What steps can you take to ensure spiritual growth in your local church? Why Acts 15:36 Matters “After some time Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we preached the word of the Lord to see how they are doing.’ ” (Acts 15:36) Paul’s simple proposal reveals a pattern: intentional follow-up that fuels healthy, maturing churches. Drawing from this verse—and connecting passages—here are practical, biblical steps you can take to nurture spiritual growth right where you worship. Step 1: Cultivate Ongoing Relationships • Paul wanted to “visit the brothers,” not merely audit their numbers. • Genuine care strengthens believers (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8). • Action point: Spend time with members outside formal gatherings—meals, calls, visits—to know their spiritual condition and encourage them personally. Step 2: Teach the Word Consistently • The towns Paul revisited were places “where we preached the word of the Lord.” The same Word that birthed faith now matures it (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Action point: Keep expository, Christ-centered teaching central in every ministry, from pulpit to children’s classes. Step 3: Encourage Mutual Accountability • “To see how they are doing” implies assessment. Hebrews 10:24–25 calls believers to “stir one another up.” • Action point: Form small groups or mentoring pairs that meet regularly, share victories and struggles, and pray for specific growth areas. Step 4: Invest in Discipleship Teams • Paul traveled with Barnabas—growth happens best in partnership (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). • Action point: Train ministry teams. Equip faithful people who will teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). Step 5: Maintain a Mission Mindset • Re-visiting did not end evangelism; it fueled further outreach (Acts 16:5). • Action point: Keep missions reports, outreach events, and personal evangelism training woven into church life so growth remains outward-looking. Step 6: Resolve Conflict Biblically • The very next verses show sharp disagreement over John Mark (Acts 15:37-40). Handling conflict scripturally preserves unity and growth (Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:3). • Action point: Address issues promptly with humility, truth, and forgiveness. Step 7: Pray and Depend on the Spirit • Every journey in Acts was Spirit-led and prayer-soaked (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). • Action point: Schedule regular corporate prayer times; encourage members to pray for one another daily (Colossians 1:9-10). Putting It All Together When believers intentionally care for one another, keep Scripture central, hold each other accountable, develop leaders, pursue mission, handle conflict biblically, and pray, the local church mirrors Paul’s pattern in Acts 15:36—and God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). |
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