CHURCH GROWTH
CHALLENGES
Emphasizing “division” rather than “multiplication.
Keeping the number of participants in accordance to the space available for
the gathering of believers.
Multiplying when spectatorship and participation become an issue.
Causing negative problems with neighbors, i.e., too many people, too loud,
blocking parking spaces, destructive to neighbor’s property, etc., thus
causing unnecessary problems with and attention of governmental authorities.
Securing additional host locations in order to multiply.
Getting hosts in all areas of the city/town, i.e., poverty areas, wealthy
areas, apartments, etc., in order to multiply.
Keeping the focus upon “one church” in the city/town and not “plural
churches” of the city/town, even though there are multiple gatherings or
congregational locations.
Ministering in plurality of leadership in the city/town so that the multiple
gatherings/congregations have proper spiritual guidance of the city/town
elders. (synonymous names: pastors/bishops)
Working cooperatively together as Elders (pastors/bishops) of the city/town
church.
Keeping individual congregational gatherings from being “loners” and
“independent” in their relations with the whole church of the city/town
rather than inter-dependent and cooperative.
Working cooperatively with “sent out” traveling apostles, prophets,
evangelists by a city/town church.
Walking in humility as leaders and with a heart of servant-hood in
relationship to others.
Maintaining a good inter-relationship with all congregational gatherings
within the city/town.
Keeping down the portrayal of the negative and prideful attitude that one
congregational gathering is more “superior” or “inferior” than the other,
and thus negate opportunities of fellowship with other believers, and always
remembering that our fellowship is in Jesus.
Note: In order to
keep the “wineskin” new, there must be a consistent and faithful emphasis on
the preeminence of Jesus and the “new wine” of His Word concerning what the
church of the city/town is supposed to be and do.
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