Church Growth
By Richard Harp
Every member of the body of Christ is important to his local congregation. Though no one is indispensible, no one should feel insignificant. The Scriptures are very emphatic about this (cf. 1 Cor.12:12-27; Rom. 12:3-8). The church grows where the members know they receive personal blessings from it and feel a personal responsibility toward it. Such people speak of the church as “we” or “I” rather than “they” or “you.” They want to be involved and support every good work (Titus 3:1). What blessing and responsibilities make the church personal to every Christian?
Personal Blessings
The forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus is received by every faithful member of the body (1 John 1:7). The Holy Spirit leads, guides, strengthens and comforts him through the inspired word, completely furnishing him unto every good work (2 Tim.3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:3). His burdens are lifted (Matt.11:28; Gal.6:2), problems solved (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 8:28), temptations resisted (1 Cor.10:13), and trials endured (James 1:12) though Christ. In his faithful worship he is encouraged and simulated to love and good deeds (Heb.10:24,25). His brethren love him when no one else will; they help him when he needs help, weep with him when he grieves, and rejoice with him when his is happy (Rom. 12:10-15). His hope in Christ is an anchor of his soul, both sure and steadfast (Heb.6:19). These are only a few of the scores of blessings each of us, who is faithful in Christ Jesus, receives.
Someone has aid, “With every blessing comes a responsibility.” Every member must feel a sense of personal responsibility in the work and mission of the church. No one person can do all that God intends to be done in the local church, unless he is the only member of that particular congregation. Every one cannot do everything, but this will not be necessary if everyone is doing something. What are some responsibilities that each member has?
Personal Responsibilities
Each must worship faithfully (Heb. 10:25), study diligently (2 Tim. 2:15), give liberally (2 Cor.9:6,7), sing fervently (Eph. 5:19), pray regularly (1 Thess. 5:17,18), and commune weekly (Acts 20:7). Everything we do in worship is personal and should be done from the heart (Matt.15:8; John 4:24). Soul-winning is the responsibility of every member (Matt.28:19,20). The spiritual are to restore the erring (Gal. 6:1), and every member is expected to be spiritual. Every person must regard himself as a servant n the kingdom, a worker in the vineyard. There are no bosses or dictators who give orders and do nothing themselves. But each has a work to do, an obligation to fulfill, in the service of our King,
When one member is slack in accepting, or fulfilling, his/her responsibilities, to that degree, the church is weak and fails in her mission. When one member is diligent and steadfast in carrying out personal responsibilities, to that degree, the church is stronger and succeeds in her mission. Are you a helper or a hinderer, an asset or a liability? God’s plan for the church involves each and every individual; “...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16).
View Previous Articles
