Recently Mark Finley, the Vice President of our Global Church was interviewed about church initiatives and directives for the future. Mark will be leading another NET satellite program in November and in his message to the local church leaders he made an observation that healthy growing churches display following five characteristics:
1. Churches grow when there is a spiritual renewal. Prayer bands, prayer for individual people’s needs are key for revival. Some churches have daily prayer meetings, where people come before going to work, just to spend time together in a corporate prayer.
2. Churches grow when members are equipped and trained for service. Every member needs to know his/her gifts and discover God’s calling. Spirit of prophecy says that “the very first impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour” (Great Controversy, p.70). Our churches are to be training schools for ministry.
3. Churches grow when there is a multifaceted community outreach is– small groups, Bible studies, seminars, health ministry, family life, community outreach – different offers for different needs. All events that impact community are to culminate in the invitation.
4. Churches grow when there’s a harvest reaping event. Commitments are to be harvested through proclamation.
5. Churches grow when there is nurture applied aftermath.
As we plan for evangelistic work we are to consider all those who we influence daily – every non-Adventist spouse, young people who are not in the church, recipients of our church community programs, friends, neighbours – visit them and pray for them intentionally, to show interest in the Biblical teachings.
Evangelism has never been “the number game,” it’s not about manipulating people into baptism. Real Evangelism comes from the heart filled with the good joyous testimony of God’s power of transforming lives. Revival of godliness within our families, groups, churches will inevitably result in sharing our passion about soon coming of Jesus.
As we begin the 3 month-long Bible study of God’s Great missionaries, let’s not only admire Biblical heroes, but consider how we may, in our context, be all things to all people to win some. Mission is our calling.
As a pastor I focus on finding and giving at least 6 Bible Studies every week. The work is not rapid, but results are showing and will be showing more in the future. I appeal to every believing Adventist – find at least one person this year, and engage in giving a Bible study at least once a week. Within a year you will save one life, and your own spirituality will be renewed. Be creative. Your unbelieving spouse can be your next Bible study. Invite your spouse to study Bible one evening together. You children, your in-laws, your neighbour, your co-worker. Tell London, by telling one person that Jesus is coming soon.
