CHURCH GROWTH
INTRODUCTION:
The student of church growth should be aware of the founder, the builder of the church and the foundation upon which the church is built.
A building without solid foundation, as it starts growing will surely collapse.
Jesus Christ the Founder. Matt. 16:20
Jesus Christ the Builder. Matt. 16:18-20
Jesus Christ the Foundation. Matt. 16:18-20
LOCAL CHURCH
The Local Church of Christ constitutes a body of believers who gather together in His name in a given locality and who expresses love and care for each other. Matt. 18:20.
The Universal church of Christ
A LIVING ORGANISM
The church is primarily a living organism and secondarily an organization. Everything about the church involves life. Jesus Christ, the Head of the church is a living Saviour. The church includes individuals who have been made alive spiritually as a result of the new birth, John.3: 3, Ehp.2: 1-3. Both individuals and corporately the church are inhabited by a living Spirit John.14, 1Cor.3: 16-17. A living book governs its affairs. Heb.4: 12.
DEFINITION OF CHURCH GROWTH
A. Church Growth means the complex process by which God expands the church of Christ
B. Church growth is the balanced increase in quantity, quality and organizational complexity of a local church. By this definition we can see that there are three components of church growth.
TOTAL CHURCH GROWTH
1. Quantitative Growth.
2. Qualitative Growth.
3. Organizational Growth.
Failure to grow in any one of these areas develops an unhealthy situation in the health of the church.
EXAMINING THE CHURCH GROWTH COMPONENTS
A. Quantitative Growth or Numerical. This happens when the individual Christian or corporate body of Christian present the gospel message into the world, and more people are attracted to the church life. Quantitative growth is biblical, but methodology varies from church to church.
B. Qualitative Growth or Spirit Growth: This means the progressive development of the body into the likeness of the Head-Jesus Christ. Growth in Christ likeness in its corporate behaviour and character. The quality of unity in the church life. Such growth occurs as believers are exposed to excellent teachings and are given opportunity to apply Scriptural principles within the family, the church and the world.
C. Organic Growth: Organic growth is reflected in the organizational and structural development of a church. As the church effectively absorbs
D. new members into its life, as the number grows, so must the organization. More officers are added with physical facilities, money, staff, and enlargement in mechanism of government of the church.
Much can be learned on Church Growth through a study of the records in the New Testament. Though the church began in the midst of persecution yet they grew tremendously.
Paul explains church growth comparing it to the process of agricultural cultivation. “I plant, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase {growth} 1Cor. 3:6. Just as careful planting watering and cultivating are necessary for crop growth, fruit bearing and harvesting, so are evangelism, discipleship and leadership development are necessary for church growth. Man has his own part as he is guided empowered by the Holy Spirit and God gives the growth. So church growth comes from human. It is God’s co-operation in Christ building His church.
HOW TO IDENTIFY SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF LOCAL CHURCH
1. A local church or congregation made up of Christian as members. Which makes clear distinction between members and ordinary casual attendants to service or meeting Acts. 16:4-5, 2:41-47.
2. A congregation who meet together in a special way on the first day of the week. 1Cor. 16:2, Acts.20:7.
3. A church which foresters spiritual maturation for all converts and members in general. 1Cor. -20, 1Pet.2:2, Eph.4:11-16, 2Tim2:2
through effective discipline training.
4. A church with burning passion for lost souls and takes church growth
seriously Acts. .
5. A church, which makes the Bible the authority and rule of faith and Christian practices.
6. A church, which emphasizes the need for the baptism of the Holy Spirit for service and filling for holiness.
7. A church with biblical and evangelical beliefs and practices.
8. A church, which is organized in a unified, orderliness in exercise of spiritual gifts in love, unity and maturity without strive. Eph. 4:16, 1Cor. 12:1-31.
9. A church, which practices two sacraments of, water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
10. A praying church.
11. A church or congregation who can define and examine ministerial call of its ministers or workers and provide adequate preparation training for its ministers add workers.
12. A congregation with a group of disciplined elders who shoulder the
responsibilities of the local church {Acts. } and deacons or deaconess who are responsible for community of the church in the area of materials things. Acts. 5:1-6
13 A church which follows specific and biblical qualification s for its
ministers, elder deacons and workers. 1Tim; , Titus; 1; 5- 9.
14. A church, which takes discipline seriously. 1Cor. 5:1-5.
15. A congregation where all affairs are handled perfectly and in order.
1Cor.14-40.
CHURCH GROWTH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
God is not only interested in planting churches, but desires that it should grow. A growing and healthy child is the joy of his parents.
Jesus established the church for the continuation of his redemptive ministry. To do this he gave the great commission of world Evangelization to the church.
CHURCH GROWTH AND HEALTH
Since the church is born and continues to live with the life of Christ, we expect the church to grow naturally and spontaneously.
If the church doesn’t grow, it means that the growth is inhibited by disease and if not cured, it may die.
Our responsibility then is to maintain the heath of the church, and then it will grow, as it ought to.
CHURCH GROWTH ATTITUDE
GOD IS NOT INTERSTED IN:
1. Luke:5:4-11. Fishing without catching.
2. Lk.14:15-23. An Empty Banquet Table.
3. Matt .13:3-9. Sowing without Reaping.
4. Lk.13:6-9 A fig Tree That Bears No Root.
5. Matt.18:11-14. Lost Sheep That Bears No Brought Into the Fold.
6. Lk.15:8-10. A Lost Coin That Is Sought But Not Found.
7. Matt.9:36-38. Ripe Harvests Without Response.
WHY CHURCH DIDN`T GROW
INTRODUCTION:
We have to face the fact that some churches are not growing or their growth is minimal. In order to plan for church growth, it is necessary to understand what hinders growth. As we look at the negative side of church growth, we not that the following list of hindrances is not exhaustive and that there will be variations and combinations of reasons why a church is not growing. Churches need to watch out for the followings:
1. Some churches blow uncertain trumpets: They are not sure of their
mission.
2. Rigidity: Rather than depending on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, rules
become the hardened institutional standard. Rigidity limits relationship
among believers.
3. An eye is always open to observe deviation: much like the Pharisees.
It binds, burden too have to be borne.
4. Traditions. Rom.1: 5-6. There may have been a golden age under a
certain pastor. His style and attitudes become set of incorrect
traditions.
5. Lack of relevance in today’s world.
6. Community changes result in lack of numerical growth. Yet there are
some unreached people always there, some new ones moving in.
7. Lack of leadership: Build on Christ, not dynamic personalities. Learn to
identify and develop leaders.
8. The Church May Have Lost Her “First Love”:
A church may have lost her vision and reason for existence. Members
may be concentrating on a building programme to the neglect of other
programme, or they may be content to go on doing the usual routine.
They may have lost their evangelistic zeal and become lukewarm.
9. There May Be A Spiritual/Moral Problem:
There may be division in the fellowship. If a break in the fellowship not
quickly mended, or if a pastor or influential member continues long in sin
without disciplinary measures, the church loses control and is rendered
impotent. It is God who gives the “increase”, but sinful vessel hinder
God’s work.
10. The Church Has Not Considered Growth:
The church has never critically evaluated her progress and realized the
need for growth, and thus has made no plan for growth. This lack of
direction can be compared to a bright youth who is not sent to school
and meekly accepts his handicap of illiteracy without a thought.
11. The Church Members Resists Change:
The leading members may resist change in their programme. Them may
say, “What is wrong with our church? We like it the way it is.” This
attitude gives no consideration to what is best for the church and the
work of the kingdom of God
12. The Pastor Is Too Busy:
In some churches the pastor does not utilize his members well, but does most of the work and cannot add any new activities because he is too busy. In other churches member may not want to assume responsibility to help with the work of the church, as they should. In either case, extra programme that contribute to church growth, are omitted, “Let pastor do it.” Is the greatest heresy that has plagued the church?
13. Church Member Are Not Interested In “Outsiders”:
The membership is a closed fellowship with little or no interest in
“outsiders”. Visitors may not be welcome enthusiastically or invited back,
especially if they are not native of the area. Members do not consider it
their duty to reach out to the lost and needy souls in the community.
14. The Members Do Not Support Trained Leadership:
The members do not value trained leadership enough to provide adequate
support to a trained pastor who could lead the church to growth.
15. The Church Is Controlled By An Individual Or Family:
The church may be controlling by an individual or a family. In order to be a New Testament church, members must be a co-operation group of believers who are free and equal, but united by love for Christ. Christ, the Head, should control the church, not of its members.
16. The Church May Be Using Wrong Methods:
Some churches use the methods of the world to do the work of God, and God will not bless this disobedience. At other times, churches use methods, which will work, well in one area or with one group of people
but not another. For instance, methods will need to vary somewhat from urban areas to rural and from an educated group to mostly illiterates. When churches do not adapt their methods to varying situations, growth may be hindered.
17. {Wrong Location.}
18. {Bad Message Hinder Church Growth.}
Conclusion:
Someone has said that lack of growth is a church disease that can be cured. In fact, most of the above hindrances could possibly be removed, but to be objective, there are some churches that will likely never grow.
A pastor should watch out for obstacles to the growth and consider the likelihood of an early cure. He should recognize that growth can be slow, it can be fast, or it can be interrupted for a period of time. Church leaders must be alert to the fact that church growth does not just happen, but is affected by external conditions such as environment, as well as by spiritual conditions. When a church understands why it is not growing, that is the first step to a cure.
PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH GROWTH
1. PRAY FOR GROWTH
Since we can make the church grow, and because it is God who make it grow, then we should depend on God for growth, we express our dependence upon God when we pray.
a. The Holy Spirit establishes the church. John. 16:6-11, .
B.The Holy Spirit equips the church. Eph. 4:12, 2Tim. -17. 1Cor.12: 4-11.
If we want to express our dependence upon God, we should pray fervently. Prayer should be made in faith in God because it is God who makes things happen. Nothing will happen, if we do not ask.
2. DIAGONOSE FOR GROWTH:
Church growth depends on the health of the church. All the things that affect living things make church grow unless disease affects or hinders the growth: Therefore health of the church must be maintained. To maintain health depends on diagnosis.
DIAGNOSIS: Means to evaluate and analyze vital signs and body functions and thus determine the state of health.
TWO TYPES: There is the preventive Diagnosis: This is annual periodical check up when noting is known to be wrong no ting potential problems before they arise. Responsive Diagnosis is to respond to a symptom of something know. This is done to pin point a disease when several symptoms are already present.
DISEASE WITHIN THE CHURCH
1. Toleration of known sin. This is manifested in lack of growth division,
negative attitude and disunity.
2. Lack of desires to grow quantitatively, qualitatively and
organizationally.
3. Lack of commitment to prayer’s
4. Lack of leadership development.
8. Extreme congregational form of government.
9. Electing unqualified people into offices by majority votes.
10. Unqualified people are locked in post until the next election.
11. Flexibility is missing.
PRAY ER AND GUID ANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The growth of a church is always brought about by the action of the Holy Spirit leads in converting the lost, building up the church and sending out and empowering witnesses. Christian who are consistent in Bible study and prayer will be open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
THE CHURCH GROWTH SURVEY
There is some value in seeing a tabulation of indicators for a church for
the current year. However, such a view does not reveal either growth or decline. It is necessary to gather statistics from a period of years in order to survey the church over a time period. Such a survey shows clearly the trends of the church generally and also of each organization.
It is desirable to use data from a ten-year period, if possible. That is why it is very important for a church to tabulation an annual report and to keep it safe. Reports are futile if not used, but their potential usefulness should motivate us to take good care of this part of our ministry. A pastor should take personal responsibility for his church annual report.
Even, if a secretary does the research and fills the form the pastor should check it, and then use it to challenge member’s improvement and to commend work well done.
This form A is an example of a church Growth Survey for a ten-year period. If information data for ten-years is not available, then record as many years as possible.
If annual report have not been kept, look for statistics in the “Preacher’s Book”, Membership Book, Sunday School Records or whatever record book the church has. When data from several years are set side for comparison, it is easy to tell whatever the church is making progress, standing still, or loosing ground.
There is great value in a survey, which diagnoses the health of a church. Attendance figures are the most obvious indicators of growth. The number of baptisms is a good measure of the evangelistic effectiveness of the church.
If there have been several baptisms each year but the attendance is static, we must ask ourselves why. Is the church in a transient community, or are we falling to make disciples of our concerts: We may even discover that we are baptizing some who have not been converted.
From a table of basic indicators we could, if it severs our purpose, take the exercise further by using mathematics to calculate other indicators such as the Baptism/Membership ratio or income per member, etc. This same type of survey may also be used to evaluate an association or group of churches.
FORM A - BASIC CHURCH
Membership 62 | 88 | 119 | 131 | |
1273Average Morning 42 Attendance | 72 | 85 | 128 | 138 144 171 209 222 244 |
Average Sunday School 41 Attendance | 69 | 83 | 96 | 102 115 158 192 208 209 |
Candidate Number of other New Member 12 Total Tithes and Offering 1,800 Total Monthly Offering 32 | 33 28 16 10 750 84 | 41 32 21 10 484 126 | 59 38 08 04 2,000 167 | 70 78 79 93 86 87 41 53 54 58 68 62 27 05 03 28 15 04 15 0 0 16 05 0 4,000 595 3,050 884 3,500 2,400 204 258 293 312 323 343 |
INTRODUTION:
The Sunday school provides great opportunities for Church Growth as the lost are exposed repeatedly to God’s word and his claim on their lives. Likewise,
Bible study helps Christian mature and challenges them with their responsibilities as stewards of the gospel.
In this section we will discuss five ways the Sunday school works for church growth. It finds the prospects. It brings the prospect to the church. It ministers to individual. It imparts the word of God, and it makes the Bible purpose to be our purpose.
1. It finds the prospects
Jesus said; For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost” Lk.19:10. The first task of the church is to see out those who are lost so that they can be brought to Jesus for salvation. Christ did not tell the lost to go to the church, but he told the church to go to the lost.
WHO IS PROSPECT?
The first step in using the Sunday school for evangelism and church
growth is
to find out who are the prospects for the Sunday school.
There are three obvious sources of prospects:
a. Un-enrolled members of the church.
b. Family and friends of members, and
C Un-churched men, women, boys and girls in the community.
You might ask how enrolling a member in Sunday school would help the church to grow. It is obvious that enrolling a person and enlisting his attendance would be an addition of one.
Aside from that, teaching members the Word of God helps the church to grow qualitatively, Second, when we enroll a member, we are likely to get some of his family or friends along with him, Third, being a Sunday member and a Bible student places him in that pool of potential workers from which we draw leaders.
Every church member ought to be a regular member of Sunday School, and be ought to be ever striving to bring all members of his family plus every un-churched friend or neighbour into the Bible teaching programme of the church.
However, he may not think of this unless he is told, reminded and urged to do so. Evangelism is like riding a canoe upstream. Unless you keep growing, you will go backward. Sunday School leaders must continually place responsibility for the un-enlisted on the heart of members.
We have not done our best seeking for the lost until we conduct a community survey or religious census. We may think we know everyone in the community, but a census always reveals numbers of unchurch, and usually unsaved souls for whom Christ died. Our Lord said, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also”
2. It Brings the Prospect
Suppose a Church conducts a survey and finds two hundred and ninety prospects. Will the pastor be able to minister to each one before they die or move away?
3. It Ministers To Individuals
Sunday School class members should be used also to visit one another. Responsibilities may be assigned so that any class member who absent on Sunday will be contacted by a fellow member to discourage slackness, sympathize in illness or minister to a need.
4. It Imparts God’s Word
The King James Version of Rom. says “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. It also says in Hebrews.4: 12 “For the word of God is quick and powerful…” We can be confident that if we can get a Prospect into a Bible class with some regularity and if we look to God to use our minds and hearts to teach the Word, God Himself will convince that prospect.
5. Bible Purpose Is Our Purpose
The purpose of the Bible is the revelation of God’s redemption.
Near the end of his Gospel the Apostle John stated the purpose of his writing, and he could have said the same for all the books from Genesis to Revelation. He stated “…These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
No person ever graduates from the school of the Bible. Moses advice to a man concern the book of the Law was, “And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the day of his life…” (Deut.17: 19). In fact, the Bible grows sweeter the longer we study it.
Therefore, the Sunday School helps the Church grow stronger by imparting the truth of God’s Word and making applications to real life situation of men, women, boys and girls. God bless you.
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