Bringing It Together

by HYDON, G.M. | Category: Principles Of Church Growth | Nov 2002

Parents have a fairly good idea of how they expect their children to grow, and delight at the thought. Stunted or disproportionate growth would be immediately recognizable and a concern. We should desire growth in the churches of God, maturity in all its aspects. But we need to be able to recognize it and also know what is missing. Here we bring together some key measures of growth addressed in this series; most reflect growing Christlikeness. We provide in brief 'bullet' format some practical growth indicators, to see what proper growth looks like. They are not necessarily in order of priority, for all are needed and none is optional. This is only one possible framework for seeing growth and identifying potential problem areas, but it should be useful to readers to validate it from Scripture.

1. Collective worship

The scriptural context for collective worship is God's house, His home, (1) called the church of the living God (elsewhere termed the 'Fellowship' consisting of all churches of God(2)). This is the place to thrive spiritually, even in days of apathy or persecution. Like Christ, Jeremiah and David were in a minority in their desires for God's place of worship. Yet to each applied the words: 'I am like a green olive tree in the house of God': (3) a picture of fruitful abundance that enhances maturity in collective worship. Here are some practical indicators of this growth:

- Strong attendance at the Remembrance and continual striving to maintain full support of this gathering;

- An evident appreciation of the person and work of the Lord in what is said; a delightful contemplation for all attending;

- Appropriate preparation to worship, resulting in continuing freshness in sacrifices of praise, avoidance of distractions, and a hearty "Amen";

- The Spirit's lead is seen in the degree of participation, and in the themes which develop;

- Spoken worship that is understandable, clear and audible so all can share in the thoughts expressed;

- Orderliness in worship and the joy of the Lord appropriately exhibited;

- Intervals for meditation enjoyed while also seeing Spirit-led spontaneity.

2. Prayer

'...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.' What was the prelude? They prayed together (4); a collective activity done in one accord. Acts 4 provides a very clear example of the kind of prayer that precedes God's blessing. For instance:

- Confession, as a prerequisite to (further) growth, sincerely expressed in expectation of the Lord's forgiveness;

- Prayers that are specific and expressed clearly without jargon or clich�s;

- A real burden in prayer, or a truly thankful appreciation for gifts received;

- Information requiring prayer communicated as effectively as possible;

- Dedication to prayer noted in many brothers and sisters numbered in the churches (5); all saints develop a strong personal prayer life;

- Prayer time sincerely valued; undue time limitations on prayer exercise avoided.

3. Holy living

Peter's second epistle helpfully lists a series of characteristics that lead to fruitfulness. (6) If we lack them the converse applies; we will not experience the growth God intends. 'Holy living' summarizes the list in two words. Such a growth characteristic will be shown by:

- Notable quiet faithfulness of mature disciples, increasingly evident in all;

- Christlikeness (as opposed to conforming to the world), and the fruit of the Spirit, (7) evident in disciples' lives and assembly gatherings;

- Disciples characterized by a conscious avoidance of sin, harmonizing with the churches' testimony in this vital matter;

- Commonly shared and understood standards of purity and godliness, evident in practice;

- All saints characterized by walking humbly before God and showing proper subjection in accordance with Scripture;

- A clear Christian love and care evident in the way families care for other families and each disciple expresses care for each other.

4. Good works

Paul, when writing to the Colossian church, (8) holds before them the opportunity to be 'fruitful in every good work'; he prayed for it. Such works do not save us, but they should be in evidence in a growing church (9) where the following are seen:

- Willingness to sacrifice for others, financially and in other ways;

- Saints know what they should support, reflecting scriptural guidance as to priorities;

- A reputation for doing good, with nothing being asked or expected in return, attested even by non-Christians;

- Disciples typified by a keen sensitivity to others' material and spiritual needs.

5. Disciple-making

This is a prerequisite to numerical growth. Christ, the best example of how to make disciples, illustrated this as sowing. (10) He confirms guidance given in the Old Testament that there is a blessing for those who 'sow beside all waters'. (11) Sowing is not a stay-at-home activity; the seed must be taken where it is needed, despite adverse conditions. Some growth indicators:

- A sincere and urgent concern for the lost;

- A variety of outreach activities increases direct participation by all;

- Evidence that gospel workers have the gift of evangelism and this is used to the full;

- Preaching and teaching that Jesus Christ is Lord clearly presented in the Gospel;

- A sensitivity regarding the Spirit's work in those to whom we witness, and a knowledge of how best to deal with different people according to their different needs;

- Disciples' lives present a good gospel testimony, as we know how to live before men in a way that calls others to the Lord Jesus Christ without compromising our separation to God;

- The gospel message spread as broadly as possible, aiming for a worldwide impact;

- All share information so that others can provide prayer support for evangelistic efforts.

6. Doctrine (study and teaching of the Word of God)

Psalm 1 describes someone as a tree planted by rivers of water. (12) It describes spiritual growth from meditation and application of the Word of God (the water (13)). God responds to our great need for teachers; (14) He waters His vineyard constantly. But we need a readiness to learn and apply to achieve the following:

- Teachers with real gift in evidence, used to the full;

- Disciples frequently expressing appreciation of teaching received, building a good defensible understanding of the Faith, not offended when taught it and willingly telling it to others;

- Effective leadership provided, soundly based on of the doctrine of the Lord, with good scripturally-supported coverage of all the truth;

- Teaching methods effectively meet varying needs of disciples at their different stages of spiritual development.

7. Our relationship with the Lord

A particular branch may appear to be part of a vine; the fruit confirms the truth beyond doubt. The Lord pictures Himself as the Vine and disciples as branches. If fruit, productive growth, is missing then assess the degree of dependence on the Vine. (15) Let us put the analogy into more concrete terms:

- A close walk with the Lord evident in an attitude of consistent devotion, faithfulness and prayerfulness;

- Disciples displaying awareness of the presence and leading of the Lord, rejoicing in the things that please Him and likewise sharing in His sorrow and displeasure;

- The joy of the Lord and the fruit of the Spirit increasingly seen to be practical truths in the lives of the saints.

8. Fellowship with each other

In Ephesians we read that 'joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, [Christ] causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.' (16) We can be sure that this edifying growth is to be most evident as disciples work together in churches of God, exhibited as follows:

- The growing contentment of saints together, without cliques or schisms;

- Individual disciples characterized by spontaneous hospitality, which is a general feature in the assemblies;

- Openness, trust, honesty and a caring approach to each other, expressing sensitivity to each other's needs;

- Fellowship achieved while strengthening one's separation to God.

9. Mutual care and support

It is easy to focus attention on those whose company we find enjoyable. But God enables us to perceive needs elsewhere and to exhibit His love in dealing with them. In fact, He promises increase, growth, in this very area. (17) Here are some ways in which it will be seen:

- Disciples known as good listeners;

- Pastoral care and counselling provided with due confidentiality;

- Despite practical difficulties no-one feels isolated (because of availability of spiritual and other forms of help);

- All feel they are 'in touch' with what is going on in their assembly, district and the Fellowship as a result of effective communications.

How can these descriptions be brought together in a harmonious, integrated way? Perhaps partly by frequently re-examining church activities and their format. We may become so busy just doing things that we lose sight of their original intent. Careful prior reflection on the above descriptions may help in determining priorities and plans. This needs to be approached by church leaders with considerable caution, implementing necessary changes while retaining benefits of well-understood acceptable practices. How much we all, not just leaders, need a blend of spiritual wisdom, enthusiasm and mutual commitment to achieve real growth. We need a willing heart that seeks a clear vision of God's purposes in making His home among the churches of God, with all that means in terms of our abiding in His love and truth.

(1) 1 Pet.2:5 (2) 1 Tim.3:15; 1 Cor.1:9 (3) Ps.52:8 cf Jer.11:16 (4) Acts 4:24-31 (5) 1 Cor.1:2; Rom.1:7 (6) 2 Pet.1:5-8 (7) Gal.5:22,23 (8) Col.1:9-11 (9)Eph.2:8-10; Heb.13:21 (10) Matt.13:1-9, 18-23 (11) Isa.32:20 (12) Ps.1:3 (13) Eph.5:26; Isa.27:2 (14) 1 Cor.12:28-31 (15) Jn. 15:1-8; Col.2:18,19 (16) Eph.4:16 (17) 1 Thes.3:12

HYDON, G.M. | Nov 2002
Principles Of Church Growth