Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Principles Of Church Growth
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. The Lord desires for His church to grow...
a. He provides gifts to ensure spiritual growth and development - Ep 4:11-16
b. He provides increase through our connection with Him as the head - Co 2:19
2. Yet church growth is not automatic...
a. Some churches become stagnant
b. Other churches enter a downward spiral till they cease to exist
[To avoid either of these catastrophes, there are two important principles of church growth that must be
understood and applied. The first of these is...]
I. EACH PART MUST DO ITS SHARE
A. CHURCH GROWTH IS ENHANCED...
1. When each member does his or her part as a member of the body - Ep 4:16
a. We all have a function to fulfill - Ro 12:3-8
b. Every member is important - 1 Co 12:12-22
2. When each member is drawing strength from the Head - Ep 4:16; Co 2:19
a. Directly through God's indwelling - Ph 2:12-13; 4:13; Ep 3:16,20
b. Indirectly from one another - cf. 2 Co 1:3-5
-- Nourished from above and from within, a congregation is bound to grow
B. CHURCH GROWTH IS ENDANGERED...
1. When members do not do their part
a. The church is handicapped by nonfunctioning members
b. The church cannot perform to its full potential
2. When other members have to make up the difference
a. Who often struggle under the extra burden
b. Who sometimes become disheartened, even give up
-- When members won’t do their part, a church cannot grow as God intended
[The second principle of church growth that is crucial to understand and apply is...]
II. THE STRONG MUST BEAR WITH THE WEAK
A. CHURCH GROWTH IS ENHANCED...
1. When strong members understand the weakness in others
a. As the church evangelizes...
1) There will always be babes in Christ
2) There will always be those who are weak
b. As the church grows, such growth can be messy - cf. Pro 14:4
1) Many new members haven’t had the benefit of good role models
2) Some families may not know their duties as parents, spouses, children
3) It will take time for many Christians to learn principles of godly living
Topical Sermons 279