As clearly stated in Ephesians 4:16, God designed the Church to grow as everybody does their part. Be sure to grasp the collaborative effort behind church growth. The verse does not state that the Church grows as the leader does his/her part but rather “as each part does its work.”
But, the question we face is how to bring this about within the Church. God already provided the answer in His Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Making Collaboration Possible in Church Growth Efforts
The Church began by the Holy Spirit bringing unity out of diversity as He brought the Jews and Gentiles together to form one Body.
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Eph. 2:18)
And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph. 2:22)
The Holy Spirit continues to bring unity out of diversity.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:6-7)
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. (1 Cor. 12:13)
Let’s yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us rather than promote our own agenda. If we, as leaders, try to do the pushing and pulling of people to reach our goals, we will undoubtedly be met with frustration, discouragement, and possibly disunity. That is no way to grow a Church for we offend the One who is able and ready to help us come together to grow and be built up in the Lord.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; (Eph. 4:3-4)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph. 4:30-32)
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