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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