Unlimited Growth
A New Testament Pattern for Church Organization and Growth
Church Growth Questionnaire/Discussion Groups
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on participants sharing thoughts concerning what is necessary to promote church growth. This serves as a foundation for the understanding of concepts related to church growth.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the concepts related to church growth.
- Feel: Value the importance of spiritual and numerical growth.
- Do: Practice activities that promote spiritual and numerical growth.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. Divide the class into smaller groups, as many as appropriate to facilitate participation from all attendees. Provide each group with the list of the following questions but assign a specific question to each group for consideration and discussion. Appoint a person in each group to serve as a recorder/reporter to present their group's key points to the other groups. Approximate times for this activity:
- Breakout time 10 – 15 minutes
- Report time: 30 minutes
- Wrap-up – 10 minutes
Use the questions from the associated text for this lesson:
- What are two major reasons why the church or your congregation is not growing?
- Who do you think is most responsible for church growth and why?
- If you have the authority and resources to change or help the church to grow, what 3 things would you do?
- What would you consider as a good percentage for growth each year: 10, 25, 70, or 90%?
Additional questions for consideration:
- What is the relationship between spiritual growth in the church and numerical growth in the church?
- Which is more important and why?
- What are various reasons why churches, including yours (ours), don't grow, and which do you feel is the most significant reason?
2. Wrap-up
Summarize key points from the discussions. Provide or solicit responses to the following question:
How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
Look for responses that indicate an awareness and commitment to personal spiritual growth as well as numerical growth.