The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. — ACTS 6:7
Throughout church history it is clear that the spreading of the word brings growth in the church. Remember that God rewards us according to our faithfulness (Matt. 25:23), not according to the size of our church or number of converts. Remain faithful in spreading the word!
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The church-growth movement has done more harm than good. In many mega-churches, pastors become celebrities and worship becomes idolatrous.
Believers desire to have their churches grow, but before thinking of implementing man-made ideas, we should remember that it is God who causes the growth (1 Cor. 3:6–7). Christ promised that He will build His church, and the growth is not in question (Matt. 16:18).
In Acts we learn God’s strategy for church growth—it is by the proclamation of God’s word. As the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and preaching, the word of God kept on spreading. A pastor’s primary responsibility is to preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2).
As the word of God spread, the number of disciples continued to increase. Yet, notice that it is not only the apostles who spread the gospel; fellow believers started spreading the gospel. We are all to make disciples who will then make more disciples.
When the word of God spreads, it converts all sorts of people. Luke mentions that a great many priests were becoming obedient to faith (Acts 6:7)—those who recently were hostile to Christ (John 19:6). This hit me hard, and I was personally humbled, when God saved my colleague. I thought she would never accept Jesus as Lord as she used to rebuke me at work when the gospel was shared.
Throughout church history it is clear that the spreading of the word brings growth in the church. Remember that God rewards us according to our faithfulness (Matt. 25:23), not according to the size of our church or number of converts. Remain faithful in spreading the word!