• Do We Really Want To Be An Evangelistic Church?

• It is totally up to us.
• Growth is an orientation, a way of thinking … not a program.

• Introduction
• Growth doesn’t just happen.
• It comes as a result of an ongoing, consistent effort.
• Growth requires that a congregation must commit itself to becoming a growing church.
• No preacher can build a congregation.
• The congregation as a whole must work.
• All who will .. do, but the lazy members must not be allowed to stop the growth.

• In Order To Lead Another To Faith, One Must First Have Faith Himself.
• Faith motivates one to actively pursue the goals of Christ. (II Corinthians 5:14 ff)
• Faith has a drawing power. It radiates and attracts like a light.
• Faith cannot long be simulated, but it starts small and grows only when fed and exercised.
• A church (a Christian) who does not seek the lost, is not faithful to Christ. I Peter 2: 9
• Any congregation can become a growing church, but few are willing to do the work.

• The Congregation Has To Have A Strong Clear Message.
• (I Corinthians 15:1-5)
• People who are truly seeking God want a church that stands for something.
• It’s a mistake to think that a weak-kneed approach will attract followers.
• Tradition and dry rituals will stifle a church’s growth and drive away prospects.

• The Church Must Present A Warm Inviting Environment
• (I Corinthians 9:19-23)
• The facility must be commodious and inviting.
• The building must present a pleasing appearance.
(to all five of the senses)
• A church building should inspire reverence.
• The appearance of the building reflects the attitude of the Christians who use it.

• Everyone must be made to feel welcome.
• Everyone who comes to the assembly must be made to feel wanted and accepted.
• This is one of the most important ingredients in building a congregation.
• Love between the members can be felt by all, even a first-time visitor. (John 13:34-35)
• Everyone should be included in the loving fellowship.
• Every member should warmly greet every person in the assembly.
• The members must be taught not to dash out after services, but to Hebrews 10:23-25.
• Every member should shake the hand of every visitor.

• Make Every Assembly An Occasion Of Joy
• But be done at a truly professional level.
• Our great God deserves our very best, not cold repetitive rituals. (I Corinthians 14:26)
• The assembly should be relaxed, but reverent.
(A big problem is that American culture has changed the members of the church.)
• The sermons should motivate, not always be theological discourses (There is a place and time for all kinds of discourses of a spiritual nature. )
• The singing MUST be joyful, enthusiastic and dynamic. (It’s VITAL to church growth.)

• Growing Churches Organize For Success
• (Mark 6: 40 , Acts 6: 1-6 , Titus 1: 5)
• Everybody’s business is nobody’s business. Put someone in charge of everything.

• There must be clearly formulated goals.
• The whole congregation must buy into the goals.
• The goals must be written, discussed, and kept before all the members.
• The goals should be mentioned in every prayer. (It should be a part of every member’s thinking).
• Careful records must be kept and progress reported. (accountability is fundamental).
• All members must make sure that no one is left out of reaching our goals.
• Involve all members who love God.

• The Members Must Train For Success.
• Training is the difference between good and great.
• Each member must know the gospel well enough to share it. (even informally) ( I Peter 3:15 )
• Hand pick people for the various jobs and train them for that job.
• Average should never be good enough for the King of all Kings, Lord of all Lords. (Revelation 3:16)

• The Congregation Must Develop Name Recognition In The Community.
• “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Compare ; Matthew 5: 14ff
• EVERYONE in the city or area should know the name and location of the church.
• People are more readily brought into a church they know something about.
• Creatively advertise, advertise, advertise (Word of mouth is the best advertising.)

• GO … SEEK …
• Not just sit and wait for sinners to come looking for the church.
• Any farmer knows that the harvest comes only after the cultivating and planting.
• Every member must be involved in some aspects of the growth process. (using varied talents)
• Every member needs to give some amount of time EVERY DAY. (even if one minute).

• Conclusion
• Love with all your heart and then do whatever is in your heart to do. …
• Matthew 22: 37-39
• Think on these things because they are good things to think about.
• This goes along with the will of God that “all men be saved”.
• REMEMBER : It’s God who gives the increase, but only after the sowing and watering.

By Carey Scott from an outline I got off the internet

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