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Focus On The Fundamentals Of The Faith

By W. Douglass Harris

Essentials to Church Growth

All consecrated Christians desire to see the church grow. God indicated His intentions that the church should grow (Cf. Daniel 2:34,35; Matthew 13:31-33). And it will grow if it follows certain scriptural guidelines for growth. There are two general ways in which the church can grow: (1) numerically, by adding new members through the conversion of sinners, and (2) spiritually, by the edification of the members (Cf. 1 Peter 2:11,12; Colossians 2:6,7; Ephesians 4:11,12). There should be a balanced emphasis of these factors. But there are certain scriptural essentials if the church is to grow in both of these respects. In our next few articles we shall discuss some of them.

1. If the church is to grow as God intended, it must earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered (Cf. Jude 3). “Contend” is a figurative term used by the Holy Spirit to describe the strenuous efforts that should be made by the saints in defense of the faith. “The faith” is the body or deposit of truth revealed in the Bible, or the system of faith which is the gospel of Christ. Using another Greek word, Paul said that he was set for “the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:17). Such defense is to be made by verbal moral persuasion — by using logic and reason in the correct application and interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Regretfully, some brethren today ridicule the idea of using logic and reason in applying the Scriptures, but Christ, Peter, and Paul were three of the greatest logicians that ever lived, and they spoke or wrote by inspiration.

God’s word is the instrument to be used in this defense (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Peter 3:15). This requires diligent study and familiarity with God’s word to use it effectively (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12). Jesus was a skillful user of the written word (Matthew 4:1-11).

Unless we are willing to obey Jude’s injunction by following only scriptural guidelines, the church cannot grow as God intended. Appeals to the flesh such as entertainment and man-made doctrines may attract numbers, but such growth (?) does not follow scriptural criteria, and the Bible teaches that only a few, relatively speaking, will be saved (Matthew 7:13,14). Neither should brethren think they are contending for the faith when contending for their way of doing things which inspiration has left in the realm of human judgment. If a church is growing spiritually, the numeric growth will be automatic.

2. If the church is to grow, it must have leaders with vision and foresight. Although “vision” in Proverbs 29:18 which says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” is referring to miraculous vision through which divine revelation was given, it is also true in the ordinary sense. No congregation can rise higher than the vision and foresight of its leadership, any more than a stream can rise higher than its course. Wise leaders plan the work of the church with a definite program of scriptural work with established goals. Leaders should always plan and build for future generations. Regretfully, many leaders are paralyzed by fear in trying to project the future. This might be prompted by a lack of faith. “Faith and vision are very closely connected. In fact, where there is no vision there is actually very, very little faith. One reason why planning is not done by churches is because they have no vision, and in reality no faith” (David L. Arnold, Minister’s Monthly, 1/63).

Another writer has said, “A vision foretells what may be ours. It is an invitation to do something. With a great mental picture in mind, we go from one accomplishment to another, using the materials about us only as stepping stones to that which is higher and better and more satisfying. We thus become possessors of the unseen values which are eternal” (Katherine Logan). Many congregations are satisfied with the status quo because the leaders have no vision. This is the basic difference in some churches that are growing and others that are not growing.

3. Members must assemble regularly for exhortation, admonition, and worship. “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24,25). The most effective way to kill any organization is by failing to attend its meetings regularly. No less is true of the church.

Brethren should not read “first day of the week” into Hebrews 10:25, which is bad eisegesis (reading into a passage what is not there). It teaches that we are not to forsake the assembly of the saints any time they meet. “The assembling together under consideration is any assembly for worship to God. We are to realize the value of fellowship in worship of God and study of His word, and we are to prize it so highly that we will avail ourselves of every opportunity for such fellowship” (Roy Lanier, Sr.). If there is a hungering and thirsting for righteousness in the heart, then how often to assemble will not be a problem.

Some questions to ponder: (1) Are Sunday night and Wednesday night services “good works”? What does the Holy Spirit through Paul say regarding being ready unto “all good works” (Titus 3:1)? (2) Can we teach faithful attendance without setting the example (Romans 2:21)? “How can we hope to influence others to be faithful if those in public view in the church are not faithful?” (Guy N. Woods). (3) Is good done by attending all the services possible? What does James say failure to do good is (James 4:17)? (4) Which members of the church are of most value to the church — those regular in their attendance or those who are spasmodic (Acts 2:42)? (5) Can a Christian expect to convert an unbelieving companion if he, or she, is not faithful in attendance (1 Peter 3:1-6)?

Every service of the church should be attended if humanly possible because the church deserves to live. But the church will die unless her services are attended.

4. Steer as free of division as possible. It is not always possible; even necessary at times (Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 11:19). Sometimes it is necessary for the church to slough off an ungodly or heretical element. As another has said, “Truth does not divide unless it ought to.” But otherwise it should be diligently avoided. Jesus and His inspired apostles enjoined unity (John 17:20,21; 1 Corinthians 1:10). Unity is of supreme importance to the success of any enterprise, and the church is no exception. Division is destructive to the church and to the souls of men. Division among Christians is a major cause of unbelief.

Regrettably, brethren sometimes divide over such petty matters which fall beneath Christian propriety and dignity. “Strife” (division) is classified by Paul as a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). Christians are to “strive together” rather than against one another (Philippians 1:27).

Many times the strife in congregations is nothing more than a power struggle — struggles of certain ones to have their way in matters which inspiration has left to human judgment, or struggles to exercise control or leadership. Brethren, these things ought not so to be. If the Lord’s church does not demonstrate to the world the unity enjoined by Christ, it certainly cannot be found in the denominational world with its conflicting doctrines, names, and creeds. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

5. Members must live right (Titus 2:11,12). “Only let your conduct be worthy (befitting, becoming, right on the ground of fitness, W. E. Vine), of the gospel of Christ” said Paul (Philippians 1:27). He also said that we are to shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-16). To do this Christians must adorn themselves with the “Christian graces” (Titus 2:10; 2 Peter 1:5-11). Jesus taught that His disciples are to be light and salt to the sinful world (Matthew 5:13-16).

Godly living (example) is more persuasive and convincing than spoken language. This is what Peter said to the Christian wives who have unbelieving husbands — win them by example (1 Peter 3:1). “Word” in the second clause has no article before it in the original, making it indefinite and refers to exhortations, and persuasions of the wife. Thus it should be rendered, “If any obey not the word (gospel) they may without a word (from the wife) be gained by the conduct (Godly behavior) of the wife” (see NKJ, NASV, RSV). “These husbands had heard the gospel and were familiar with its demands. They had thus been stubborn, rebellious, and disobedient. This is a case when silent eloquence is more effective than vigorous and vehement debate” (Guy N. Woods).

“The eye’s a better pupil, and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing but example is always clear.
And best of all the preachers, are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put into action is what everybody needs”

—Author Unknown

6. Christians must give liberally, regularly, and according to their ability (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Some brethren think that money should never be mentioned by preachers, teachers, or leaders. But sixteen of the thirty-eight recorded parables spoken by our Lord deal with the right or wrong use of money and possessions. Paul devoted two entire chapters to teaching on the “grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8,9).

Many in the church will suggest what the church ought to be doing, but there are few who are willing to help bear the burden financially, and otherwise. Leaders of congregations should arrange for some courses to be taught on stewardship. More members of the church may be deceiving themselves in this matter than in any other respect. Many have not learned the secret and joy of sacrificial giving. If they had, leaders would not have to do so much urging to get the members to give as they should. When Moses, as Jehovah suggested, requested the Israelites to bring offerings for the building of the tabernacle, the people responded so generously and willingly they had to be “restrained” from bringing more (Exodus 25:1-5; 36:5-7). Congregations will grow when they abound in the grace of giving.

7. Must engage in the works of benevolence. The church must practice pure and undefiled religion to grow (James 1:27; Galatians 6:10). Practicing benevolence cannot be separated from evangelism. Saving souls should be the ultimate objective of benevolence. Jesus performed many benevolent works (signs) to produce faith in Him (John 20:30,31).

Benevolence includes the care of widows and orphans. “Visit” in James 1:27 is generic, leaving the method to human judgment — they may be provided for in a private home or a legal, re-constructed home. To make a law limiting the church to any one method is to write a human creed.

The work of the church may be illustrated with a triangle with the three sides being evangelism, edification, and benevolence. Without benevolence the triangle is incomplete. The church of the first century was active in benevolence (Acts 6:1-6; 11:29,30; Romans 15:25-29; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2).

8. The members must have a mind to work. It has been truthfully said that the father of success in any line of endeavor is work. The best-laid plans will fail without a mind to work. The secret to the successful rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah is found in the statement: “For the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). By prayer and persistent work they overcame all opposition and succeeded. They would not stop working even in the face of opposition (Nehemiah 6:3).

According to the Lord’s teaching, the church is compared to a vineyard — a place of work (Matthew 20:1-16). He also taught that all must work — do what they can. If we have only one talent, we must use it or lose it (Matthew 25:14-30). We must work while it is day (we live), for the night (death) comes when no man can work (John 9:4). We are to abound in the work of the Lord, which labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

9. Members must put the church first in their order of priorities (Matthew 6:33). All pursuits may be divided into one of three categories: (1) Things of no importance. If we dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of them, we will have been a failure. (2) Things of ordinary or mediocre importance (vacations, sports, hobbies, politics, etc.). Pursuing such avidly is to live an ordinary life. (3) Things of greatest or paramount importance (saving the soul, preparing for the life to come, etc.). The work of the church falls into the latter category. But many who profess to be Christians give things of no importance or ordinary importance precedence over the things of the Kingdom. Their values have become distorted to the extent that they major in minor things, and minor in major things.

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom? (1) To attend all the services possible (Hebrews 10:24,25). (2) Giving regularly and according to one’s prosperity (1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9). (3) Spending some money for gospel papers and books published by the brethren to enhance one’s effectiveness as a member of the church (1 Timothy 4:13). (4) See that one’s children are properly trained for service in the church (Ephesians 6:4). (5) Finally, finding time for daily Bible study (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15). Search! Search!

10. Members must be given to hospitality. Every congregation needs to acquire the reputation of being friendly and hospitable. Peter enjoined, “Using hospitality one to another without murmuring” (1 Peter 4:9). Paul charged Christians to pursue the practice of hospitality (Romans 12:13 AB). Luke reported that the church at Jerusalem had “favor” (friendship, enjoying the good will) of all the people (Acts 2:47). As Christians we must not espouse the practice of the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Church members should be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). “Share with God’s people that need help. Look for people that need help, and welcome those people into your home (Romans 12:13 Easy-To-Read Version). From all indications of the internal life of the church in Jerusalem, it seems that they were together nearly every day. “In the early church there was a winsomeness on God’s people” (William Barclay). The fastest growing churches are those given to hospitality.

It has not been our purpose in this series to discuss incidental methods that can be used in church growth, but to emphasize scriptural essentials if the church is to grow as God intended. The emphasis in church growth should be on quality growth rather than quantity growth. When one examines carefully the growth of the early church as recorded in Acts and notes the kind of people responsible for that growth (which can be an interesting study), he can understand the preceding statement. If you have a congregation of Pauls, Barnabases, Peters, and Stephens, and let them talk to the Corneliuses, the jailers, and the Ephesians, then the church will grow. In studying the growth of the church in Acts, we discover their motivation, the mind (attitude), the moral climate, the medium, and the material necessary for church growth.