Biblical Church Growth (Revisited)
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Biblical Church Growth (Revisited)
Biblical Church Growth (Revisited)
Acts 14:19–23 provides a nice recap of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas’s labors, followed by the separation of Paul and Barnabas in 15:36–41.
Churches grow when…
I. Believers work together in the Gospel- Acts 16:1–3
I. Believers work together in the Gospel- Acts 16:1–3
A. Working together in the Gospel- Acts 14:22–23
A. Working together in the Gospel- Acts 14:22–23
B. Working together despite differences- Acts 16:1–2 (cf. Phil. 4:2–3)
B. Working together despite differences- Acts 16:1–2 (cf. Phil. 4:2–3)
Greek and Jews
II. Believers give up their rights for the Gospel- Acts 16:3; cf. 1 Cor. 9:19–23
II. Believers give up their rights for the Gospel- Acts 16:3; cf. 1 Cor. 9:19–23
Timothy had a right not to be circumcised, as the Law had been fulfilled (see Paul’s arguments in Galatians specifically).
III. Believers practice good ecclesiology- Acts 16:4–5
III. Believers practice good ecclesiology- Acts 16:4–5
A healthy human being is a human being who’s body is functioning properly. All of the organs are working, the blood is flowing well, the brain is functioning, and all the muscles are working.
Likewise, a church is healthy when it functions the way that it was created to be.
A. Biblical leadership- Acts 15, 16:4 (cf. Eph. 4:11–16; 1 Pet. 5:1–5)
A. Biblical leadership- Acts 15, 16:4 (cf. Eph. 4:11–16; 1 Pet. 5:1–5)
B. Biblical membership- Acts 1:15; 2:41, 47; 15:10; 16:4–5 (cf. 1 Cor. 11:33; Heb. 13:17)
B. Biblical membership- Acts 1:15; 2:41, 47; 15:10; 16:4–5 (cf. 1 Cor. 11:33; Heb. 13:17)
C. Biblical management- Acts 16:4–5
C. Biblical management- Acts 16:4–5
The church, when it enjoys biblical leadership and church membership, practices biblical management.
We see this throughout the book of Acts, but notably in Acts chapter 6 (6:1–6) and chapter 15.
IV. Biblical Church Growth is Both Maturing in Faith and Numeric Growth- Acts 16:5
IV. Biblical Church Growth is Both Maturing in Faith and Numeric Growth- Acts 16:5
Maturing in Faith- Eph. 4:11–16.
Unity of faith
Knowledge of the Son of God
Mature manhood (or, womanhood)
Doctrinal knowledge and skill
Courage to speak truth in love
Unity with Christ and His Bride
Doing the God-called-and-equipped work
Numeric Growth- Acts 2, 4, 5, 14:21—preaching the Gospel should increase membership (at God’s sovereign lead, cf. 1 Cor. 3:5–9).
