Summary by Michael Angell: Church growth does not come automaticly. It comes when each member of the church are ready and do serve the Lord according to the Calling and talents they have been given. Each one of us can do our part as the Holy Spirit leads us. Inside the church building and outside the Church building. Dont wait for somebody else to do your part.. Go out and Minister whenever you see an oppertunity.
Please read the Bible verses refered to here, pray for the leading of The Holy Spirit, and go out in "all the world" (your local area is part of "all the world")
1. The Lord desires for His church to grow...
a. He provides gifts to ensure spiritual growth and development - Ep 4:11-16
b. He provides increase through our connection with Him as the head- Col 2:19
2. Yet church growth is not automatic... a. Some churches become stagnant b. Other churches enter a downward spiral till they cease to exist.
- When each member does his or her part as a member of the body - Ep 4:16 (GROWTH ENHANCED...)
a. We all have a function to fulfill - Ro 12:3-8
b. Every member is important - 1Co 12:12-22
- When each member is drawing strength from the Head - Ep 4:16;Col 2:19
a. Directly through God's indwelling - Php 2:12-13; 4:13; Ep 3:16,20
b. Indirectly from one another - cf. 2Co 1:3-5 ....Nourished from above and from within, a congregation is bound to grow
- When strong members remember their duty toward the weak.
a. To bear with the infirmities of the weak - Ro 15:1-2; Ga 6:1-2
1) Not to please ourselves
2) To restore those overtaken in faults
b. To be patient with the weak - 1Th 5:14
1) We must accommodate the weak in order to grow ("Growthcomes out of weakness")
2) Many churches fail to grow because the strong expect too much from the weak.
1. When members do not do their part - a. The church is handicapped by nonfunctioning members
b. The church cannot perform to its full potential
2. When other members have to make up the difference - a. Who often struggle under the extra burden
b. Who sometimes become disheartened, even give up -- When members won't do their part, a church cannot grow as God intended.
3. When strong members become disheartened - a. They become weary of well-doing - cf. Ga 6:9
b. They begin to feel their labor is in vain - cf. 1Co 15:58
c. They think about leaving to go elsewhere= 1) Where they may be more appreciated - 2) Where there may be others willing to work.
##"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." - 1Co 15:58.
PRAYER ITEMS: The Orphans and needy children in Primary and High school need your prayers as they return to school with fees requirements this week after august closure. Please, remember us and the ministry here due to the tough times we are going through as pertains ministry sustainance and the large work with great demands.
Your prayers are not in vain, they are sweet aroma before our Lord God in Heaven. Be blessed as we join our faiths for His universal church growth and establishment.
Much love and blessings from the Lord,
Your servants in africa,
Brother Bushebi and Ministry.
http://www.gospelbelievers.net/
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