We are bombarded with a litany of church
growth methods: seeker service; loud, contemporary music; bright, colorful
lights; dress-down attire; feel-good sermons; relevant video clips. And the list grows longer each day.
I have found one effective church growth
paradigm for the church I pastor, and it is based on the promise of our Lord
Jesus Christ, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). The Lord, not I, will build His church: not
just the universal church, the body of Christ, but the local assembly as well. I have daily claimed this promise. In addition, the Lord has given me another
promise to claim: upon my knees He will build His church. Daily I kneel before Him, asking Him to bring
the increase. I simply preach His Word: no
powerpoint; no video clips; no gimmicks. The result of implementing this new
concept of trusting Jesus daily on my knees is: within the last 3 1/2 months of
this year I have seen more new faces show up, old faces return, and increase in
membership than previously.
Claiming Jesus' promise on my knees each day
has been more effective than other church growth paradigms that I have relied
upon in the past. To Him I am thankful,
and to Him I give all the glory.
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