TEN MARKS OF A GROWING CHURCH

A growing church can be identified by ten characteristic marks of church growth. Does your church have these ten characteristics, and if not, why not?

1. Growing churches have elders who are spiritual men of wisdom, knowledge, and vision, and who are deeply interested in the souls they are shepherding (1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 3:1-7).

2. Growing churches have preaching that exalts Jesus Christ and His word, that proclaims the whole counsel of God, and that encourages and challenges in a bold but loving way (2 Tim. 4:1-4; Acts 20:27; Eph. 4:15).

3. Growing churches have an educational program that stimulates all to know more of God's word and to better apply its truth (2 Peter 3:18; Eph. 4:12).

4. Growing churches have deacons who believe in servant hood and as deacons they rejoice for the privilege that is theirs to work in special ways to God's glory (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

5. Growing churches regard worship as a privilege rather than a chore. The singing is enthusiastic, the Lord's Supper is thoughtfully observed, prayers are humbly and lovingly offered, and brethren give generously as they have been prospered. People bring their Bibles, in order to follow along during the sermon because they desire to better know God and His will in their life (John 4:24; Psalm 116:12; Eph. 5:19; James 5:16; 1 Cor. 16:1-2).

6. Growing churches make guests feel at home. Others can see the unity, warmth, and love that exists within the congregation (Rom. 12:10; John 13:34-35).

7. Growing churches make a diligent effort to teach the lost and to restore the fallen. Visitation, Bible studies and outreach are constant (Acts 5:421; Gal. 6:1-2).

8. Growing churches keep up with their missionaries by writing them letters, sending them good literature, and encouraging them in their work (Phil. 4:14-20; 1 Cor. 3:9).

9. Growing churches respond to goals and challenges because every member is focused on glorifying God (1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17).

10. Growing churches exhibit the mind of Christ---they are humble, serving, loving, and obedient to the Father (Phil 2:5-11).

If this does not sound like your congregation, what are you doing to change things? All of us must do our part to make a strong, growing, and glowing church.

Mike Vestal, Main Street Church of Christ, 2026 Main Street, Milan, TN 38358
Bulletin Digest, P. O. Box 500, Cresson, TX 76035-0500
Mannington Messenger, Mannington Church of Christ, 706 East Main Street, Mannington, WV 36582