Daily devotion – Church Growth – God’s View!
Rev 2: 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Church growth is an interesting subject. In many clergy and denomination circles, church growth would always be focused on the numerical figure. Which churches have the most significant attendance figures? Size under the domain of church growth is deemed how successful one’s ministry or Church is.
Most Churches are always praying for more significant attendance numbers. Yes, we all wish to see more souls saved. But is this the real motive or agenda behind such prayers?
Jesus dictated to the Apostle John seven personal letters to seven actual churches in the Book of Revelation – the Church of Ephesus, the Church of Smryna, the Church of Pergamos, the Church of Thyatira, the Church of Sardis, the Church of Philadephia and last of all the Church of Laodicea.
I recommend you study each of these seven letters, and you will be able to identify what Christ intends His Church to be like.
My favourite letter is that which He wrote to Smyrna. It’s the smallest letter of all seven and the only one in which Jesus does not have a bad word to say about those who attended the Church of Smyrna.
But it is also a Church that faced great difficulties – it was poor, it suffered great tribulation, and many of its believers died because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus promised the believers in this Church the crown of life.
So, Church growth, as far as Jesus is concerned, is where the believers grow to a maturity that is ‘big enough’ to sacrifice their lives for their faith.
You can imagine that those overseeing the Church of Smyrna were never invited to speak at Church growth seminars. Or that the believers who attended Smyrna were considered the most popular people in Christian circles.
Church growth: real Church growth occurs when disciples of Christ grow stronger in God’s Word, prayer, and sacrificial living.
Christ is more interested in this spiritual growth than simply having the most people in attendance or involved in programs.
May Calvary Chapel Secret Harbour have the type of Church growth that Smryna had.