Mike Mazzalongo

#3 - A Biblical Plan for Growth

Unlimited Growth:Every congregation has this potential.

A New Testament Pattern:

Restorationism

Pattern TheologySpiritual Gyroscope

Restorationism

Pattern TheologyStrategy

Goal

Correction

God has provided a pattern for organization and the growth that results from it.

3. Church Organization & Growth

• There are many strategies but only one N.T. pattern.

Our goal is not just growth…

It’s unlimited growth.

3. Church Organization & Growth

• There are many strategies but only one N.T. pattern.

• N.T. organization comes before growth.

God provides the organization that will be one…

• Of His design

God provides the organization that will be one…

• Of His design

• That will support any size church

God provides the organization that will be one…

• Of His design

• That will support any size church

• Adapt to any time or culture.

God provides the organization that will be one…

• Of His design

• That will support any size church

• Adapt to any time or culture.

• Geared for reproduction.

Unlimited Growth What God wants

N.T. Pattern for Organization & Growth How to achieve it

1. Organize & train the church to function in the 5 areas of Biblical ministry.

Unlimited Growth: 2 Main Principles

2.Growth is proportional to the church’s effectiveness in carrying out the 5 Biblical ministries.

Unlimited Growth: 2 Main Principles

5 Biblical Ministries

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:14-41

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 

- Acts 2:37

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

- Acts 2:38

For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 

- Acts 2:39

And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 

- Acts 2:40

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 

- Acts 2:41

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:14-41

2. Education – Acts 2:42a

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching…

5 Biblical Ministries

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:14-41

2. Education – Acts 2:42a

3. Fellowship – Acts 2:42b

“…and to fellowship…”

5 Biblical Ministries

43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 

- Acts 2:43-44

Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 

- Acts 2:46

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:14-41

2. Education – Acts 2:42a

3. Fellowship – Acts 2:42b

4. Worship – Acts 2:42c

“…to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

5 Biblical Ministries

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:14-41

2. Education – Acts 2:42a

3. Fellowship – Acts 2:42b

4. Worship – Acts 2:42c

5. Service – Acts 2:45

and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

5 Biblical Ministries

praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

- Acts 2:47

Busy Preaching

Focused on Teaching

Provided Fellowship/Worship

Led to Service

Resulted in Growth

Ministry = Growth

• Choctaw, OK - 1994-2000 - 15-20%

• Canyon View, CA - 2000-2003 -15-20%

• Ville Emard, PQ - 2004-2010 -10-15%

• Choctaw, OK - 2011-2013 - 10-15%

Growth Stats

A. Effective & Simultaneous

Two Key Ideas:

A. Effective & Simultaneous

B. Ministry = Growth

Two Key Ideas: