Our How-To Book for Church Growth

When it comes to churches growing, it only makes sense for God’s Word to be our How-To Book for Church Growth. Yes, we might consult specialists but nothing should ever replace input from God’s Word. We should always run our own ideas or any help we receive from church growth consultants through the grid of Scripture.

Why It Only Makes Sense to Make God’s Word the Ultimate How-To Book for Church Growth

When we consider just who the God of the Bible is, it only makes sense we follow His Word since His ways are so much higher than our ways (Isa. 55:9). — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Ps. 111:10)

• Because God is all wise, He knows what’s best, not us or even specialists. (Ps. 147:5; Prov. 3:19; Isa. 40:28; Rom. 11:33-36)
• Since God established the Church through Jesus, following His design for the Church, as described in His Word, will be that which makes it grow, not following the ways of the world or even copying after other churches. (Eph. 4:3-16)
• Since God placed Jesus as the Head of the Church, the final authority, or supremacy, belongs to Him, not a human being. (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23; Col. 1:18)
• Because God is all powerful, He’s the One able to bring the growth, not us, though He will use us in the process. (1 Cor. 3:6-11)

How to Filter our Church Growth Efforts through the Grid of Scripture

The Bible points to the wisdom of getting other people involved in our planning efforts (Prov. 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6) so seeking counsel could be helpful to church growth. If, however, we truly believe the points listed above, we will abandon any of our own ideas, or that of professional consultants, that do not align with commands, principles, or perhaps even precedence found in the Bible. We will evaluate what we do through the grid of Scripture. Everything will align with God’s character and His primary purposes, design, and mission for the Church, as described in His Word. An almighty, all-wise God who designed the Church with Jesus as its Head deserves nothing less.

The Bible also points to the need to pray for wisdom (James 1:5) so prayer should definitely be a part of our church growth efforts. Here again, however, we must evaluate what we perceive as answers to prayer through the grid of Scripture. God’s response will never contradict His character and ways as described in His Word for “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure” (James 3:17). An almighty, all-wise God who is also holy and righteous, will not lead us astray from the best Standard to follow for help, His Word.

For More, Go To: Resources about God’s Word

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
• Good Stewards Aim Toward Growth
• Leader Qualities in Church Growth