Healthy Church Growth - Pt. 1

Sunday Service

Ephesians 4:11-16

It is important that the growth of the church does not come at the expense of the spiritual growth of its members. The main objective of the church should be for its members to become more like Christ. In this passage, Paul explained God’s strategy for church growth by detailing NINE MARKS of a strong, healthy, spiritually mature church.

1. GIFTED LEADERS (v. 11)
The original leaders of the church were the 12 apostles, who were the disciples chosen by Christ (Acts 1:21-22; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). The roles of the apostles were Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, and Evangelists. The tasks they performed within these roles formed the foundation of the early church. Other members were commissioned to take on roles and carry out tasks that enabled the apostles to remain focused on their pointed tasks - primarily to pray and teach.

2. EQUIPPED MEMBERS (v. 12)
The members of a church become equipped through the teaching of God’s Word (2 Tim 3:16). Church leaders also pray for the flock, that they may be equipped (Hebrews 13:20). It is much like a coach instructing and teaching his or her team how to win. The goal of a preacher is to make the body successful in the service of Christ.

Thank God for providing our church with gifted, qualified leaders and ask Him to help you faithfully support them and serve alongside them so our church will become all that God wants it to be.