OGUN BAPTIST CONFERENCE WORKERS’ SEMINAR FOR 2011. LEADING FOR CHURCH GROWTH: A CHALLENGE TO THE PASTORS/LEADERS. By Rev Segun Jayesimi Text: Acts 2:38-47.

1.       Introduction.

The Theme for the Conference this year is A Growing Church. The roles of pastors/leaders in the growth of a Church cannot be over emphasized and thus the need to understand the variables of Church growth and also lead accordingly. It is the desire of God for the Church to grow as a living organism. It is also the prayer of the leadership of this Conference for the Churches to have balanced growth. The aim of this paper is to present the strategies that pastors/leaders have used to grow the Church of Living Lord. It is expected that pastors/leaders of this Conference will prayerfully examine the strategies for the growth of the Churches that God called them to lead.

2.       Definition of Growing Church.

A Growing Church is that which is systematically and consistently fulfilling God’s purposes for her existence in worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry. “It is a Church that grows warmer through fellowship, deeper through discipleship, stronger  through worship, broader  through ministry, and larger through evangelism” Oyedemi  2010 CTP.

Church growth is teaching and training the people who are in the church to become what God wants them to be so they can do what God wants them to do. Church growth happens when Christians grow into spiritual maturity.

    3.  Biblical Basis for Church Growth.

1) Church Growth is the will of God. Acts 2.47.
The Church is the body of Christ. Therefore it is a living organic church. A church that has life should grow continuously. This is the will of God.
2) Church Growth is the Commandment of God.Matt 28.19.
The expansion of the Kingdom of God is an expression of the Great Commandment given to all Christians. Since evangelism, spreading the good news about the Kingdom of God, is a commandment of God, church growth is also a commandment of God. There is no choice in whether to obey this commandment. It asks us only for continuing obedience and determination.
3) Church Growth is the responsibility of ministry.
Building up the church spiritually is the common responsibility of minister and congregation, but growth in church membership is primarily the responsibility of the minister.

4.       Types of Church growth.

The Church of God can grow in the following ways:

Numerical – The Church experiences increase in the number of People worshipping.

Spiritual- This occurs when membership grows toward maturity in the Lord.

Financial- This Church experiences increase in financial commitment.

Biological-The Church members are giving birth to new babies.

Physical-There is addition to the physical structure of the Church.

Social-The Church is contributing positively to the community and the society she finds herself.

Material-The Church is increasing in material resources.

Extension-New Churches are being planted as extension of God’s kingdom on earth.

Conversion-This is the addition of saved souls to the kingdom of God through the local Church.

Transfer-This type of growth is experienced when a member moves from one local church to the other.

5.       Pastor/Leader’s roles in  Church Growth.

-He/She must desire church growth and thus seek its growth.

- He/She must receive direction for growth from the Lord through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

-He/she must be able to put the direction into goals  and lead accordingly.

- He/She must accept the changes that associate with growth.

- He/She must continue to grow for the Church to grow.

- He/She must embrace leadership style that allows Church growth. e.g. Multi-Staff Ministry.

-He/She must pray for Church Growth.

6.       Enemies of Church Growth.

7.       Covered sins .Prov 28.13.

 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

      .     Polluted Altar.

      .     Ministry under curse. 2. Sam 21:1-3

•       Demonic activities.

•       Visionless leadership.

•       Disobedience to God’s leadership.

•       Maladministration.

•       Inappropriate multi- staff selection.

•       Maltreatment of Pastors/Members.

•       Internal wrangling/ bad conflict resolution procedure.

•       Maintaining  retrogressive Tradition.

•       Lack of leadership integrity.

•        

7.       Strategies of Church Growth leadership.

Strategy is “ a carefully devised plan of action to achieve a goal, or the art of developing or carrying out such a plan” Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. -The Pastor/Leader must set goals for the Church and departments. e.g increment of Membership from Three hundred to Five hundred in 2011. -The goals must be made acceptable to the Church membership. -There must be Ministry evaluation periodically. Four good reasons to get an assessment of  your church: It helps to see more clearly your strengths and weaknesses. It can help to see your blind spots. It can help to give your church direction. It will help you to grow.

-A growing Church must make the best use of Information Technology (IT).

This includes Website, e-mail, bulk SMS, internet etc.

-A good website can help Church to grow. This displays the vital information and ministries of the Church to the entire world. It can be designed for inreach and outreach ministries of the Church.

-The act of Planning Special Event! A special event held at your church can either let people know about your church and what it stands for or even reinvigorate awareness of your church. 

 The Church needs to promote her ministries.  Church can promote a different ministry each month. Your church can be viewed as one large group that is composed of several smaller groups or ministries.  Some of these groups are or can be Youth/Teens/ Men’s Group, Women’s  etc..

-The Church signboard. It should be placed in a strategic location with appropriate size. It is meant to expose your Church.

-Systematic and aggressive evangelism.

-Good Follow up ministry.

-Effective discipleship Training.

-Cell Church/House Fellowship.

-Strategic Planning
The idea is to develop ongoing strategies that will help achieve the mission of the church. These should move the church toward realizing the accomplishment of its vision. With specific instructions from the Saviour, the apostles established a strategy to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
-Prayer Warfare.
Conclusion.
Church growth that lasts is initiated by God sustains by His power and governed by His principles.  The Church pastors/leaders need to take full cognizance of the factors that make the Church to grow and thus lead the Church on the path of growth for the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth and spiritual stability of   Church membership.