[Acts 6:1-6 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. [2] 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. [3] 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. [4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. [5] 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: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
There are four main dimensions of growth expected in the church of God; numerical growth, spiritual growth or maturity, growth in capacity, and reach. Every pastor or missionary who plants a church desires this kind of growth. Every one of us wants our church to grow, but how?
1. There must be leadership that is given to the ministry of prayer and the word;
In Acts 6 we understand that the apostles would not leave prayer and the word to serve tables. Inasmuch as serving tables is important, they would not leave their core business to serve tables. The ministry of the word (both from house to house and in public) and prayer are the two master keys to increase and growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, apostle Paul said “I planted, Apollos watered and God gave the increase”. The planting and watering of the word in men’s hearts is crucial for any growth to occur.
2. There must be in place structures and systems that encourage effective pastoral care;
In the early church, when complaints arose because of the gentile widows, the apostles put in place structures that will lead to effective pastoral care. They ordained deacons to help with pastoral care. Our churches will grow when we learn to take care of the flock. We come together often as a flock but we are sheep. We are individual children of God with needs, the shepherds must put in place structures and systems to meet personal needs. The board of deacons were set up to attend to needs of the marginalised and the vulnerable.
3. There must be programs and events directed at more outreach and making the brand visible;
When tourists or visitors or immigrants enter a city, they are likely to fellowship with the church that is most visible. That is why we are set as a city on a hill that can not be hid. The business of the church is to step out and preach the gospel. Outreach is our business and that is the business we ought to be doing. We are a city set on a hill, make the brand visible; invite many to the meetings; and walk in the truth.
4. Everyone in the church must be raised to live, give and serve for the collective good of all members;
Our lifestyle and offerings and ministry has a great way of impacting the growth of the church. We must all develop a healthy lifestyle, giving and ministry to help the church grow. Increase cannot take place in a disorderly atmosphere. You must restore sanity and order for growth to occur.
Our church will grow. The HighCity is set to increase and grow when we determine to step out and make it grow. Increase comes from God but it comes after we have acted in the truth.
Be blessed; I love you!
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