To Grow a Church

by    Dr. Edgar Engle                                                                                                                                                                  Vol. V, No. 4, August 1992

[This article appeared in the newsletter of First Baptist, Appalachia. Dr. Engle has now been called to Mountain View Church, Fredericksburg.]

A few things were brought out in our study of Rev. 2:1-3 that are important for everyone to take to heart. First, we saw that it takes hard work to build a church. By this we mean that each and every person has some job to do at church in order for her to work properly. We don't stop working because we've already worked for years. We don't stop working because no one else seems to be doing their "fair share." And we don't stop working because a particular season has arrived, such as summer.

Similarly, we must work faithfully and diligently at the task we have been assigned. We must see to completion with the very best of our capabilities whatever task we have to do. This does not depend on the type job anyone else may be doing.

Rev. 2:1-3 also pointed out that we are not to endure either moral or doctrinal impurity within the fellowship. In short, our behavior is not to determine our doctrine, but our doctrine is to determine our behavior. Plus, our doctrine is to be derived from what the Scriptures say, not from what we would like them to say. At any point you pick up the Bible you know with complete confidence that you have before you the Word of God.

A final point is that you grow a church through hard work: witnessing. There is no other key or tool for success. No program or gimmick will create lasting church growth. We have to follow the example of the early church and go door to door with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only through outreach and witnessing will our church grow. After all, the church's prime directive is to witness to a lost and dying world the gospel of Jesus.

Let me add that you can best accomplish this through the network of friends and acquaintances you now have. Start with those you already know. Then branch out to those you come to know through your friends. The church will double in size in just one year if each of us introduces just one person to Jesus annually. Ask God to empower you to witness to and win at least one person this next twelve months.