You Can Have a Growing Church
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1 / YOU CAN HAVE A GROWING CHURCH
Text: “… upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” ().
I. Be Organized.
I. Be Organized.
“… be no more children, tossed to and fro …” ().
A. Disorganized people make disorganized churches. They are frustrated and unfruitful.
A. Disorganized people make disorganized churches. They are frustrated and unfruitful.
B. Direction is found in organization. New methods aimed at progress are needed.
B. Direction is found in organization. New methods aimed at progress are needed.
II. Be Obedient.
II. Be Obedient.
“… I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” ().
A. Many churches fail because of disobedience. They want their own way, rather than God’s will.
A. Many churches fail because of disobedience. They want their own way, rather than God’s will.
B. Obedience brings God’s favor. Growth is the natural outcome. When we give God first place, we succeed ().
B. Obedience brings God’s favor. Growth is the natural outcome. When we give God first place, we succeed ().
III. Be Obliging.
III. Be Obliging.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving …” ().
A. Members who are cold and unfriendly make others feel rejected. Such members contribute to a church’s failure.
A. Members who are cold and unfriendly make others feel rejected. Such members contribute to a church’s failure.
B. We should be friendly, kind, and helpful (). This makes visitors feel welcome and engenders in them a desire to return.
B. We should be friendly, kind, and helpful (). This makes visitors feel welcome and engenders in them a desire to return.
IV. Be Optimistic.
IV. Be Optimistic.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God …” ().
A. Discouraged and disheartened workers detract from the church’s image and discourage the attendance of others.
A. Discouraged and disheartened workers detract from the church’s image and discourage the attendance of others.
B. Joy and enthusiasm stimulate growth (). People are seeking happiness and will go where it is found.
B. Joy and enthusiasm stimulate growth (). People are seeking happiness and will go where it is found.
V. Be Occupied.
V. Be Occupied.
“We then, as workers together with him …” ().
A. If faith without works is dead, then nonworking churches are dying churches.
A. If faith without works is dead, then nonworking churches are dying churches.
B. Growing churches are glowing churches—churches that are going with God. They help the needy, visit the sick, and witness to the lost ().
B. Growing churches are glowing churches—churches that are going with God. They help the needy, visit the sick, and witness to the lost ().
Russell E. Spray, Simple Outlines on the Christian Faith, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1977), 5–6.