Bible Study: 2/12/20 Church Growth: The Biblical Model - Rev. Jackie Allen



February 12, 2020

Bible Study Theme: Discipleship and Church Growth

 Topic of Discussion: Church Growth: The Biblical Model

 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1, 3:12-4:12

 Church Growth- effective evangelism not methodology for increasing membership (Gary McIntosh, “Biblical Church Growth”)

 

  • There aren’t actual scriptures that tell us about church growth. On the contrary, one can formulate a positive argument using scriptures to show how God’s intention was/is to grow the church.

  • Christ Himself said He will “build His church"(Matt. 16:18)

  • (Matt. 18:18-20) the main focus here is to make disciples 1st then teaching and baptizing them. Christ being with us indicates that He is fulfilling His purpose through us

  • The Book of Acts 2:41-42; the day of Pentecost and 3000 added. Acts 4:4 when John and Peter preached the Gospel and 5000 added. 5:14 The language changes to the “multitudes" meaning many as a sign of growth. 16:5 many other churches are being developed under the Christian faith: Rome, Damascus and Caesarea, etc. 21:20 The language used is “myriads” which means thousands of people.

I Thessalonians Model

  1. Praying for a Growing Church (3:12-13)

    -Paul prayed for love and holiness

    -love because he understands that God is the source of all; through Him (Jesus) gave us an example and empowers us to do the same (John 3:16 and John 15:13

    -holiness (sanctification) Romans 12:2, 2 Cor.3:18

    -Only comes with spiritual maturity; the more centered you become the easier it is to say NO=self control/ discipline

    -only when the desire to please God becomes our main focus of the Christian life that growth will take place

    -it’s not enough to just believe but believe and Show others

  2. Motive/Motivation for a Growing Church (4:1)

    -Paul urges them to understand the need to live a life unto God

    -One should strive to live better lives to God (v8). Even the people of Thessalonica didn’t always uphold their beliefs but “stood firm" in upholding the right life

    - A sign to a Growing Christian is not becoming perfect but having the desire to grow more

  3. Instructions for a Growing Church (4:2-12)