Few churches grow accidentally. Some do not grow and others grow as a result of Satan's influence. But some grow as God desires. Why do they grow? Maybe now and then one will show significant progress partially due to location, but generally this is not the true answer. I have been blessed to work with some churches that grew rapidly and have also worked with some that showed no numerical growth. What was the difference? Can we find out? See 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 10:24.I didn't deserve all the blame when a congregation failed to grow and I didn't deserve all the credit for rapid growth. There are several things to watch and I think if we would observe critically and honestly we would find some of the following are reasons why church experience proper (and sometimes rapid numerical growth.)
Members are friendly and deeply concerned about saving souls.
Elders (if no elders, then those who lead) plan ways in which the membership is informed, kept busy and knowledgeable of one another. (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
Members worship in well planned (scriptural,) orderly services.
Classes are continually examined and improved upon to accomplish the most good and generate the best interest. (Eph. 4:12-16)
Preachers who “preach the word” and are good examples to saints and non-saints in daily life. (1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7-8)
Not a member goes astray without the elders (and church) being interested in find out why. (Gal. 6:1)
Discipline is exercised with love and impartially. (2 Thess. 3:6-15)
Planned work is constantly before the brethren and is centered around the teaching of the Word. (2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Tim. 3:15)
Well organized personal work program that tries to involve every member of the church. (1 Cor. 14:40; Eph. 4:16)
New teachers are trained and used so every part of the church is exercised and made to truly feel a “part of the body.”
Love and respect is cultivated by brethren working together. (Eph. 4:1-3)
Neither the preacher nor any other teacher makes a “hobby” our of any subject. (Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Tim. 4:2)
A constant effort is made to train new elders and deacons. (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11)
Now, these helps are not all inclusive. They are some of the things I have learned by
experience, observation, and Bible study which will enable the people of God to multiply.
There are no short-cuts to success and success is not measured by number alone. However,
numerical growth is one aim in saving souls. If each member works to make the church grow
it will! Will you help? There is work for all!
author unknown