By Steve A. Hamilton

Eph. 4:11-16

Introduction: As Christians, we are all concerned with the growth of the church.  We often pray for growth and we often judge the vitality of a congregation by the growth it experiences. We all want to see our congregation grow.  But how does a church increase its members? 

          The Bible addresses church growth.  Three things are necessary for a congregation to grow.

I.  Peace among the members (Heb. 12:14).

II. Financial support (2 Cor. 9:6).  Growth is in proportion to the effort.

III. Individual effort.

          A. Before an individual can effectively convert others, personal growth must first take place (1 Pet. 2:2-3).  

          B. Personal growth requires adding 7 qualities to our faith (2 Pet. 1:5-11).  Peter says if we possess these qualities we will never be unfruitful!  In other words, the church will grow.

                   1. Virtue: Worthy of praise by means of moral excellence and goodness. For example, it is like children who seek the praise of their parents by doing the right thing. 

                   2. Knowledge: The acquisition of understanding by means of study   (2 Tim. 2:15). Hosea said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6a).

                   3. Self-control: Controlling ones will suggesting what is learned must be put into practice. 

                   4. Perseverance:  Patient endurance (Luke 8:15) in the face of adversity (Luke 21:16-19).  It is patient in suffering.

                   5. Godliness: Doing that which is well pleasing to God.

                   6. Brotherly kindness: Friendship among a community of near kinsman.

                   7. Love: Agape (1 Cor. 13: 4-7).

          Not only will the church grow by your individual efforts but you will never stumble (2 Pet. 1:10).  Obviously, those who stumble or are fruitfully barren have not obtained these qualities. If you have never brought anyone to Christ, you need to ask yourself in which of these qualities do I need to improve.

           C.  Individual efforts that result in the growth of the church are vital to our salvation (John 15:1-8).  If we abide in Christ we will bear much fruit!  If we haven’t borne fruit for Christ, we need to examine ourselves to determine if we abide in Christ.  

          D. Church growth ultimately results from the work of ministry in which everyone does his part (Eph. 4:11-16).

                   1. Preachers, Elders and teachers are to equip the members for the work until they are perfected in the truth. 

                   2. When members come to a unity in the faith, to a perfect man in Christ, they will no longer be tossed about by various false doctrines but will speak the truth in love.

                   3.  When these members do their part teaching the truth to others, it causes the church to grow!

Conclusion: If our concern is for a church that is not growing, we need to examine our efforts (2 Cor. 13:5).  Where can we make improvements? 

          Our congregation has seen some progress but there is always room for improvements. We are at peace and our financial support for the work is most adequate.  That means if we are going to see further growth we need to improve our individual efforts.  Those who are new to the faith need to grow in character and faith.  Those who have been Christians for a long time need to bear fruit for the Lord.  If we have no fruit to show the Lord, we need to make correction.

Last modified: 05/02/08