1. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”

2. multiply increase stretch grow expand unfold lengthen enlarge strengthen cultivate develop don’t hold back liberate reinforce nurture support inspire elongate spread release extend toughen unrestrained

3. Change Threatening? Risk Continual Process

4. Grow Spiritual growth One degree to the next degree Discipleship culture Numerical growth Un-churched | De-churched | Moving church Relational growth Upwards | Outwards | Inwards Pastoral emphasis | small groups Team based leadership Influential growth Claiming back influence in our community Standards and Values “Growth is the only evidence of life” Cardinal John Newman

5. 1Samuel 2:26 1Samuel 2:26 (TNIV) And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with people The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of his words fall to the ground - 1Samuel 3:19 (NIVUK)

6. 1Samuel 2:26 1Samuel 2:26 (TNIV) And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with people Luke 2:52 Luke 2:52 (TNIV) And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favour with God and people The Message And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people

7. Application  How have I grown spiritually in the past year?  When was the last time I apologised and said sorry?  What are the habits in my life that constantly bring me down?  Am I better steward than I was 12 months ago?  Am I a generous and cheerful giver?  Who would notice if I have improved?  Am I increasing in holiness and righteousness?  Who has authority to speak into my life  How have I been moved emotionally? And what did I do about it?  What was my last step of faith?  What one thing has God shown me this week that I didn’t know/appreciate previously?

8. Life Verses Philippians 3:16 (NIVUK) Only let us live up to what we have already attained Philippians 3:16 (NIVUK) Galatians 5:6b (NIVUK) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love Galatians 5:6b (NIVUK) 2Peter 3:18 (NIVUK) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever! Amen 2Peter 3:18 (NIVUK)

9. Colossians 1:10-11 Colossians 1:10-11 (NIVUK) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience How do we measure up?