FOUNDATION STUDIES FIVE: DISCILPESHIP AND CHURCH GROWTH.
TEXT: Matt 10:24 25, Acts 6:7
INTRODUCTION: Discipleship and church growth are fundamental kingdom issues that are inter-related and they are basic Christian responsibilities. Discipleship is ones responsibility to be taught trained and conditioned to be as the Teacher, ones Lord and Master, while growth is actually the impact of discipleship on the church, through strength of salvation, willingness to serve and numerical increase. A. DISCILPESHIP The purpose of discipleship is to establish the inner transformation in the daily conduct of the believer. As a member of Faith Power Intl Christian Center, you are to submit yourself to discipleship, through church programs, teachings and general training programs. The Bible says the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, which reflects the divine impact of discipleship on believers in reflecting the nature of Christ. i. Kingdom growth begins with discipleship; 1 st Peter 2:2. ii. When discipleship is in place, church growth is enforced; Acts 6:7. iii. The true test of ones salvation is discipleship. There is no Christianity without discipleship; John 8:30 31.
B. CHURCH GROWTH The spiritual well-being of a church is reflected in the strength of character of the individual members of the church which is manifested in their daily walk in Christ, their commitment to service in the house of God which actually affects the numerical strength (addition, multiplication) of the church. These are the basic tenets of church growth. A healthy church is a growing church. The church is as healthy as the spiritual state of the members of the church. It is our desire that you are not just a member of the church but a healthy member of the church which generally affects the entire health of the church. i. Stewardship: The growth of the church is vital in the purpose of God and this is made possible through stewardship of members of the church, a reflection of the health of individual members. It is our desire that you are available to God in this church through service; 1 st Corinthians 4:1 2. ii. Evangelism: The spreading of the gospel through proclaiming, announcing and inviting; these aspects of the kingdom are all relative for the growth of the church. Faith Power Intl Christian Center can spread the gospel when you, the member proclaims what God is doing in your life here, announces what God will do in their lives and invites others to share in this same fellowship; John 1:1 3.
Devotion: Your devotion to the faith is a show of your commitment to the demands of the faith. Jesus said, Dont you know I must go about my Fathers business? When you are truly devoted to FPICC, it means you have made the issues of the church your Fathers business. This will always affect the growth of the church positively.
CONCLUSION
Discipleship and church growth are ultimately cardinal issues if the church will make impact and effectively carryout the Great Commission. You and I are responsible to see to it that the gospel does not end with us; Jude 1:3 4.