THE “READY-CHURCH” FOR CHURCH GROWTH
1. A need for Revival must precede Evangelism. Church growth begins
from a “revival fire.” Those in the Church: Pastor, Officers, and
Members must have a deep desire to “turn from their wicked ways,
seek God’s face, and pray…” A Revival motivates the whole Church
body to “lift” Jesus, seek the unchurched and the unsaved and bring
them to Church to be penetrated by the same “revival fire. “ If a
Church starts praising God, praying, responding positively to the
“Preached Word” and the Written Words,” forgiving one another, caring
and loving one another, it sets the right atmosphere to receive and
nurture new members in Christ Jesus.
A “revival fire” is beginning of Evangelism.
2. A “Ready Church” for church growth must be about growing spiritually.
A Church must “grow-up” together in Christ Jesus before it can “grow
out. “ A spiritual climate must be created before growth can be
actualized. Prayer meetings day and night, encouraging members to
witness daily, involving members in ministry, focusing on people’s
needs, and planning and developing worship services that are dynamic
and inspiring, all play a great part in spiritual growth of a Church.
These spiritual activities always produce members in a Church that
experience the “born again event” in their lives; others become spirit
–filled; other begin to witness God’s calling on their lives to specific
ministries; the agape love begins to be increased; members begin
forgiving one another; and members begin to have a yearning to reach
and win the unsaved and the unchurched to Christ Jesus and bring
them into their fellowship of love (agape).
3. A “Ready-Church” for Church growth must be organized. A church is
basically divided into Boards, Committees, Commissions, Class
Auxiliaries, and Ministries. A Church that is not well organized will
seldom experience continued growth. Placing the right people in the
right position and with the right mission according to their gifts and
abilities is a must in Church growth. Good organization not only keeps
members busy working in the church, but most importantly, brings
fulfillment to the mission of the church and the believer as well.
4. A “Ready-Church” for Church growth is informed about Christian Faith.
A Church must have personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowledge
of the Bible, knowledge of the Church’s doctrine and structure, and
knowledge of the denominational and local church’s history.
5. A “Ready-Church” for Church growth must show Evidence of the Four
(4) ships for Spiritual Development: (a) Discipleship – the membership
of the church has their eyes on Jesus who is their leader, their main
influence and the Lord. (b) Leadership – The Pastor and Officers are
Disciples of Christ who can give directions, make corrections, and
always have affection of the body of Christ. (c) Stewardship –
members are generous givers of their tithes and offering, their time and
talents toward the needs and ministries of the Church and in
obedience to God. (d) Fellowship – the coming together of God’s
people in love and oneness in the Holy Spirit.
All of the above must take place if true Church growth is to take place continually.