Unlimited Growth
A New Testament Pattern for Church Organization and Growth
The 5 Biblical Ministries
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the five primary New Testament ministries of the church as practiced by the first century church. This includes how these ministries are interrelated with individual and congregational growth.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Comprehend how growth is sustained through the development of church ministries.
- Feel: Value the importance of active involvement in each of these ministries.
- Do: Become involved in church ministry as able.
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. How does church organization support unlimited growth in number and individual spiritual growth?
Number – When a congregation is organized and serves according to God's pattern in the New Testament, we are then serving as God wills and in return, He blesses us with both spiritual and numerical growth.
Individual – Seeking and doing God's will in the area of church growth or other areas for that matter will always draw us near to Him.
Note: These two are interrelated in that as we commit to following God's will, His blessings will be received and applied in both our personal spiritual growth and congregational growth as well.
2. Explain the 5 ministry areas found in Acts 2:1-47.
Evangelism ministry (Acts 2:1-41) – This was the first proclamation of the gospel. This activity not only marked the establishment of the church, it also taught how God added believers to His Kingdom. This not only presented God's plan for our salvation but was the basis for all teaching and evangelistic efforts to follow. Follow-up Question: Explain each of the various types of evangelism (see text) and, how we as individuals can practice these?
Education ministry (Acts 2:42a) – The baptized believers (Citizens in God's Kingdom) continued to learn the teachings of Jesus from the apostles (Matthew 28:20). This discipling activity continues today through personal and organized Bible study.
Fellowship ministry (Acts 2:42b) – The early Christians recognized the need and value of sharing with each other. It served not only the practical element of meeting physical needs, but further, and perhaps more importantly met spiritual and emotional needs. This gospel and their realization of it was a significant change in their lives (Acts 2:37). This created the need for fellowship as well as the satisfaction from sharing their joy of a new life in Christ.
Worship ministry (Acts 2:42) – The early church as well as the church today continue to worship God both publicly and privately.
- Publicly – We continue to gather on the first day of the week according to scripture in order to praise God, pray, hear God's word preached, share the Lord's supper, care for the needs of the church and enjoy the blessings of Christian fellowship.
- Privately – We continually grow in Christ as we cultivate daily habits of prayer, praise, service and Christian fellowship in our families and among our Christian brethren in the communities where we live.
Service ministry (Acts 2:45-47) – We are called to be servants to those who are in or out of the Body of Christ (Galatians 6:10). We see in this a natural cycle (see text). Service is a natural outcome of the love we develop as faithful followers of Christ.
3. What is the anticipated result of a congregation that consistently practices the 5 areas of ministry simultaneously?
It is anticipated that individuals will experience growth and the congregation will grow. We will become a strong and positive influence in our community.
4. Defend the following statement:
This was seen in the first century church (Acts 2:47b). We grow when we reach out to the lost with the gospel and teaching them about Jesus. If we express our love for them and fellowship with each other, it will compel others to want to be a part of the Kingdom. Note, the focus is on active involvement in ministry and not simply increasing in number. If we practice what our Lord teaches us, then we will grow in all areas.
5. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
Citizenship in God's Kingdom involves spiritual growth. The more active we become according to God's will, the more we will continue to grow and help others to grow which, in turn, will cause the church to grow.