Church Growth

OBJECTIVE

Today's objective is to learn how the Church grew to today, and how its growth may continue

INTRODUCTION AND HOOK 5 Minutes

Review: Last week, we discussed the formation of the Church, that she was born by the Holy Spirit, who equipped the Apostles with the tools necessary for ministry.
Imagine being asked to construct a bridge in the middle of the desert. What's the problem?
Although growth and increased infrastructure may be fun and exciting, unless there is a need, the endeavor may be as useless as a bridge in a barren desert

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 10 Minutes

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit 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." And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:1-7)

Memory Verse

"...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philip. 1:6)

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 20 Minutes

Growth is a Result of God's Work through Man

Luke wrote that the "Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47)
The preaching and ministry of the Apostles led many to believe and be baptized
"Through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people" (Acts 5:12), "and believers were incredibly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them" (Acts 5:14-15)

Growing Numbers, Needs, and Ministries

As the Church grew in number, the Apostles established various services to meet those needs

Bishops and Priests

St. Paul explained the qualifications for bishops in 1 Tm. 3:1-7 and Ti. 1:7-9
Bishops and priests were called to be of sound doctrine because their service included leading, teaching dogma, and exhortation
The elders are called to "shepherd the flock of God which is among them, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to them, but being examples to the flock" (1 Pt. 5:2-3, also see 4)

Deacons

The ordination of the deacons was a result of the need for the distribution of the bread at the behest of the Hellinists (cf. Acts 6:1)
The Apostles did not consider this service until there was a need
This establishment of the diaconate allowed the Apostles to continue serving according to the word of God, increasing the number of believer (cf. Acts 6:7)

Deaconesses

Phoebe, who was a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle, is considered the prototype of deaconesses, and other famous deaconesses include St. Macrina, Theosevia, and Olympia, the trusted assistant of St. John Chrysostom
These women were both pious and cultivated, capable of discussing theological problems
A deaconess was described as a reverent woman who cared for the needy

Laity

There are many lay services that also arise out of need
The Apostles have often been supported by lay people (those not ordained)
Lay people have provided homes, finances, and support to the Apostles

Ministry is the Center of Growth

When the Church was young, communities were small and easily served by a few ministers
As the Church grew, more churches needed to be established, more people needed to be ordained, and more persons were called to serve in various capacities
The Church establishes her services based on need, and is considerate of ministering to all her congregants
As the Church grows, further organization is required, resulting in the establishments of services, leaders for those services, and servants to serve

The Youth are the Future

The future of the growth of the Church is dependent on the youth
Therefore, we prepare ourselves with the small ministries now, to be transformed through service, that all persons may be ministered to
Preparation for service requires loyalty to tradition, the desire to live godly in Christ Jesus, to endure persecution (cf. 2 Tm. 3:12)
An example of preparation for service is the study of Scripture (cf. 2 Tm. 3:16-17)

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

How may we identify the needs of the congregation? How do our needs relate?
Consider your own needs: what service would be adequate for you?
Imagine if you are asked to come up with a service for your class or a lower class. What service would this be and why? How may we be adequately prepared for this service?

Life Application - 5 Minutes

As mentioned in last week's lesson, see whether there are ways we can minister to those in our congregation, whether it be tutoring peers or lower classmen, helping families with groceries, or asking servants if there is anything with which we may help
Prepare for service through the reading and study of Scripture, so that our sound doctrine may produce sound behavior, that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work
Take the opportunity to greet unfamiliar faces at church and make friends with unfamiliar youth

Activity - 10 Minutes

Write out a list of services at the church or services you would like to see.
Outline what would be required of these services, who these would serve, and how you may help
Examples may be food drives, visitation services, phone-call networks for accountability

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Talk with your kids about meeting new people and how excited you are when others join the Church
Encourage your youth to participate in new services for their age and to be involved
Talk to your child servants about how you may contribute to the service, whether it be helping in the classroom, assisting with rides to and from events, providing food for events, or hosting events