Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11
Common Traits of Growing Churches
Intro.
1. What type of growth does this (any) church need? Growth that pleases God. When spiritual growth occurs there will be physical growth, Acts 6:7.
2. Opposition to the faith is not a deterrent to growth, but a catalyst for growth of the body of Christ, Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-21.
3. Common traits of churches that grow in ways that please Christ. (Not original with me, but they are common of thriving, growing congregations.)
I. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST, NOT NUMERICAL RESULTS. (Spiritual growth)
A. Christians are Encouraged to Be Faithful Seed Sowers and Allow God to Give the Results (Luke 8:11). Trust the power of the gospel.
1. Faithfulness is essential to be fellow-workers, 1 Cor. 3:5-9.
2. When we think numbers accurately measure spiritual growth, we create a false construct of spiritual success (2 Cor. 10:12).
B. Spiritual Strength is Not Measured by Numbers and Quotas, 1 Cor. 3:6; cf. 1 Chron. 21:1-4, 7-14.
1. We are to preach to everyone (Mark 16:15), not to use whatever tactic “works” to bring them in. (Meals, medicine, clothing, entertainment, etc.)
2. Consistent highlighting of numbers may indicate greater interest in head-counting than soul-converting.
II. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL TO SAVE, Rom. 1:16. (Faith in the word of God)
A. Not Gimmicks, Entertainment, or Social Gospel Approaches, John 6:26-27; 2 Tim. 4:2.
1. Not: Feasts/festivals to draw people to Christ, Matt. 14:13-15.
2. Not: Benevolence to draw the lost, Acts 3:1-8 (11).
3. Feed souls the bread of life (John 6:35).
B. Teaching the Gospel is Emphasized, Not the Process Used.
1. Must spread the seed to get results.
2. “Send the Light” - Mail, meetings, invitations, private studies…
3. God’s word will accomplish its purpose, Isa. 55:11. Trust it!
-Be faithful to spread the word. It will not return void.
III. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON THE PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND DUTY OF EACH MEMBER TO HELP THE CHURCH GROW, Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Rom. 14:12.
-We cannot all do the same things, but we can all do something. We help the church grow by doing our part and encouraging each other.
IV. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON WORKING FOR THE LORD, NOT ON PROMOTING OURSELVES.
A. Do the Work that Needs Doing and Encourage Others to Work.
1. Don’t “toot your own horn” or look for credit, Matt. 6:16-18.
2. Self-promotion is worldly, kills enthusiasm, and promotes factious division, James 3:16-18.
3. Growth is harmed when discord surfaces.
V. EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON BEING EQUIPPED TO HELP THE CHURCH GROW.
A. Prepare Yourself to Teach (help teach) Others, Col. 4:5-6.
1. Study the Bible to learn it and teach it, 2 Tim. 2:15.
2. Strengthen your resolve, knowing at times you will be rejected, 2 Tim. 2:1-3.
3. Serve in your sphere of opportunity, Gal. 6:5.
B. Some Results of Individual Preparation and Work:
1. Trust and apply the principle of duplication, 2 Tim. 2:2.
-Emphasize continuing the cycle of conversion, growth, and teaching.
2. Baptisms at all hours, Acts 16:33.
a. Don’t wait for pulpit conversions.
b. As soon as a person believes and is ready, baptize them.
3. New converts are grounded, Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Pet. 2:1-3.
a. Not a “dip’m” and “leave’m” approach.
b. Develop spiritual growth, and numerical growth will follow.
Conclusion
1. Remember, God gives the increase, not us, 1 Cor. 3:6-7.
a. Numerical growth without spiritual growth is just carnal growth.
b. Spiritual growth is essential, Eph. 4:13-15.
c. Numerical growth may or may not coincide with spiritual growth.
2. Let us work together for the spiritual growth of this church – to the praise and glory of God.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 21, 2024