golf/shopping/fun/work, etc. B. Brethren – we need a commitment from you! Jesus asks for a BIG commitment! 1. It’s a commitment that will involve sacrifice! It’s a commitment to do whatever possible/biblical to grow! 2. Jesus: Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9 – Follow me. They left their nets & followed him. NO QUESTIONS. How many of us would be like this ….or would we be like the ones in Lk. 9:59-60? 3. Mt. 28:18-20 – a commitment to spread the gospel – take it to entire world. This fulfilled – Col. 1:6, 23. 4. Jesus was not at all reluctant to ask men/women to drop everything & follow Him! 5. Lk. 14:33 – demanded total commitment! C. What are areas of commitment we must thrive upon? 1. Totally committed to being present at every service! 2. totally committed to grow into spiritual maturity 3. Totally committed to work together to take the gospel to others. 4. Totally committed to explore new, different – but scriptural ways to take the gospel to others! Open minded! 5. Totally committed to devote time/rearrange schedule/cancel other things in an effort to make this church b/c as healthy as possible! D. Are you wiling to commit to making this church grow your first priority? Mt. 6:33 1. Conservative churches have a better % of deeply committed disciples than most groups do. 2. We must continue to develop a core of totally committed disciples. 3. We have a head start here – if we put our commitment to work in the right areas. V. Good, calm, steady leadership. A. People demand steady, wise, leadership today! 1. Christ-like leadership can point us in the right direction of: a) service b) involvement c) openness d) communication e) love 2. A leadership where those in these roles remember that they are a servant! We are all servants! Compliment brethren. Sincere motives. B. Contentions, combative conflicts over judgment matters (bible class/bus mtg) are a sure way to kill souls! 1. If it – your “judgment” a/b what’s best – better never to make it a matter of dogmatism. 2. Rom. 14:19 – pursue peace in these matters. C. On matters of doctrine – stand up for it. Can’t back off. D. Members of congregation must keep this in mind if we wish to accomplish much in the arena of church growth. 1. Calm, steady good leadership. 2. Christ like example. Conclusion: A. These are 4 areas we must check - and see that we are healthy in these areas. 1. Room for improvement? Is our lack of effort in this area – an indication of a barrier to growth? 2. If so, what are we going to do about it? B. Tonight – we will talk about 4 more essentials to church growth. C. Are you not a Christian? Would you be interested in getting on board w/God’s plan? 1. Back to Rich man/Lazarus. Here’s a man who realized only too late – the condition of his soul. 2. His fate was sealed. 3. We would love to assist you in obeying the gospel. D. If you already a Christian – do you need to renew your commitment? Then do so today! E. I N V I T A T I O N