Essentials to Church Growth (2)

Essentials to Church Growth (2)

2000061

Topic # 1535

Introduction:

A. Earlier: discussed that most important work in life of Christian is to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul.

1. Must be committed to working in this area.

2. Col. 2:19 – remember: God wants His church to grow.

B. We also discussed how church growth is a direct result of church health.

1. All living things grow – especially when they are healthy.

a) Don’t have to ask/command kids; trees; animals; etc. to grow.

b) Do have to remove the barriers that prohibit growth.

2. The church is a living body made up of living souls.

a) Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18

b) We should work to make our spiritual lives as healthy as possible so natural growth will take place.

c) We should work to make our congregation as healthy as possible so natural/scriptural growth will take place.

3. Perhaps it would do us good to write down any barriers that we see to our spiritual growth here. (Both individually and congregationally)

C. Earlier…we discussed 4 essentials to church growth

1. a commitment to look/plan for the future – Phil. 3:12-14

2. a commitment to have strong bible teaching

3. total commitment from all the members of a congregation

4. good/calm/steady leadership

D. Now we wish to continue w/4 more essentials to church growth. We must be willing to evaluate where we stand on these issues. Must be willing to make necessary changes.

1. treat physical body w/out checkup/neglect – health problems result

2. treat automobile w/o proper maintenance – break down

3. Fail to check up on spiritual lives – destined for failure!

4. If this congregation fails to check its spiritual health – destined to die/wither on the vine.

I. Happy Moral Lives.

A. Strong moral standards build respect & provide a foundation for growth.

5. While it can bring words of strong opposition from those w/a lower standard of morality – we must remain steadfast.

6. 1 Pet. 2:12 – to keep our behavior excellent in its nature. Do this? No one have ought against us. How is my behavior outside the church building?

7. This thought continued in 1 Pet. 3:16. Do things where our conscience will not be violated.

B. Growing churches today maintain a strong moral standard.

1. By placing considerable emphasis on moral teaching we can b/c appealing to the person who wishes to improve his life in a sinful world.

2. Titus 2:10 – adorn the doctrine of God – our Savior in all things.

3. Good examples motivate persons today – as they always have in sinful societies.

C. Brethren – we should not be ashamed of preaching on:

1. Social drinking; immodest dress; dancing; etc.

a) Anyone who genuinely wants to change their life will NOT be deterred by that!

b) But: hypocrisy; anger; bitterness; petty attitudes WILL turn people away!

c) Our purity & happy moral lives will draw people to us – in a VERY PERMISSIVE world.

II. Close; Caring; Family Love.

A. Would you describe our society as being cold & uncaring?

1. More/more people feel distant; empty; lonely.

2. Communication/transportation developments only add to the pattern of brief contacts w/many different people during the day.

3. Brethren: we must realize the mood of our society. They are looking for a place where they will feel welcome and loved!

B. All growing congregations do a good job of stimulating congregational closeness/warmth/ & a “family tie” w/in the group.

1. do a good job of this here

2. But must be aware that we don’t forget that warm atmosphere/close relationships are commanded/expected of us!

C. 1 Pet. 1:22 – Christians to love one another fervently from the heart!

1. Brotherly love is commanded! See Rom. 12:9-10

a) been taught by God to love one another – 1 Jhn. 4:8-9

b) Jhn. 13:34-35; 1 Jhn. 3:11; 16-18

2. Closeness in a congregation will come from:

a) Teaching – the job of the congregation.

b) The heart/activity of the individuals

3. If group wishes to grow – brethren must grow closer together & love God. It must be evident to others – and will!

a) This will be attractive to the person who feels lonely & guilt ridden b/c of sin.

b) Must b/c interested in people around us. Invite them to worship. Be friendly to EVERY guest!

c) Comer: close groups grow when they learn to include the weak & prospects more. Hospitality is the act of entertaining “strangers.”

III. EVERY member committed to Growth.

A. This most important check up off the 8 points we will discuss in our lessons today.

1. Comer: this where many conservative congregations fail.

2. Everyone must become deeply committed to the great commission.

a) Everyone must believe that the empty seats can be filled and that the walls can be busted out to make room for new people.

b) GROWTH must be a concern for EVERY element w/in the congregation!

B. Consider the zeal of the first century Christians.

1. Acts 2:46-47; 4:32-33; 5:14; 9:31; 11:26; 19:10, 17, 20

2. What are some common elements in the above verses?

a) of ONE mind, heart, soul

b) at peace

c) a desire to be built up/increase (spiritually/numerically)

d) an outward focus – teaching others the gospel

e) A willingness to give glory to Christ.

3. Evident – as read through Scriptures – that EVERYONE was committed to growth!

C. Each one of us needs to be inviting guests to services; being present at services ourselves; working on our enthusiasm!

D. How committed are you/I to seeing this congregation grow?

IV. Great; Enthusiastic Bible Classes.

A. 2 Tim. 2:24 – we must upgrade our Bible classes to the quality of best teaching.

1. Not careful – we can teach in such a way as to suggest that we don’t think the lesson is very important.

2. Growth in faithful congregations should be centered around enthusiastic; high energy bible classes!

3. Must seek to build enthusiasm for classes to point that EVERYONE is talking about them – telling friends/neighbors about them.

B. How is this done?

1. By attending EACH class! Hard to have good class if no one there!

2. By being prepared/ready to answer or contribute.

3. By communicating during class. Don’t just sit there! Comment!

4. By teachers being prepared to the max for their class.

C. Parents who expect children to do lesson – can be a better example by being prepared for Bible class themselves.

D. Are YOU helping build enthusiasm for our classes?

Conclusion:

A. We have a head start in many areas – when compared to other groups.

1. We already doing some good things here.

2. But can we do better?

B. TO grow will require a broad group consciousness of what we need to do & the commitment of everyone to save the soul of another.

C. If you are here today & and not a member of Christ – then what could we do to help you become a Christian?

1. Rom. 3:23; 6:23 – all men have sinned & suffer the guilt/pain/remorse associated with it.

2. Rom. 1:16 – but we can be saved through the gospel.

3. H, B, R, C, B.

D. Already a Christian? Your spiritual health waning? You have this opportunity to get your life right. Don’t delay!

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



Essentials to Church Growth (2) 2000061 Topic # 1535 Introduction: A. Earlier: discussed that most important work in life of Christian is to work toward evangelizing & recovering a lost soul. 1. Must be committed to working in this area. 2. Col. 2:19 – remember: God wants His church to grow. B. We also discussed how church growth is a direct result of church health. 1. All living things grow – especially when they are healthy. a) Don’t have to ask/command kids; trees; animals; etc. to grow. b) Do have to remove the barriers that prohibit growth. 2. The church is a living body made up of living souls. a) Eph. 1:22-23; 4:16; Col. 1:18 b) We should work to make our spiritual lives as healthy as possible so natural growth will take place. c) We should work to make our congregation as healthy as possible so natural/scriptural growth will take place. 3. Perhaps it would do us good to write down any barriers that we see to our spiritual growth here. (Both individually and congregationally) C. Earlier…we discussed 4 essentials to church growth 1. a commitment to look/plan for the future – Phil. 3:12-14 2. a commitment to have strong bible teaching 3. total commitment from all the members of a congregation 4. good/calm/steady leadership D. Now we wish to continue w/4 more essentials to church growth. We must be willing to evaluate where we stand on these issues. Must be willing to make necessary changes. 1. treat physical body w/out checkup/neglect – health problems result 2. treat automobile w/o proper maintenance – break down 3. Fail to check up on spiritual lives – destined for failure! 4. If this congregation fails to check its spiritual health – destined to die/wither on the vine. I. Happy Moral Lives. A. Strong moral standards build respect & provide a foundation for growth. 5. While it can bring words of strong opposition from those w/a lower standard of morality – we must remain steadfast. 6. 1 Pet. 2:12 – to keep our behavior excellent in its nature. Do this? No one have ought against us. How is my behavior outside the church building? 7. This thought continued in 1 Pet. 3:16. Do things where our conscience will not be violated. B. Growing churches today maintain a strong moral standard. 1. By placing considerable emphasis on moral teaching we can b/c appealing to the person who wishes to improve his life in a sinful world. 2. Titus 2:10 – adorn the doctrine of God – our Savior in all things. 3. Good examples motivate persons today – as they always have in sinful societies. C. Brethren – we should not be ashamed of preaching on: 1. Social drinking; immodest dress; dancing; etc. a) Anyone who genuinely wants to change their life will NOT be deterred by that! b) But: hypocrisy; anger; bitterness; petty attitudes WILL turn people away! c) Our purity & happy moral lives will draw people to us – in a VERY PERMISSIVE world. II. Close; Caring; Family Love. A. Would you describe our society as being cold & uncaring? 1. More/more people feel distant; empty; lonely. 2. Communication/transportation developments only add to the pattern of brief contacts w/many different people during the day. 3. Brethren: we must realize the mood of our society. They are looking for a place where they will feel welcome and loved! B. All growing congregations do a good job of stimulating congregational closeness/warmth/ & a “family tie” w/in the group. 1. do a good job of this here 2. But must be aware that we don’t forget that warm atmosphere/close relationships are commanded/expected of us! C. 1 Pet. 1:22 – Christians to love one another fervently from the heart! 1. Brotherly love is commanded! See Rom. 12:9-10 a) been taught by God to love one another – 1 Jhn. 4:8-9 b) Jhn. 13:34-35; 1 Jhn. 3:11; 16-18 2. Closeness in a congregation will come from: a) Teaching – the job of the congregation. b) The heart/activity of the individuals 3. If group wishes to grow – brethren must grow closer together & love God. It must be evident to others – and will! a) This will be attractive to the person who feels lonely & guilt ridden b/c of sin. b) Must b/c interested in people around us. Invite them to worship. Be friendly to EVERY guest! c) Comer: close groups grow when they learn to include the weak & prospects more. Hospitality is the act of entertaining “strangers.” III. EVERY member committed to Growth. A. This most important check up off the 8 points we will discuss in our lessons today. 1. Comer: this where many conservative congregations fail. 2. Everyone must become deeply committed to the great commission. a) Everyone must believe that the empty seats can be filled and that the walls can be busted out to make room for new people. b) GROWTH must be a concern for EVERY element w/in the congregation! B. Consider the zeal of the first century Christians. 1. Acts 2:46-47; 4:32-33; 5:14; 9:31; 11:26; 19:10, 17, 20 2. What are some common elements in the above verses? a) of ONE mind, heart, soul b) at peace c) a desire to be built up/increase (spiritually/numerically) d) an outward focus – teaching others the gospel e) A willingness to give glory to Christ. 3. Evident – as read through Scriptures – that EVERYONE was committed to growth! C. Each one of us needs to be inviting guests to services; being present at services ourselves; working on our enthusiasm! D. How committed are you/I to seeing this congregation grow? IV. Great; Enthusiastic Bible Classes. A. 2 Tim. 2:24 – we must upgrade our Bible classes to the quality of best teaching. 1. Not careful – we can teach in such a way as to suggest that we don’t think the lesson is very important. 2. Growth in faithful congregations should be centered around enthusiastic; high energy bible classes! 3. Must seek to build enthusiasm for classes to point that EVERYONE is talking about them – telling friends/neighbors about them. B. How is this done? 1. By attending EACH class! Hard to have good class if no one there! 2. By being prepared/ready to answer or contribute. 3. By communicating during class. Don’t just sit there! Comment! 4. By teachers being prepared to the max for their class. C. Parents who expect children to do lesson – can be a better example by being prepared for Bible class themselves. D. Are YOU helping build enthusiasm for our classes? Conclusion: A. We have a head start in many areas – when compared to other groups. 1. We already doing some good things here. 2. But can we do better? B. TO grow will require a broad group consciousness of what we need to do & the commitment of everyone to save the soul of another. C. If you are here today & and not a member of Christ – then what could we do to help you become a Christian? 1. Rom. 3:23; 6:23 – all men have sinned & suffer the guilt/pain/remorse associated with it. 2. Rom. 1:16 – but we can be saved through the gospel. 3. H, B, R, C, B. D. Already a Christian? Your spiritual health waning? You have this opportunity to get your life right. Don’t delay! E. I N V I T A T I O N