Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 2:47, “[they were] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
I did a quick internet search on ways to grow a church, and I must say, there was no shortage of lists and resources. Plenty of people had much to say about how to get more people to attend on Sundays. In summary, they mentioned things like simplify what you do as a church, redirect your focus into the community, utilize social media, freshen the way you’ve always done things, plan and prepare for growth, get your facilities in good order, follow up with visitors and those members who haven’t attended in a while, and pray. There were also articles that shared insight into things that can be done that will not necessarily grow a church, things like improve the venue, modernize your social presence, strategize, and revamp the worship service. So, what’s the answer? Well, if the question is how do we grow our church, then I’m just naïve enough to say that God has instructed His church how to multiply itself. I know the 21st century is not the 1st century, but we all know that’s irrelevant as far as God is concerned. What we may have forgotten is that church, as a place to attend and engage, is designed by God to be a by-product of loving Him and following Him as a worshipper. That’s why so many young people who get dragged to church by their parents don’t understand the deal, and some never understand it. Going to church is not a duty or responsibility, it is an outflow of the inflow of God’s Spirit working in your life.
The early church was designed to live relationship out through a beautiful interconnection of simplicity. The believers continued in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers. Souls were saved, they shared what they had with those among them in need, and they continued to praise God, which brought them favor with the people, and God added more to their numbers. It was, and is, a lovely circle of God’s design. What might happen to us if every side comment or expression of complaint was replaced by the praises of God? Could our praises of the Lord of the church actually move Him to respond and enlarge His kingdom? Let it not be said that we never tried to find out.
As we seek Him today, praise God from a redeemed heart for every single thing you can think of, and let that be your ministry of evangelism to a dying world.
Have a super weekend.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
