Question - Do Landmark MB churches that practice sound biblical principles have to be struggling churches? Do only the more liberal churches grow? Is growth a sign of being liberal? No, no, no. Church growth is building up the church in spirituality and then (as a result) in numbers. Church growth depends on these factors: (Based on 33 years experience preaching and pastoring churches)
1) Christ centered, Bible preaching 1 Tim. 4:2
2) Lifestyles that reflect Christ Matt. 5:16
3) Good fellowship Acts 2:42
4) Faithfulness Heb. 10:24, 25
5) Prayer John 14:14
6) Witnessing Ps 126:5, 6
7) Sacrificial giving (tithes and offerings) Mal. 3:10
8) Worshipful music Col 3:16
9) Strong teaching ministry 2 Tim 2:2
10) Right literature Matt 28:20; Luke 1:1; Jude 3
11) First love is Christ Eph. 2:5
12) Right love John 13:34, 35; 15:12
When a church struggles with a lack of growth, one or more (usually several) of these factors are lacking. God's power still blesses His Word. His churches that work by His plan do not need music that is not worshipful, literature from outside the associated work, gimmicks, compromise, fund raisers or self help seminars. What we need is to work God's plan! His plan still works when we work the plan!
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Amen! I believe with all my heart; our growth is due to these things which you have mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI've only been preaching for about 10 years, but even in this short time, I have noticed the same as you. When those lack, the church stays stagnant or drops. When all those things are present (especially witnessing), growth in numbers seems to naturally follow.
By the way, "Franchising McChurch" is good so far, from what I've read.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
ReplyDeleteThere was a recent survey of hundreds of Baptist churchs that were experiencing steady growth.
ReplyDeleteThere were a lot of common denominators. Most of which followed your list to a "T"
If you need any more info on the survey, just hollar!
Keep on preaching the Word!!
where you you go to find your surveys?
ReplyDeleteBro. Archbishop, I agree whole heartily with this post.
ReplyDeleteOne thing on No. 11 of which you wrote "First love is Christ Eph. 2:5;" I believe you meant Revelation 2:4,5??? No doubt you were in a hurry. I understand and I make many errors like this also. I believe I will use this for some good preaching.
As you so ably point out, God has a plan and we simply need to use it and work it out in our churches. Our programs should be to carry out His plan as laid out in His Word and not some modern day "appeal to the flesh" and seeker sensitive stuff. If we use artificial and superficial programs we will get artificial and superficial results and that is one of the things that is wrong in many churches today. I can't saved people and if I could, it would be of no value. Only God can save and the gospel and Christ Jesus is what should be used to attract the lost.
I like your attitude! I think it would be great if more Landmarkers thought like you do in this area!
ReplyDeleteI would add a few things to your list but I still think it is Very Good! Thanks!
1. Preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
ReplyDelete2. Teach them to the love the Lord with all their being.
3. Teach them to love others the way Jesus loved them.
What greater thing can we do?