5 Factors that Facilitate Church Growth
I’ve lived long enough to see all sorts of techniques that have been (and still are) intended to help individual congregations of the Lord’s church grow. My association with and membership in the church spans the time when personal evangelism was done in “cottage meetings” to the time when it is now more fashionable to do this in coffee houses. I’ve seen “joy busses” arrive and leave. Sheet sermons have given way to PowerPoint presentations.
I have not “seen it all,” but I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen congregations grow and thrive. I’ve seen congregations “swell” and “atrophy” (gain members from other congregations and lose members to other congregations and/or the world). I’ve seen the excitement of new “church plants” and sorrow when the doors of a meeting house are closed for the last time.
I hope that you will bear with me as I share some ideas that, in my opinion, are biblical and workable. Along with that, these ideas and observations have stood the test of time. They “worked” in the First Century. They have continued to “work” during my lifetime. In my opinion, they are practical at any time and in any location.
I would suggest that, in order for any congregation to grow, the following factors are vitally important.
Foundation
“For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).
Have you ever thought about the fact that those words were originally addressed to one congregation (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2)? Have you stopped to think about the context of those words?
The discussion about the foundation of the church in First Corinthians is part of a discussion about the danger of following men – even men like Paul, himself. I pray that I am not misapplying scripture when I suggest that Paul would agree with the following words:
Do not build your faith or your congregation on anybody or anything other than Jesus. Men will come and go. The popularity and pragmatism of programs, techniques, and ministries will wax and wane over time and in different locations. Only Jesus is “…the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Faith
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
The members of many of the congregations of the First Century church found themselves in an environment that in many ways was very similar to ours. Entertainment, athletics, false religions, and misguided philosophies and religious practices attracted huge numbers.
As his life was drawing near the end, Paul did not charge the younger preacher, Timothy, to compete with any or all of these. Instead, he firmly and simply challenged Timothy with these words: “Preach the word…” (2 Timothy 4:2).
True church growth occurs only when people are saved (cf. Acts 2:38-47). It follows then that our pulpits, Bible classes, and personal devotionals should remember these words:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation… (Rom. 1:16).
Family
“By
A “family atmosphere” is vital to the health and growth of a congregation of God’s people. The investment of time, energy, and other resources into the lives of one another will get the attention of, and be attractive to, those who are not Christians.
Tertullian lived and wrote during parts of the Second and Third
“Look,” they say, “how they love one another” (for they themselves hate one another); “and how they are ready to die for each other” (for they themselves are readier to kill each other).
People notice how we relate to and with one another. What they see can either attract or repel them.
Forgiveness
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph, 4:32).
Sin is a universal problem (cf. Rom. 3:10, 23). All of us stand in need of forgiveness from God and, at times, from each other.
What would appeal to you more as a church home; one known for constant infighting and antagonism– OR – one known as forgiving each other, accepting people where they are, and lovingly, firmly, and consistently helping one another get to heaven?
The answer to that question may give us some insight concerning “church growth.”
Future
“…we feel sure of better things – things that belong to salvation” (Heb. 6:9).
We all need to understand and embrace the promise of Rev. 14:13:
“…Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them,’”
At the same time, it is my belief that people need to “see” a vision for the future of the local church and to buy into that vision. When they do, they will be an encouragement to one another and will attract interest from others.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. These five things are not intended to be anywhere close to an exhaustive list. They are merely a few things drawn from my experiences over the years.
What would your list include?
What are you doing to help the congregation where you worship have the characteristics mentioned here?
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
