Church Growth

Eight quality characteristics of growing churches

(From the Natural Church Growth Workshop, Feb. 2007.)

Empowering Leadership

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Eph. 4:11.

Gift-based Ministry

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 1Peter 4:10.

Passionate Spirituality

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:11-12.

Effective Structures

The most important criterion for structures in the church is if they fulfill their purpose or not.

Inspiring Worship Service

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1Thess. 5:16-19.

Holistic Small Groups

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Heb. 10:24-25.

Need-Orientated Evangelism

He gave an example that he and his pastor were at a restaurant. The waitress came up and apologized that their meal was taking so long. The pastor said that when the meal came they would say grace, and was there anything they could pray for. She said yes, her grandmother was having an operation tomorrow and she was worried. As they left, she came up and gave them a big hug. That was need-orientated evangelism.

Loving Relationships

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ~ John 13:35