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 ________________________________________________________________

What God's Church Needs From It's Members

The Lord's Church and all it's efforts depends upon it's membership. Following are some of the things that God's church depends upon you.

YOUR ATTENDANCE - Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:25

YOUR PRAYERS - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Ephesians 6:18-19

YOUR ENTHUSIASM - Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23

YOUR INVITING - Mark 5:19; Luke 14:23

YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT - Hebrews 10:24

YOUR INTEREST - Colossians 3: 1-2; Philippians 2:3-4

YOUR OPEN BIBLE - Acts 17:11

YOUR FRIENDLINESS - Proverbs 17:17; Ephesians 4:25

YOUR SINGING - 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19

YOUR LOVE - Mark 12:30; Galatians 5:6

YOUR PRIORITIES - Matthew 6:33; Luke 14:25-33

YOUR ATTITUDE - Philippians 4:8

BULLETIN DIGEST, P. O. Box 575, Cisco TX 76437 - Mike Vestal - Copied from the Mannington Messenger ________________________________________________________________

A Church is Almost Certain to Grow When.....

1. Each member has a deep concern for the lost.

2. Each member enters into worship with enthusiasm.

3. Each member is interested in an aggressive Bible School.

4. Each teacher is interested in improving his teaching ability.

5. Each elder and deacon is dedicated to the work.

6. The preacher preaches the Word with love.

7. Each member is personally involved in his work of soul-saving.

8. Each member lets brotherly love express itself to every other member.

BULLETIN DIGEST, P. O. Box 575, Cisco, TX 76437 - Copied from the Mannington Messenger ________________________________________________________________

100 YEARS FROM NOW!

What difference will it make whether you..........

lived in a mansion or a rented room?

wore tailor-made clothes or budget-floor bargains?

vacationed in Florida or your own backyard?

ate prime rib or a pot of beans?

slept on a mahogany bed or on a cot?

had a million dollars or nothing at all?

had been on a championship ball team or finished last?

BUT IT WILL MAKE A BIG ETERNAL DIFFERENCE WHETHER YOU WERE A SAVED OR LOST SOUL.

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WHY SOME CHURCHES GROW?

One Sunday night after services a lady asked why the church is growing so rapidly in some areas and so slowly elsewhere with similar circumstances. After meditating on her question the following reasons were given her.

The church grows where there is a spirit of love, unity, and understanding among the members, and they in turn, manifest these attitudes toward the people of the community. A "better-than-thou" or "we-are-right-and-you-are-wrong" attitude cannot convert people to Christ.

Secondly, the church grows where the leaders are men of character, reputation, zeal and vision. Where little men oversee the work of the church very little will be done. Elders and deacons should be respectable and responsible citizens as well as scripturally qualified and devoted as Christians.

Thirdly, the church grows where the local preacher sets a high spiritual tone and excites the members to do great things for the Lord. If he is narrow in attitude, small in matters of judgment, and afraid to "Launch Out in the Deep" then he will hinder instead of help the church.

Fourthly, the church grows where there is a will to work. When a church has the attitude that they are too small to do much, they will be too small. Too many churches are nothing more than worshipping societies, only keeping house for the Lord. A church at work will win souls.

Fifthly, the church grows where it plans for the future. A church that meets today's needs tomorrow is always behind. The congregation plans for the future in providing adequate buildings for worship services and Bible School, in employing personnel, in assuming new mission and benevolent programs, and in being Bible centered in every activity.

Last, a church will grow where God is honored, Christ is preached, and where the Holy Spirit plays an important role in the life of the disciples. When the gospel is preached in truth and love, and then the lives of the members exemplify their profession, the CHURCH WILL GROW!

By J. Gray (copied from Huntingburg Herald)

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QUESTIONS?????????????????????????????

QUESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT ATTEND ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

Do you not feel a need for studying the Bible with other Christians?

Would it not benefit you to sing and pray with other Christians at this time?

Since the elders are instructed to "feed the flock" and since the "flock" is instructed to "obey them that have the rule over you," are you not in rebellion to God's authority when you refuse to attend this period of spiritual feeding provided by the elders.

Do you think it would be to the best interest of the church to abandon this meeting altogether?

If you stay home from this meeting because of your children, would you allow them to hinder you from attending a teacher's meeting, a farm bureau meeting, etc. or would you make arrangements for them for those occasions?

If your Lord should come on a Wednesday night, would you rather be present with the saints of God studying the Bible than to be at home with your feet propped up, watching TV? When your children grow up, do you want them to be regular in attendance at all the services of the church, or would you prefer that they follow your example?

Did you know that those who faithfully attend that period of study and worship have as many children as others, work just as hard, have as many friends and social obligations, and that the reason they can come while you do not is that they really want to come while you really do not want to come?

Why not abandon all excuses and attend this meeting every time possible? You will be the one who gains by so doing. ________________________________________________________________

GOD'S EMERGENCY NUMBERS

When in sorrow ------------------------------ -------call John 14

When you are lonely or fearful ------------------ call Psalms 23

When you want to be fruitful -------------------- call John 15

When you have sinned ---------------------------- call Psalms 51

When you grow bitter and critical -------------- call I Corinthians 13

When you worry ------------------------------------ call Matthew 6:19-34

When you feel down and out -------------------- call Romans 8:31-39

When your prayers grow selfish ----------------- call Psalms 67

When you are in danger --------------------------- call Psalms 91

When your faith needs stirring ------------------- call Hebrews 11

When God seems far away ------------------------ call Psalms 139

When others fail you ------------------------------- call Psalms 27

When you leave home to labor or travel ------- call Psalms 121

When you want assurance ------------------------- call Romans 1:1-30

For Paul's secret of happiness -------------------- call Colossians 3:12-17

For Paul's idea of Christianity ------------------- call II Corinthians 5:15-20

When the world seems bigger than God ------- call Psalms 70 & Jeremiah 33:3

If you believe in Jesus Christ -Call Him up. (Collect calls are accepted).