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Building A Healthy Congregation Introduction: There are struggling congregations and there are growing vibrant congregations. Why do some congregations die and some grow? Is it all external circumstances or is there something we can do? Is there a correlation between being healthy and growing? What are the needs of a healthy congregation? I) Sound Teaching A) Some growth can occur with "unsound teaching", 2 Timothy 4.2-4 1. Some people might be attracted by gimmicks, a feel good only approach to teaching. 2. But only milk will produce spiritual immaturity at best and a field ripe for apostasy at worse. Matthew 15.8-9; 13. 3. God knows the difference between numbers and true growth, 1 Corinthians 3.10. b) Sound teaching involves the whole counsel of God, Acts 20.27 1. We must teach on more than just 2 or 3 subjects. a. How to be saved? The origin of the church and its organization, authority of the scriptures, husband/wife relationships, social sins, etc. b. Such will not be taught in one or two lessons but over a period of time. Such also shows why attendance in classes and worship is important. I have had people suggest a sermon and then not be there to hear it! 2. There is more to teaching than exposing false doctrines, 1 Peter 2.1-3 a. Teaching of truth and godly living. b. Teaching should be with a purpose. II) Healthy Interaction A) Empowering leadership, 1 Peter 5.2-3; Ephesians 4.11-16 1. Elders able to communicate with the congregation about its goals, work, expectations, etc. 2. Encourage its members to be active, Colossians 1.28. 3. Also members who are willing to listen and work with the elders. B) Develop its talents, 1 Peter 4.10-11 1. Each member can do something. 2. I want to encourage everyone to try and give a lesson or teach a class or visit someone who is sick. C) Passionate spirituality, Romans 12.11 1. Must have a godly zeal, have knowledge plus passion. Zeal is not a dirty word. Passion is not wrong in serving God. 2. Our worship time together must be important to us. If it is we will get something out of it; we will be strong; we will want others to come; we not stay away. D) Effective division of labor, Acts 6.2-4 1. Not everybody can do everything; everybody can do something. 2. There are hand shakers, inviters, bulletin folders, Bible Class teachers, song leaders, encouragers, etc. E) Worship that is spiritual and personal, Ephesians 5.18 1. Sing with the heart, Colossians 3.16. 2. Pray with the spirit and understanding, 1 Corinthians 14.15 3. Teach with understanding, give purposefully and cheerfully, remember the Lord's death. F) Loving relationships, John 13.35 1. Members that truly care about each other, Romans 12.10 2. A sense of family and encouragement, 1 Corinthians 12.26. Conclusion: Success can be temporary. For it to be long-term it must be based on sound teaching and application.
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