What role does church growth play in fulfilling the Great Commission? The Great Commission: A Clear Mandate - “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) - The command is two-fold: evangelize (reach the lost) and disciple (build the saved). - Neither aspect is optional. Growth—both spiritual and numerical—flows naturally from obedience to this mandate. Acts 16:5: A Snapshot of Obedient Expansion - “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” (Acts 16:5) - Strengthened faith and daily increase travel together; one fuels the other. - Luke presents growth as normal, expected, and God-ordained when the gospel is preached and believers are grounded. Church Growth as Evidence of Faithfulness - Growth validates that the message is being proclaimed and lives are being changed (Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:6). - Multiplying disciples demonstrates that Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18) is actively acknowledged and trusted. - Numerical increase signals that God is drawing people (John 6:44) and that the church is cooperating with His mission. How Growth Advances the Commission 1. More Witnesses, Wider Reach • As numbers rise, so does the collective voice proclaiming Christ (Acts 1:8). • Each new believer becomes another laborer in the harvest (Luke 10:2). 2. Strengthened Body, Deeper Discipleship • A growing congregation provides diverse gifts for mutual edification (Ephesians 4:16). • Healthy size enables broader teaching, mentoring, and sending. 3. Visibility That Glorifies God • The world notices when communities transform (Matthew 5:14-16). • Growth showcases the power of the gospel, drawing still more to Christ. 4. Resource Expansion for Mission • Increased people often mean increased resources—time, skills, finances—fueling church planting and global outreach (Philippians 4:15-16). Living It Out Together - Prioritize gospel proclamation—plant and water, trusting God to give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). - Invest in discipleship that strengthens faith, knowing spiritual health drives authentic growth. - Celebrate every addition as evidence that the Great Commission is advancing, and steward that growth toward further mission. |
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