The early church grew (Acts 2:41-47, 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 11:21), and Christ desires for His church to grow. In fact, He expects it to grow (cf. Dan. 2:44-45). Nevertheless, the manner by which we grow is a concern in the church today. For the sake of increased attendance, many have resorted to such things as entertainment, pop psychology, overemphasis of social issues and such like, many of which have led to changing that which God has not authorized in the church. Thus, for the congregation, we ought to see what God says in the greatest manual for church growth—the Bible!
A Growing Church Grows Properly.
A growing church is a gathering church: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
A growing church is a gifted church (Matt. 25:14-30).
A growing church is a giving church: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2).
A growing church is a glad church: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
A growing church is a glorious church: “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27).
A growing church is a godly church: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).
A growing church is a going church: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
A growing church is a good church: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
A growing church is a gospel church: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
A growing church is a gracious church: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6).
A growing church is a great church: “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Heb. 9:11).
A growing church is a greeting church: “But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name” (3 John 1:14).
Therefore, let us strive to be a growing church, but to do so according to the pattern that we find in our New Testament!