{"id":2736,"date":"2015-10-05T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2015-10-05T12:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/?p=2736"},"modified":"2025-06-03T15:57:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T19:57:04","slug":"gospel-not-messenger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainchurchleaders.com\/practicum\/gospel-not-messenger.htm","title":{"rendered":"Power of the Gospel, Not the Messenger"},"content":{"rendered":"
To get the greatest benefit from this practicum, make sure you have read related training on the site. Click below to read about God’s Power for the Church:<\/em><\/div>\n
God’s Power for the Church: The Gospel<\/a><\/center><\/div>\n

Sometimes we look at churches that are growing and attribute their growth to their pastoral staff. We can’t deny that certain personalities seem to have more appeal. However, let’s remember that the Gospel “is the power of God that brings salvation” not the messenger. We are merely conduits through whom the power of God, through His Gospel, works to change lives and grow His Church.<\/p>\n

Understand the power of the Gospel and you won’t rely on a dynamic preacher or leader to grow the Church.<\/h2>\n

Take a look at those whom God used initially to grow the Church — fishermen, tax collectors, a rugged group of disciples who were neither trained nor eloquent in their speaking ability. Because the power is in the message itself, God can and does use anyone.<\/p>\n

As even the Apostle Paul, who was more learned than the original twelve disciples acknowledged to the Thessalonians, “our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thess. 1:4-5). He recognized that without the power of God, all his previously learned skills and reputation meant nothing.<\/p>\n

Implications for church leaders who want to see their churches grow:<\/h2>\n
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  1. You mustn’t hide behind your own limitations and make excuses. God can use you just as much as anyone else to grow His Church.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    1. You mustn’t rest on your strengths and credit your own abilities for growing the church. God can use the people of your church, without formal training and without a position of leadership, just as much as He can use you to grow his Church.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world … God chose the lowly things of this world … so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Cor. 1:26-29)<\/em><\/p>\n

      For More, Go To:\u00a0Resources about the Gospel<\/a><\/p>\n

      All Posts about Church Growth:<\/h3>