Transformation
"Measuring the Growth of the Church"
by Richard Brown III on 11/18/11
As modern-day believer's we must resist measuring the church by carnal standards. The issue really isn't how large or small the congregation is, but rather how much of the measure of Christ is operating in every believer or member of the church.
"until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13 NASB).
When souls are being saved and discipled, becoming Christ-followers, then the "kingdom" and the church is growing. Unfortunately, much of what we pastors and church leaders call growth is nothing more than "The Christian Exchange Program." When believer's shop for churches like they are shopping at their favorite Walmart or shopping mall it should be evident that we as leaders are making "consumer Christians" and not Christ-followers.
What does it say about our Christianity when convenience and comfort are the deciding factors for joining a church rather than the unction of the Holy Spirit? "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14 NASB).
Spiritually, the church is measured by the degree or level of the Holy Spirit operating in every believer.
8 Keys for Measuring the Church
- By the measure of Christ's gift operating in every believer and by obedience to His Word (Ephesians 4:7).
- By the measure of Christ's character operating in us (Galatians 5:22, 23).
- By the number of true disciples being made (Matthew 28:19).
- By the number of true converts being made (Acts 2:38).
- By healing the sick, casting out devils, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead (Matthew 10:8).
- By ministering to the widow and the orphan (James 1:27).
- By going to the nations and preaching the gospel (Matthew 28:19, 20).
- By bringing transformation to cities, regions and nations, advancing the kingdom of God in the earth (Acts 19:10).
