ACTS 1:8 Growth Workshop UNIT 5 Six Critical Issues for Healthy, Reproducing Churches

Leadership Development For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ “The work of the gifted ones is” 11 He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, Eph 4:11-12 NLT

Leadership Development “The work of the gifted ones is” to prepare God’s people to do the works of service that the body of Christ might be built up.

Leadership Development (cont.) Many pastors fail to train new workers. Is my leadership style reproducible? Leaders of growing churches concentrate on empowering Christians for ministry. –(write in) MAWL – Model, Assist, Watch, Leave –Assist members –Invest time in equipping not doing the work. –Multiplying workers Questions in your book ………….

Worship Worship is defined as meeting God. Worship is critical to the life and vitality of a church. Corporate worship is often first point of contact for new people. Ideally it is highest experience of worship. Leaders help members understand and experience personal and family worship. Questions

Evangelism 87% of the people who come to Christ in the world are under the age of 18 (Mark Anderson President of GPN) Last year our 1798 BGCO churches had in Vacation Bible School (VBS) –669 congregations –2,805 saved –10,322 prospects discovered

Evangelism The seven elements of an evangelism process:The seven elements of an evangelism process: The first element is prayer. The pastor & leaders must model evangelism. The church needs a process to identify, cultivate and track prospects. The church must have a plan to mobilize members for the task of evangelism.

Evangelism (cont.) An ongoing plan to train members in evangelism is critical. Any effective evangelism strategy has a plan to deploy the trained members into the field. (visitation night) The church needs an effective plan to follow-up and disciple those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. questions

Relationships The church is a social, relational organization. Church needs structures to assist in developing and strengthening relationships Church is creating community. Churches that fail to start new groups have decided to die. The byproduct of healthy group life is the multiplication of leadership. Questions

Relevant Structures The Bible does not give specific structure. Structures exist to impact not to impair ministry. Effective congregations conserve members time by developing minimal and streamlined organizations. questions

Stewardship & Financial Two mistakes: stewardship is ignored or dealt with only in terms of money. Whatever you want at the end, built in at the beginning. Stewardship defined as managing all the resources entrusted by God. Church’s budgeting and accounting needs to inspire confidence. questions