OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SATURDAY - 03/05/2014 - SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

SECRETS OF CHURCH GROWTH

 MEMORISE

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 2:47

READ

Acts 4:32-33

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

MESSAGE

God is interested in the growth of His church, be it local, national or global; whatever the denominational label. Growth comes as a result of the mercy of God connected with the pastors and ministers developing the mind of Christ. Growth comes to those who allow themselves to be filled more and more with the love of God and who are not willing to let anybody perish. The church of Christ is not a place, a building or an organisation. The church is a living organism. God’s plan for His church is growth - biblical growth. God is not interested in fishing without catching (Luke 5:4-11), lost sheep that are not brought back into the fold (Matthew 18:11-14), a lost coin not sought for (Luke 15:8-10) or of ripe harvest not reaped (Matthew 9:36-38).

Ministers of the gospel sometimes lament that their churches do not grow. They present inabilities, weaknesses and shortcomings as reasons for lack of growth in their local churches. For example, many complain of lack of education. This is not tenable. God can use the unlearned for His work as seen in Acts 4:13:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

What matters to God is sweet fellowship with Him. Some complain that they lack communication skills. This is also not acceptable because God can put His word in your mouth (Exodus 4:10-12). Another complaint is lack of experience. The scripture confirms that God sometimes commissions inexperienced children (Jeremiah 1:4-10). Some complain of lack of equipment and resources as reasons their churches are not growing. To such people I will say, “Let God get hold of you”. When God gets hold of you, materials and money are not problems to Him. God can do much with little. He can do everything with nothing. Some complain of lack of support and encouragement. This could be true, but God’s love and His promises are enough support for your church to grow. God wants your church to grow. He gives growth. A growing church should however resemble the New Testament church. It should be one whose membership and work are opened only to those who are saved. A growing church should be one that continues steadfastly in fellowship, study and prayer. Each believer amongst them should grow and become strong in the Lord. The church that will grow must be a studying church, a sharing church and a praying church with manifestations of signs, wonders and miracles, just like the early church.

ACTION POINT

Pray to God and trust Him for growth in your church.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Revelation 19:11-22: 21;

Psalm 96