[Acts 6:1-8 KJV] “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”
“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”
“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people”
The text above teaches us three key factors that influence and sustain church growth. It is one thing to have church growth but another level altogether to sustain the growth. It is possible to lose all the gains that you made. Many churches begin to grow but eventually plateau and decline.
Apostle Peter enumerates three key factors that create an atmosphere for growth and sustains it. These are;
- The ministry of prayer
- The ministry of the word
- The ministry of pastoral care
When the apostles gave themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer and appointed people to serve tables and care for the needs of the widows and the forgotten; the church continued to grow. These are the three things that lead to more growth.
We must be committed to pray, teach, and care for the needs of the less privileged. So, the main force that grows a church is prayer, the word, and care. I have no doubt that as we give ourselves to these things the church will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
Let us pray that our pastors and missionaries shall give themselves to prayer and the word. Pray that the spirit of prayer and faith shall fall upon and fill our ministers. Pray and rebuke any spirit of sleep and slumber upon the ministers in the name of Jesus!
There must be men and women who can be appointed over church business. Pray that the Lord will send labourers to His vineyard. Pray that there may be men who may be appointed over the business of the church to facilitate effective pastoral care.
Let us pray that God will use the ministers to make an impact in the city. Pray that the word of God shall greatly increase and multiply!
Stay blessed
