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A Biblical Plan for Growth
How to Use BibleTalk.tv in Your Congregation
The Cost of Church Growth
Mike emphasizes the importance of personal sacrifice for growth and invites the audience to reflect on the sacrifices made by past members, urging them to consider the cost of growth at various levels within the congregation.
Honor Thy Leaders
Difficult Decisions
Reflecting on the recent events in the congregation, the sermon delivered by the church leader emphasizes the importance of following biblical teachings and supporting the decisions made by the elders, urging individuals to make difficult decisions and move forward in unity.
Remembering Who We Are The Next 25 Years Implementing the New Testament Plan for Growth Why People Leave the Church
Cults and Their Effects - Part 2
Understand the history and practices of the Boston Movement, a group that has been described as a cult, and learn how to protect your church by focusing on evangelism, condemning harmful practices, and fostering open communication within the congregation.
7 Steps to Successful Church Growth The Selection Process
The Half-Full Church
The importance of maintaining a positive perspective and fostering a sense of unity and love within the church community is highlighted in this insightful reflection on the power of faith and growth within the congregation.
Biblical Invitations
Why We Struggle
The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and spiritual growth within the congregation, urging members to prioritize Bible reading, church involvement, and submission to leadership to overcome struggles and move forward.
To Proclaim and Serve
A meaningful sermon emphasizing the importance of projecting a positive church image to the community and working towards being a caring and welcoming congregation.
It's Our Turn
Discover the transformative role awaiting each of us as we take on the responsibility to live and share the message of faith for future generations.
The Role, Work and Qualifications of Elders
Multiplying Ministries
The Boston Church
The Boston Movement has been described as a classic Christian aberration or a cult, prompting the need for condemnation and vigilance within the church community.
The Mothers of Choctaw
Growing Pains
Mike shares his journey of growth, from gaining weight to building a church, emphasizing the principle of "no growth without pain" in various aspects of life, urging the congregation to embrace challenges for future opportunities.
Ministering to the Minister What's So Good About the Choctaw Church of Christ? Parable of the Arrow
Candles of Love
The heartfelt expressions of love and commitment to marriage and faith within the Choctaw congregation create a strong sense of unity and community that is truly inspiring.
The Biblical Model for Church Leadership Make Me a Servant The Church Persecution of the Church
Field of Dreams
Mike envisions a congregation that leads by example in holy living, growth, service, and evangelism, inspiring others to follow suit and build upon this vision for the future.
John 4:34-35
Elders, Deacons and the Church
Deacons: Men of Dignity and High Standing
This lesson will examine the role and qualifications of the men who serve as deacons in the local church.
The 5 Biblical Ministries Elders, Deacons and the Church Big Church, Little Church
Sure or Unsure?
When feeling unsure about your faith, it's comforting to know that even great men like Elijah and David experienced doubt, as highlighted in this insightful message on navigating uncertainty in Christianity.
Miracle Grow
To achieve church growth, one must commit to biblical preaching, evangelism, regular worship, loving fellowship, and sacrificial service, as outlined in this insightful sermon.
The Role of the Preacher Church Growth Questionnaire/Discussion Groups Church Organization The Burden of Leadership
A Welcome Mat Church
A church leader emphasizes the importance of personal invitations in church growth, highlighting the impact of one-on-one interactions over grand initiatives or facilities in fostering a welcoming environment for visitors and members alike.
Introduction to Church Leadership Roles Appointing Elders
This Hurts me More Than It...
Church Discipline
Church discipline is a crucial aspect of maintaining doctrinal integrity and moral standards within the congregation, requiring patience, gentleness, and firmness when addressing issues such as false teachings, sin, and disruptive behavior.
The Role and Work of Deacons The Changeless Role of Women Life in the Fast Lane Benevolence
Every Tribe, Every Tongue
Keynote speech for the 2007 World Mission Workshop at Oklahoma Christian University. The main message is that it is the responsibility of each generation to evangelize the world and today it is possible through modern communication technology (i.e. Internet) to preach the gospel to every nation each day, all day long, until Jesus returns.
Revelation 5:9; 7:9
God Bless You - Mike and Family
Mike reflects on the challenges and blessings of a faithful journey. He shares heartfelt experiences of enduring personal trials, maintaining strong family bonds, and growing in faith through it all. This lesson offers inspiration for anyone facing life's ups and downs, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their belief and trust in God's plan.
What Would We be Doing
A sermon reflecting on the potential for greater works in the church, urging for visionary leadership, commitment, and willingness to pay the price to achieve what could be done.
Setting our Spiritual Goals
This lesson looks at the goals that the church, which meets inside the building, should have.
Cup Fever Take a Breath The Meaning of Grace The Power of Giving Response Killers
Everybody Has a War to Fight
Discover how to engage in the vital spiritual battle we're called to fight and learn how Jesus equips us with the resources we need, whether as parents, students, or ministers, to overcome our unique challenges.
The Consequences of our Choices
What we choose in life often indicates where we are at in our development and what we really want.
Here Am I, Send Me Persecution of the Church How do I Graduate from Imitating Faith? A Cup of Water
7 Steps to Joy
Homecoming can become a joyful opportunity for every single person in the congregation. Here are the seven steps that will take one there:
7 Steps to Joy
Watching our Videos with a USB Drive and a Projector
Colossians 1:3-12 Barnabas 8 Universal Principles for Natural Church Growth Farming in the Kingdom of God What Would Google Do?
Evangelism is Job #1
In this sermon, Mike emphasizes that evangelism is the primary mission of the church, citing Jesus' initial directive to spread the gospel as foundational to all other church ministries, which only become relevant after successful evangelistic efforts have begun.
1. The Use of Media in Ministry
Communicating the Message
Media is the vehicle for communication and we as Christians are really in the business of communication.
Heaven's Employee Titus' Mission Satan's Tactics Motivated Giving What 40 Years of Ministry Has Taught Me Fishing Lessons
Realizing the Vision
In 1997, the church in Choctaw focuses on personal salvation and readiness for Christ's return, encouraging each individual to be a regular Bible reader and actively participate in church activities to maintain unity and spiritual growth.
4. The Preacher's Job Description
In I Corinthians 14, Paul mentions that there are three primary tasks that the apostle lists concerning the work of the preacher.
I Corinthians 14:3
5. The Work of this Evangelist
Paul the Apostle is near the end of his life in a Roman prison and gives instructions to Timothy, a young preacher he has trained about his work as a minister.
II Timothy 4:1-5
Paul's Third Missionary Journey Deliverance - 2 The Exodus 7 Habits of Highly Effective Deacons Top 10 Reasons for Missing Church Satan's Deadliest Weapon Pruning the Church Rebellion and Leadership Fervent in Worship What Under 40's Want
Ten Reasons Not to Go to Montreal
Mike shares his journey of faith and gratitude towards those who supported his mission to preach the gospel in Montreal, highlighting the importance of stepping out in faith despite challenges and doubts.
How to Correct Sinful Christians
Mike emphasizes the importance of addressing the struggles of sin within the church community, particularly for long-standing Christians, while shifting the focus from evangelism to support and guidance for those already in the faith, using Paul's letter to the Corinthians as a foundational reference.
My Most Dangerous Sermon
This sermon looks at the reasons why the "money" sermon is dangerous for the preacher to preach but so necessary for the church to hear.
Servant-Leadership
When I review the qualities in men who are fathers, the one that I find most appealing and helpful for the well-being of the family is a man's ability and willingness to be a servant-leader.
Introduction to I & II Thessalonians Paul's Greeting and Prayer Joshua's Farewell and Covenant Renewal How to Witness to Roman Catholics A State of Readiness 7 Habits of Highly Effective Ministers and Elders Pass the Salt A Consecrated Priesthood - Part 1 The Right Response From Sinai to Kadesh Why I Chose the USA Fervent in Biblical Marriage
Not Ashamed
This lesson is based on Romans 1:16 and promotes the notion that the church needs to rediscover the manner and core message of the gospel in order to have a true impact on today's world.
Romans 1:16
Small Beginnings
Zechariah, the prophet, encourages Zerubbabel with prophecies from the Lord during the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting the importance of relying on God's strength and resources rather than man's power, a message that resonates with overcoming obstacles in our own lives.
Zechariah 4:1-10
3. How to Grow A Preacher
One of the greatest struggles that some men have is to decide if they're going to go into ministry. This lesson provides direction for those who desire this calling.
Let's Get Ready to Rumble
Standing firm against the schemes of the devil is crucial in the battle for faith and unity, as highlighted in this powerful excerpt urging individuals to prepare for spiritual warfare and seek strength in God's protection.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Cornbread Kindness
A heartwarming story about the impact of kindness and its ability to bring joy and build relationships, reminding us of the importance of showing compassion towards others in our daily lives.
What You Should 'Get' Out of Worship
In this sermon, Mike challenges the common attitude of assessing church attendance based on personal gain, arguing that church life should involve both giving and receiving; specifically, attendees should experience a genuine sense of God's presence during worship, beyond mere obligation or habit.
The Deacon of Blame
I've often said that the church should appoint a deacon in charge of blame - the deacon of blame. That way when anything ever goes wrong, or something doesn't get done, this deacon's only job would be to accept the blame for it.
The Chosen Wives
In selecting deacons, Paul emphasizes that their wives should possess qualities that support their husband's role, as their character can significantly impact his ability to serve effectively in the church, aligning with the biblical ideal of mutual partnership outlined in Genesis.
What Jesus Himself Teaches About Salvation Introduction to Colossians How to Perform a Water Immersion Baptism The Foolishness of God Colossians 1:13-18a Introduction to Titus Review of I Corinthians Who is the Man of Lawlessness? Introduction Persecution of Peter and Apostles What Makes the Churches of Christ Unique? Breaking the Habit John's Cover Letter Beware of False Teachers Unworthy Communion The Minister and His Ministry Order in Worship Why Joseph? The Role and Work of Deacons #9 - Anger The Most Important Thing in the World Concerning the Collection Giving our Best to God Do I Have to Attend Every Worship Service? Christ, Culture and the Church Why People Quit Angels: Fact or Fiction Paul's Final Exhortation, Testimony and Benediction John the Baptist The Lord of Hurting The Acappella Church The Laying on of Hands Jesus' Resume #6 - Neglecting Church Attaining Holiness Very Real Blessings 1 Corinthians: The Core of the Gospel Do Not Grow Weary The Cracked Cup Use the System! A Consecrated Priesthood - Part 2 Testing the Spirits The Glorious Church The Power of Proclamation Honor Thy Mother The Work of the Elder Teaching vs. Tradition Growing up in Christ The Joy of Church Attendance Peter's PR Plan Bearing the Cross in Church Relationships Preacher Worries In Defense of Martha From an Early Age April 20, AD 30 Spiritual Toughness
Prayer and Fasting
The spiritual use, benefits, and practice of the combined spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting are examined within a biblical context.
A New Vision of the Church
Experience the big picture of building the spiritual temple of God within the church and understand how each individual plays a vital role in creating a community of believers destined for eternity.
What to Expect
Expect the new preacher to work hard as an evangelist, reaching out to the lost, organizing the church, and ministering through God's word, while he expects obedience and involvement from you to foster spiritual and numerical growth and be a model of encouragement to others.
Tongues Today - #2
Mike examines the modern practice of speaking in tongues in light of biblical teaching. He explains the original purpose of tongues in the early church and discusses how its use today differs from the New Testament pattern. The lesson invites viewers to consider whether tongues are still relevant or necessary in contemporary Christian worship.
The Growth Bug
Mike emphasizes the importance of love as the primary objective of the church, highlighting that growth should be a byproduct of love rather than the main goal, inviting listeners to reflect on incorporating God's love into their lives and making love their primary focus as Christians.
Summer Sun or Son
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining faithfulness and spiritual growth amidst the allure of sunny weather and outdoor activities, this excerpt encourages readers to reflect on their priorities and commitment to serving the Son of God.
Sheep Seeking Shepherd
This sermon delves into the deep spiritual need that every person has for guidance, comfort, and salvation through Christ. Drawing from biblical imagery, Mike explains how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls out to those who are lost, offering them safety and purpose under His care. This teaching serves as a reminder of our need to follow Christ's voice in order to find peace and direction in our lives.
Moderation and Abstinence
Highlighting the dangers of moderation in promoting vices, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abstaining from alcohol for health, addiction, financial, and legal reasons, urging Christians to seek higher standards and avoid enslavement to worldly habits.
Heart Beat Away
True greatness is just a heartbeat away, but hesitation, pride, and delay can keep us from it. Don't just come close—embrace the call, obey Christ, and step into the eternal glory that awaits.
Characteristics of Church
The importance of following the pattern theology for church growth is highlighted through the three pillars of preaching the gospel, teaching Christ's commands, and fostering a fellowship among believers, as discussed in Acts chapter 2.
Callings
In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls people for unique purposes—from leaders and prophets in ancient Israel to Mary, Joseph, and the apostles in the New Testament—emphasizing that, while the age of miraculous callings has ended, God still calls individuals today through Scripture to salvation, sanctification, service, and perseverance.
8. Top Ten Things that Kill Church Growth
In this lesson we examine 10 things that hinder church growth.
Grace - The Favor of God
This sermon explores the concept of grace as the unmerited favor from God, emphasizing how it is given freely to believers despite their imperfections. The message highlights that grace is not something that can be earned but is a fundamental aspect of God's love and mercy towards humanity, with profound implications for Christian faith and daily living.
Drawing Near to God
Part 2
As Christians we have many challenges before us. Prayer and fasting is the best way we can present these before God.
James 4:8-10
In Case of War
If we understand the times and circumstances correctly, the time for war has come upon us and as Christians we need to be prepared for this fact.
Introduction to Luke/Acts Introduction to Ephesians Why I am a Member of the Church of Christ Introduction to Hebrews All Spiritual Blessings in Christ Interpretations of Revelation Introduction to I Timothy Jesus: Greater than the Angels Relationships in the Kingdom 7 Spiritual Birthday Gifts The Holy Spirit in You Slavery and the Early Church The Ministry of Paul