Prioritizing Church Health Over Size for Effective Growth
Summary
Today, I explored the concept of church growth and health, emphasizing that the size of a church should not be our focus but rather its health and effectiveness in fulfilling God's mission. I began by addressing the common question, "Is our church too big?" and redirected our attention to what truly matters—whether our church is healthy. I stressed that a healthy church is not defined by its numbers but by its adherence to biblical principles and its impact on its members and the community.
I delved into the early church's example in Acts 2, where the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion led to awe and communal sharing, with everyone's needs being met, which is a model of a healthy church. I highlighted Peter's bold preaching at Pentecost, which resulted in 3,000 people being added to the church. This growth was not just numerical but transformational, as these new believers were deeply committed to the teachings and community.
I also discussed the importance of each member's active participation in the church. Using 1 Corinthians 12, I explained how every member has a unique role to play, and the health of the church depends on each part functioning properly. This means not only attending church but being actively involved in serving and supporting one another.
Furthermore, I addressed the challenges that come with growth, such as the potential for conflicts and the need for organizational adjustments, as seen in Acts 6 with the appointment of deacons to ensure that the widows were cared for. This teaches us that a growing church must continually adapt to meet the needs of its expanding congregation while maintaining its core focus on the gospel.
Lastly, I emphasized the necessity of proclaiming the gospel both in word and deed. It is not enough for people to see good works; they must hear the Good News of Jesus Christ explicitly to come to faith. This dual approach of showing and telling the gospel is crucial for the church's mission.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Church Health Over Size
A healthy church focuses on transformative growth, where members are deeply committed to Christ and to one another, rather than merely increasing numbers. This health is evidenced by a vibrant community life that mirrors the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. [01:17]
2. Active Participation of Every Member
Just as each body part is crucial for the physical body, every church member is essential for the body of Christ. Our health as a church depends on each member actively using their gifts in service to one another, which fosters unity and effectiveness in ministry. [36:23]
3. Adaptability in Church Structures
As a church grows, its structures and methods must adapt to ensure that all members are cared for and that the core ministries, such as the teaching of the Word, are not neglected. This might involve appointing additional leaders, like deacons, to handle specific practical needs. [28:24]
4. Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
The gospel must be proclaimed boldly and clearly for people to respond in faith. This involves both declaring the gospel with our lips and demonstrating it through our lives, ensuring that our actions are always accompanied by the explicit message of salvation through Christ. [20:23]
5. Dealing with Growth Challenges Wisely
Growth can bring challenges, such as potential conflicts and logistical issues. Handling these wisely involves maintaining a focus on the gospel, ensuring equitable care within the community, and being open to structural changes that enhance the church's mission. [30:07]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:17] - Focusing on Church Health, Not Size
- [04:16] - Peter's Boldness at Pentecost
- [07:37] - The Early Church's Devotion and Growth
- [20:23] - The Importance of Proclaiming the Gospel Boldly
- [28:24] - Addressing Growth Challenges and Conflicts
- [36:23] - The Role of Each Church Member
- [45:34] - Encouraging Active Participation and Service
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
3. Acts 6:1-7 - "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.' This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the four key activities that the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42?
2. In 1 Corinthians 12, how does Paul describe the relationship between the different parts of the body and their importance to the whole?
3. What problem arose in Acts 6:1-7, and how did the apostles address it?
4. According to the sermon, what is the primary focus we should have when evaluating the health of a church? [01:17]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the early church in Acts 2:42-47 devoted themselves to both spiritual practices (teaching, prayer) and communal activities (fellowship, breaking of bread)?
2. How does the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 help us understand the importance of each member's role in the church?
3. What does the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:1-7 teach us about the need for adaptability and delegation in a growing church?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of proclaiming the gospel both in word and deed. Why is it necessary to do both, and what might happen if we neglect one or the other? [20:23]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47, how can you personally contribute to the health of your church community through teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer?
2. Considering the metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12, what unique gifts or roles do you believe God has given you, and how can you use them to serve your church more effectively?
3. The early church faced logistical challenges as they grew, as seen in Acts 6:1-7. What are some practical ways you can help address the needs and challenges within your church community?
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of active participation from every member. What steps can you take to move from being a passive attendee to an active participant in your church? [36:23]
5. How can you boldly proclaim the gospel in your daily life, both through your actions and your words? Identify one specific situation where you can share the message of Jesus this week. [20:23]
6. The sermon mentioned the necessity of dealing with growth challenges wisely. Have you noticed any areas in your church that need improvement or adjustment due to growth? How can you contribute to these changes? [30:07]
7. Reflect on the idea that a healthy church is not defined by its size but by its adherence to biblical principles and its impact. How can you help ensure that your church remains focused on these priorities? [01:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Church Health Over Size
A healthy church is not measured by its attendance but by its transformational impact on its members and the community. A church's true health is reflected in how deeply its members are committed to Christ and to one another, mirroring the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This focus on spiritual depth over numerical breadth ensures that growth is meaningful and aligned with God's mission, fostering a community where every individual is nurtured and equipped to live out their faith actively. [01:17]
Acts 2:42-45 ESV
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need."
Reflection: How does your involvement in church reflect a commitment to both learning from Scripture and fostering community with others?
Day 2: Active Participation of Every Member
The vitality of a church depends on each member actively engaging in its life, not merely attending services. Like the human body, where each part has a specific function, every church member has unique gifts meant to serve the body of Christ. This active participation is crucial for maintaining unity and effectiveness in ministry, ensuring that all members feel valued and are able to contribute to the church's mission. [36:23]
1 Corinthians 12:14-17 ESV
"For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing?"
Reflection: What unique gifts do you possess, and how can you use them to serve and build up your church community?
Day 3: Adaptability in Church Structures
As churches grow, their structures must evolve to meet the needs of their expanding congregations without compromising the integrity of their core missions. This adaptability can involve appointing additional leaders or modifying ministries to ensure that all members are cared for and that essential services like teaching the Word are maintained. Such flexibility helps the church stay responsive to its members' needs while staying focused on the gospel. [28:24]
Acts 6:1-4 ESV
"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 'It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.'"
Reflection: What changes could be made in your church's structure to better serve and engage its growing community?
Day 4: Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Proclaiming the gospel boldly and clearly is essential for people to come to faith. This proclamation must be both verbal and demonstrated through actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus. By ensuring that our deeds are accompanied by the explicit message of salvation through Christ, we provide a full witness to the transformative power of the gospel. [20:23]
Ephesians 6:19-20 ESV
"And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: How can you more boldly share the gospel both in your words and through your actions this week?
Day 5: Dealing with Growth Challenges Wisely
Growth within a church can bring about challenges such as potential conflicts and logistical issues. Addressing these wisely involves maintaining a gospel-centered focus, ensuring equitable care within the community, and being open to structural changes that enhance the church's mission. This strategic approach helps manage growth effectively, keeping the church's core values and mission at the forefront. [30:07]
James 1:5 ESV
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What are some growth challenges your church is facing, and how can you contribute to solving them in a way that aligns with gospel values?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a culture of celebration of life change in this church. We ought to, we should, and we, we do, and it's great. And we will continue to do that. We get excited. We get pumped up. We, some of you get crazy, you know, you shout. We ought to, when people give their life to Jesus." [15:37]
2. "God is good. God is good. One more time. God is good. With increasing measure and volume, we remember and know that God is good." [47:27]
3. "It's important for us as a church to recognize that the right question to ask is never, is our church too big? And on the other side of that, it's also not really healthy for us to ask the question, is our church too small? The right question to ask is, is your church healthy? Is it healthy?" [01:17]
4. "We need people to add to our worship team. We want people to come and add to our worship team. Like, come on. We need people investing into our kids' lives and our kids' ministry. We need people serving on our security team and our welcome team. We need people, we need people in student life. We need you. Church needs you." [45:34]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We've got to share the gospel with our mouths. Show the gospel with our lives. Share the gospel with our mouths. There was growth. And any time that there is a healthy church, there is growth. Why? Because if disciples are making disciples, then there is not just an addition factor. It's a multiplication factor." [18:34]
2. "The truth is being spoken with boldness. In Acts chapter 2, we see Peter spoke the truth in boldness. And all through Acts, we see that the apostles and others, Paul, he would speak the truth with boldness. He would do it in love, but he would speak of it unashamedly." [20:23]
3. "As we grow as a church, we've got to steward the growth of that. In the early church, it was growing. And so they started to even see some frustrations. Frustrations around who and how people were being taken care of." [27:16]
4. "Every body has a part to do. Every body has a work to do. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 tells us this in verse 12. Just as a body, the one, has many parts. But all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." [36:23]
5. "The eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you. And the head cannot say to the feet, I don't need you. On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. And the parts that we think are less honorable, we treat with special honor." [37:41]
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