Essentials to Church Growth (2)

Introduction:
This morning we learned that the most important work in the life of a Christian is to work to evangelizing and recovering a lost soul. Now we will continue discussing some essential elements in creating a healthy environment for growth. If a congregation fails to check it’s spiritual health—it is destined to die or wither away! We must be willing to work so natural/scriptural growth will take place. What are four more points to consider?

I. Happy, _________________ Lives.
    A. Strong moral standards build respect & provide a ____________ for growth.
        1. 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16—how is our behavior outside the church building?
        2. Growing churches place emphasis on moral teaching!
    B. Our good example can ________________ other persons. See Titus 2:10
    C. Shouldn’t be ashamed to take stands on social drinking; immodest dress; etc.
    D. Our purity & happy moral lives will draw persons to us.

II. Close; Caring __________________ ____________.
    A. More/more people feel lonely/distant/empty.
        1. People look for a place where they will feel welcome & ___________!
    B. Brotherly love/congregational warmth is commanded behavior for Christians!
        1. 1 Pet. 1:22—love one another fervently ________ ______ _________!
        2. See also Rom. 12:9-10; 1 Jhn. 4:8-9; Jhn. 13:34-35; 1 Jhn. 3:11, 16-18
C. Comer: close groups grow when they learn to include the weak & prospects
more. Hospitality is the act of entertaining "strangers."

III. ______________ Member committed to _____________!
    A. This is where many brethren/congregations fail. Growth must be a concern for
         EVERY element within 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. Of one mind, heart; at peace; desired growth; outwardly focused
    C. Must work on building enthusiasm! How committed are YOU to seeing us grow?

IV. Great, ________________ Bible _____________!
    A. Some give impression that the Bible class not important.
    B. How?
        1. By ______________ __________ class!
        2. By being ___________________!
        3. By _________________________ during class!
        4. By having teachers _________________ to the max!
    C. We have a head start here—but can we do better?



Essentials to Church Growth (2) Introduction: This morning we learned that the most important work in the life of a Christian is to work to evangelizing and recovering a lost soul. Now we will continue discussing some essential elements in creating a healthy environment for growth. If a congregation fails to check it’s spiritual health—it is destined to die or wither away! We must be willing to work so natural/scriptural growth will take place. What are four more points to consider? I. Happy, _________________ Lives. A. Strong moral standards build respect & provide a ____________ for growth. 1. 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16—how is our behavior outside the church building? 2. Growing churches place emphasis on moral teaching! B. Our good example can ________________ other persons. See Titus 2:10 C. Shouldn’t be ashamed to take stands on social drinking; immodest dress; etc. D. Our purity & happy moral lives will draw persons to us. II. Close; Caring __________________ ____________. A. More/more people feel lonely/distant/empty. 1. People look for a place where they will feel welcome & ___________! B. Brotherly love/congregational warmth is commanded behavior for Christians! 1. 1 Pet. 1:22—love one another fervently ________ ______ _________! 2. See also Rom. 12:9-10; 1 Jhn. 4:8-9; Jhn. 13:34-35; 1 Jhn. 3:11, 16-18 C. Comer: close groups grow when they learn to include the weak & prospects more. Hospitality is the act of entertaining "strangers." III. ______________ Member committed to _____________! A. This is where many brethren/congregations fail. Growth must be a concern for EVERY element within 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. Of one mind, heart; at peace; desired growth; outwardly focused C. Must work on building enthusiasm! How committed are YOU to seeing us grow? IV. Great, ________________ Bible _____________! A. Some give impression that the Bible class not important. B. How? 1. By ______________ __________ class! 2. By being ___________________! 3. By _________________________ during class! 4. By having teachers _________________ to the max! C. We have a head start here—but can we do better?