Essentials to Church Growth (1)

Introduction:
There is no more important work in the life of a Christian than to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul! This is the central theme of Christianity! This congregation must be looking forward to and expecting church growth! Over the next weeks we will be talking about the importance of church growth. Church growth is the natural result of church health! How is the health of our congregation? Here are some essentials to church growth:

I. ____________ ___________ is the natural result of _________ __________!
    A. All living things grow! (Kids, trees, plants, animals.)
        1. All things grow—if hindrances to growth are removed!
        2. Must work to remove barriers to growth.
    B. The church is a ___________ ____________ - made up of living souls.
        1. Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-15; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18
        2. Col. 2:19—____________ wants us to grow!
    C. Often ask: what will make us grow? Need to ask: what is keeping us from growing?
    D. What are some essentials to ___________ __________ within a congregation?

II. A ______________ to look ahead.
A. Phil. 3:12-15—can’t look to the future when looking backwards!
B. Must pick up our spirits; believe in God’s plan; and be filled with hope! 2 Tim. 1:6

III. Strong ____________ ________________.
A. Must preach whole counsel of God! (Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 4:15; Jude 3)
B. People are looking for this kind of teaching!

IV. Totally _________________ Disciples.
    A. Definition of commitment.
        1. Why do we have weak Christians? Because they half committed to too
            many causes w/o being ____________ committed to what matters most!
        2. We need your commitment! Jesus asks for a _______ commitment!
        3. Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9; 28:18-20—expected men to sacrifice for Him!
        4. LK. 14:33—demanded TOTAL commitment!
    B. What are areas of commitment we need to thrive upon?
    C. Mt. 6:33-34—is serving God & telling others about Him your _______ priority?

V. Good, __________, _____________ Leadership.
    A. People demand good, steady, wise leadership today! Leaders = servants!
        1. Can’t waste time by arguing over matters of judgment! (Rom. 14:19)
    B. Need men who will stand up for Biblical truth. Lead by Christ-like example!

Conclusion:
A. Is there room for improvement here? If so, what are we going to do about it?



Essentials to Church Growth (1) Introduction: There is no more important work in the life of a Christian than to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul! This is the central theme of Christianity! This congregation must be looking forward to and expecting church growth! Over the next weeks we will be talking about the importance of church growth. Church growth is the natural result of church health! How is the health of our congregation? Here are some essentials to church growth: I. ____________ ___________ is the natural result of _________ __________! A. All living things grow! (Kids, trees, plants, animals.) 1. All things grow—if hindrances to growth are removed! 2. Must work to remove barriers to growth. B. The church is a ___________ ____________ - made up of living souls. 1. Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-15; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18 2. Col. 2:19—____________ wants us to grow! C. Often ask: what will make us grow? Need to ask: what is keeping us from growing? D. What are some essentials to ___________ __________ within a congregation? II. A ______________ to look ahead. A. Phil. 3:12-15—can’t look to the future when looking backwards! B. Must pick up our spirits; believe in God’s plan; and be filled with hope! 2 Tim. 1:6 III. Strong ____________ ________________. A. Must preach whole counsel of God! (Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 4:15; Jude 3) B. People are looking for this kind of teaching! IV. Totally _________________ Disciples. A. Definition of commitment. 1. Why do we have weak Christians? Because they half committed to too many causes w/o being ____________ committed to what matters most! 2. We need your commitment! Jesus asks for a _______ commitment! 3. Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9; 28:18-20—expected men to sacrifice for Him! 4. LK. 14:33—demanded TOTAL commitment! B. What are areas of commitment we need to thrive upon? C. Mt. 6:33-34—is serving God & telling others about Him your _______ priority? V. Good, __________, _____________ Leadership. A. People demand good, steady, wise leadership today! Leaders = servants! 1. Can’t waste time by arguing over matters of judgment! (Rom. 14:19) B. Need men who will stand up for Biblical truth. Lead by Christ-like example! Conclusion: A. Is there room for improvement here? If so, what are we going to do about it?