How Does A Church Grow?

Micah Webb
02/23/24 - The Local Church

This is a question that has perhaps crossed the mind of many people.  The bigger question is, “What do we mean by growth?”  There are two types of growth: 1) Stronger and 2) Numerically.  Both growths are important. Consider the following ways to grow in both ways.

Stronger

1. By Everyone Does Their Share – Everyone has different roles (Romans 12:3-8).  Even though we have different roles, we are all part of the same body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).  Just like with the physical body, the body does not function properly without everyone doing their part.  This is because every part is important and provides value (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). When everyone does their part, the body will grow (Ephesians 4:16). 
2. By Demanding Strong Preaching And Teaching – The whole counsel of God must be preached (Psalm 119:160).  The church is responsible for spreading God’s word (1 Timothy 3:15).  This means the church must demand the whole of God’s word be taught.  Too many pulpits are filled with “soft” preaching that avoids some topics so not to offend or upset.  This kind of preaching does not provide what is needed for us to grow stronger.  A church needs to demand strong preaching and teaching if it wants to grow stronger.
3. By Strengthening the Hands Hanging Down And the Feeble Knees – There will be times that the members of congregations are struggling spiritually. When this happens, we need to work to strengthen them (Hebrews 12:12).  We do this by praying for them and encouraging them.  When we strengthen the weak, the church will grow stronger.
4. By Practicing Discipline - When there are those who are in sin and do not repent, the church must withdraw from them (1 Corinthians 5:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).  If discipline is not practiced, the leaven of sin can leaven the church (1 Corinthians 5:6).  When discipline is practiced, it can cause fear in others to be what they ought to be (Acts 5:5, 11). It can also cause the one in sin to repent (2 Corinthians 2:3-9).  A church must practice discipline if it wants to be stronger.

Numerically

1. By Engaging In Personal Evangelism – There are many out in the world who are in sin and need to be taught the gospel (Matthew 9:37-38; Romans 3:9-20).  If we do not teach them, they may never be taught (Romans 10.13-17).  If we teach those who are lost and they obey the gospel, the church grows numerically.
2. By Letting Our Light Shine – We are the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16).  When others see us living different from the world and letting our light shine, it can open doors of opportunity (Acts 16:25-34; 1 Peter 3:1-6).  Letting our light shine can help grow the church numerically.
3. By Practicing What We Preach – Some will not attend church services or even study with members of the church because, “The Church of Christ is full of hypocrites.”  It is true that there are hypocrites in the church, though not full of them.  When members of the church are hypocritical, it can hurt the cause of Christ (2 Samuel 12:14; Titus 2:5).  If we are hypocritical, we may hinder others from obeying the gospel.  If we practice what we preach, it can help grow the church numerically.

Conclusion:

            Many want to know how to grow the church.  There are two growths that can be meant: stronger and numerically.  Now we have seen what it is we need to do grow the church both stronger and numerically.  Now let us do what we can to grow the church. 

Share Online