We Exist To Communicate God’s Word

Evangelism is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in action and word. CLASS 401 (Coming Soon!) teaches about outreach and communicating God's Word to a fallen world.

“His intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known. . .” Ephesians 3:10

“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask them to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells him?” Romans 10:13-14

Why Our Church Must Never Stop Growing

1. Because God loves people.

“The Lord. . . is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance.” Ephesians 3:10

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 2 Corinthians 5:14

Then Jesus told them this parable:"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:3-10

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13

2. Because God commands us to reach out.

“. . . you will be my witnesses. . .” Acts 1:8

“. . . go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

3. Because growth is God's will.

“Under Christ’s control, the whole Body is nourished. . . and grows as God wants it to grow.” Colossians 2:19 GN

Jesus said, “I will build my church.” Matthew 16:18

Unbiblical Excuses For Not Growing:

•“God isn’t interested in numbers.”

The number of people in our church is not the most important issue. But each person who gives their life to Christ is very significant. Numbers matter in that each person who turns from sin and gives their life to Christ is another soul taken from Satan. Numbers do matter.

•“Our church wants quality not quantity.”

We want both! We want lots of very spiritual people. Not just a few people that love God and not a lot of people who don't know the Lord. Both are important!

•“Large churches are impersonal.”

Have you ever wondered why small churches stay small? Is it because they like it that way? In my experience I have found many small churches to be small because of lack of vision, lack of purpose, and lack of a desire to take God at His word. This is not true of all small churches but many have a lack of love for people who do not know God. Non Christians can be very "messy" to deal with. It takes a God-sized vision and a God-sized love to deal with all the sin and problems that come with getting into people's lives. This is why many small churches are small. Large churches can get off vision and become unfriendly but it doesn't have to be this way. If we will teach and practice God's purposes we can stay healthy, balanced and personal.

We believe our church must grow LARGER and smaller at the same time. Larger on Sunday morning in our Celebration Services and smaller in our Thrive Groups so people can grow, learn, share, participate, and be personally known.