Unlimited Growth
A New Testament Pattern for Church Organization and Growth
Implementing the New Testament Plan for Growth
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on implementing the biblical based plan for church organization and growth. Additional focus is on ensuring our plans are subordinate to God’s plan.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the steps for implementing the biblically based plan for church organization and growth.
- Feel: Recognize the value of following God’s plan for church organization and growth.
- Do: Use the template provided with the text or another such instrument to develop and implement a plan for church organization and growth based upon God’s plan.
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. Answer the following questions as a review:
Although answers will vary, the short answer is unlimited growth both individual spiritual growth and congregational numerical growth.
The church is ready and able to receive as many as the Lord adds.
There needs to be organization and in the context of the church, one patterned as God wills. When we organize as God wills, we will grow.
- Evangelism (Acts 2:1-41)
- Education (Acts 2:42a)
- Fellowship (Acts 2:42b)
- Worship (Acts 2:42c)
- Service (Acts 2:43-47)
2. Why is a plan important to manage ministry?
Without a plan there is no direction or basis to determine success or failure, or a need for improvement. A plan allows leaders to analyze strengths and weaknesses, and to assign areas of responsibilities.
3. Summarize the steps for an effective plan for church growth.
Identify – This step involves identifying the five areas of biblical ministry and how the congregation is active in each. This also involves identifying leadership and goals for these areas. (NOTE: The text includes a sample and blank flow chart to assist in this area.
Educate – This step involves training the congregation to use and refer to the developed system so everyone understands and communicates the plan and elements of the plan.
Manage – The action of ensuring all resources dedicated to the initiative are used as planned and to make decisions to redirect resources as necessary. This involves:
- Ministry meetings - The assigned leadership team, including those responsible for various ministry areas meet to plan and organize areas of their ministry.
- Elder's meetings – Redirecting the decision process down to those responsible for a ministry area. The elders' focus should be on discussing ministry matters with the responsible ministry leaders. It also involves shepherding the congregation (the primary duty of our elders).
4. Explain the three elements that make a church organization and growth plan work.
Commitment – The entire congregation should be committed to making a plan work. This is the New Testament plan. It begins with the leadership but must involve all members.
Continuity – All areas of the plans must flow out of the model. This involves all resources such as budget and personnel assignments.
Christ – We are of Christ therefore all we do is based on His teachings. Furthermore, we give Him all glory as we validate the successes stemming from following His plan.
5. Use the flow chart associated with this lesson to develop a plan for organization and growth.