What steps can we take to ensure our church is "increasing in number"? Scripture Focus “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in number.” What We Learn From the Early Church Paul and Silas revisited congregations, added Timothy to the team, delivered the Jerusalem Council’s teaching, and relied on the Spirit’s leading. The result: stronger believers and steady numerical growth. The pattern is timeless. Step 1: Fortify the Faith - Center every gathering on clear, expositional teaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2). - Offer discipleship tracks that move people from conversion to maturity (Colossians 2:6-7). - Encourage Scripture memory and daily reading; strong believers naturally share Christ. Step 2: Guard Sound Doctrine - Give the congregation confidence that what they hear is biblically accurate (Titus 1:9). - Address cultural or theological confusion promptly, as Paul did by delivering the Jerusalem letter (Acts 15:30-31). Step 3: Cultivate Visible Love and Unity - Create a family atmosphere where needs are met (Acts 2:44-45). - Resolve conflicts quickly and biblically (Matthew 18:15-17). - Let genuine love be the church’s calling card (John 13:34-35). Step 4: Empower Servant Leaders - Identify and train emerging leaders like Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). - Share ministry responsibilities so no one burns out (Acts 6:1-4). - Model humility and accountability; people follow leaders they trust. Step 5: Remove Unnecessary Barriers - Be culturally sensitive without compromising truth—Paul circumcised Timothy to open doors among Jews (Acts 16:3). - Review programs, language, and traditions that might confuse seekers. - Keep the gospel clear and uncomplicated (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Step 6: Engage in Spirit-Led Evangelism - Pray for boldness and open doors (Colossians 4:3-4). - Equip members with simple testimony-sharing tools (Acts 1:8). - Plan regular outreach events, but also encourage everyday conversations about Jesus. Step 7: Lean on Prayer and the Holy Spirit - Schedule corporate prayer gatherings; growth follows God-dependence (Acts 4:31). - Encourage sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings; He directs effective ministry (Acts 13:2-3). - Remember Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Step 8: Practice Daily Faithfulness - Aim for consistent obedience rather than sporadic bursts of activity. - Celebrate small wins: a new visitor welcomed, a baptism scheduled, a family restored. - As in Acts 16:5, daily faithfulness invites daily growth. Step 9: Keep the Mission Front and Center - Regularly remind the church that eternity is at stake (Matthew 28:18-20). - Measure success by faithfulness to Christ’s commission, not by programs or buildings. - Trust the Lord to add to the church, just as He did in Acts 2:47 and Acts 9:31. These steps, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Spirit, position any congregation to see God multiply its numbers while deepening its faith. |
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