Church Growth

The early church at Jerusalem was a unique assembly. Christ began His church during His earthly ministry. However, on the Day of Pentecost, it was empowered. That same day 3000 people were saved, baptized and added to the church. The church grew tremendously and quickly. There were two ways that the church grew: spiritually and numerically.

They grew spiritually because “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Spiritual growth comes through sanctification. As we receive the Word and are cleansed by it, putting it into practice, we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and in our personal holiness. We become stronger and more stable spiritually. Spiritual growth results in consistent evangelism, which leads to more people getting saved and numerical growth.

They grew numerically. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). God is the one who adds to the church. He sets people in the body. We don’t control the salvation of others, but we can control our own obedience.

Our part in church growth is the obedience part. Grow spiritually, and help others grow spiritually. Reach out to evangelize the lost. Some will come to Christ. The whole process will result in spiritual and numerical growth.