Any discussion on Church Growth has to look at the Great Commission.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28:19-20)
Observations about Church Growth in the Great Commission:
1) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must realize that Jesus is the Source and Standard governing and driving church growth.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore … “
If you haven’t already read the following pages, please do so for added understanding.
Authority and the Great Commission
Authority Issues and the Great Commission
2) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must conclude that the emphasis is on going to where the people are, not bringing them in.
go and make disciples …
3) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must notice that the objective is to “make disciples.”
make disciples
4) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must take note of the sphere being “of all nations.”
make disciples of all nations
5) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must acknowledge that it is about making fully devoted followers of Jesus, not merely increasing your numbers.
baptizing them …
teaching them to obey everything …
6) If using the Great Commission as a church growth verse, one must recognize the true power Source of growing the Church.
Jesus said, “I am with you always.”
The Steering the Church Toward Discipleship Leadership Guide include some brief input on each of the above points about church growth and the Great Commission.
All Posts about Church Growth:
- Church Purpose That Leads to Church Growth
- Church Growth Outgrowth of Church Purpose
- Everybody Has a Part in Church Growth
- Church Growth & the Great Commission
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church by Becoming Like Them?
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church with Grace?
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church by What You Offer?
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church Through Manipulation?
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church by Watering Down the Truth?
- Church Growth & God’s Power
- Power of the Gospel & Church Growth
- Power of the Gospel, Not Entertaining
- Power of the Gospel, Not the Messenger
- Power of the Gospel, Not Swayed by What People Think
- Grace to Grow
- Grace to be a Growth Agent
- True Church Growth & Health: Reliant on the Holy Spirit
- Collaboration in Church Growth Efforts Possible with Spirit
- Competence, Conviction & Confidence in Church Growth
- Growth Because of His Name
- Growth When All Done in His Name
- Growth in His Name Came at a Cost
- Prayer Essential for Church Growth
- Praying for Church Growth
- All Spiritual Gifts Needed for Church Growth
- Perspective Toward Each Other’s Part in Church Growth
- Not the Time to Think about Church Growth?
- How Resurrection Power Helps with Church Growth
- Attacks Against Church Growth
- Attacks Against Church Growth Need God’s Protection
- Our How-To Book for Church Growth
- An Example of What It Takes for Growth and Spiritual Health