1. Factors of Successful Church Growth

2. 2 Growth in Christ Numerically, Acts 6:7Numerically, Acts 6:7 Spiritually, Acts 8:1-4; 9:31Spiritually, Acts 8:1-4; 9:31 –Each Christian is expected to grow, Heb 5:12; 2 Pet 3:18 –Christ has given us the means by which to grow, Eph 4:11-16

3. 3 Faithful Teaching that is Faithfully Taught 2 Tim 2:2 Spiritual growth demands spiritual food, 1 Peter 2:2Spiritual growth demands spiritual food, 1 Peter 2:2 Faithful gospel teaching, Acts 20:27Faithful gospel teaching, Acts 20:27 –Teach the ways that are “in Christ”, 1 Cor 4:17 –No other doctrine...godly edification, 1 Tim 1:3-4 –Nourished in the words of faith, 1 Tim 4:6-7, 11 –Sound doctrine exhorts and convicts, Titus 1:9 (Acts 20:28)

4. 4 Faithful Teaching that is Faithfully Taught 2 Tim 2:2 Evangelism: Faithful to teach, 2 Tim 2:24-26Evangelism: Faithful to teach, 2 Tim 2:24-26 –Bible classes –Pulpit preaching –Private classes Bible must be the focus of all our study and teaching to be a growing churchBible must be the focus of all our study and teaching to be a growing church

5. 5 Fervent Prayer 1 Ths 5:17; Acts 2:42 For boldness in gospel preaching, Acts 4:23-24, 29-31 (Eph 6:19)For boldness in gospel preaching, Acts 4:23-24, 29-31 (Eph 6:19) For the safety of brethren, Acts 12:5, 12For the safety of brethren, Acts 12:5, 12 For all of God’s people, Eph 6:18For all of God’s people, Eph 6:18 Always for one another, Jas 5:13-16Always for one another, Jas 5:13-16 –Public and private –Focuses our trust in the power of God, Phil 4:6-7

6. 6 Endurance in Suffering 1 Peter 4:16 (Acts 8:1, 4) When first converted, Heb 10:32-34When first converted, Heb 10:32-34 As you continue to live by faith, Heb10:35-39As you continue to live by faith, Heb10:35-39 In doing good, 1 Pet 3:13-17In doing good, 1 Pet 3:13-17 To the point of death, Rev 2:10To the point of death, Rev 2:10 Applications:Applications: –Not ashamed…have an eternal perspective –Commit yourself to God, 1 Pet 4:19

7. 7 Liberality in Giving Rom 12:8; 2 Cor 9:6-11 Singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honestySingleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty –The virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy –Not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity

8. 8 Liberality in Giving Rom 12:8; 2 Cor 9:6-11 Give as prospered, 1 Cor 16:1-2; Mk 12:41-44Give as prospered, 1 Cor 16:1-2; Mk 12:41-44 Your time, Eph 5:16 (Matt 25:34-40)Your time, Eph 5:16 (Matt 25:34-40) Your abilities, Matt 25:15 (Lk 12:48)Your abilities, Matt 25:15 (Lk 12:48) Application demands...Application demands... –Proper priorities…Serve (not be served)…Sacrifice –Give without pretense and with singleness of heart (1 Tim 6:17-19)

9. 9 Purity in Living Titus 2:11-14 Light of the world, Matt 5:14-16Light of the world, Matt 5:14-16 A pattern of good works, Titus 2:6-8A pattern of good works, Titus 2:6-8 Honorable conduct toward all, 1 Pet 2:11-12Honorable conduct toward all, 1 Pet 2:11-12 Inherit the eternal blessing, 1 Pet 3:8-12Inherit the eternal blessing, 1 Pet 3:8-12 Applications include:Applications include: –Our language…our clothing…our morals –Our hope, 1 John 3:2-3

10. 10 Church Growth Ephesians 4:15-16 The body of Christ grows and is strengthened when each member of the church does his or her part in the Lord’s workThe body of Christ grows and is strengthened when each member of the church does his or her part in the Lord’s work