Church growth is often a focus for Christian communities, but what does the Bible say about it? Today, we’ll discover how God defines growth and the principles He gives for building His church.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Church Discipline
What Does The Bible Say About Church Growth
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of evangelism and discipleship as a means of church growth. It is the duty of every believer to share the good news of Jesus Christ and baptize new believers. The promise of Christ’s presence reassures us that as we engage in this work, He will be with us to bring about growth and transformation.
Acts 2:41
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
This verse illustrates the power of the preaching of the Gospel. When Peter declared the message of Jesus Christ, thousands of people responded in faith and were added to the early church. It serves as a reminder that when the word of God is proclaimed with boldness and clarity, it has the potential to bring about a significant increase in the number of believers.
Acts 2:47
“…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
This verse portrays the ongoing growth of the early church. As believers worshipped God and lived in unity, the Lord continued to bring new converts to salvation. It emphasizes the importance of a vibrant and authentic Christian community as an attraction and catalyst for church growth.
Acts 6:7
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”
This verse highlights the exponential growth of the early church. The faithful proclamation of the word of God resulted in increased discipleship and transformation. It also demonstrates that even among those in positions of religious authority, many were open to receiving the truth of the Gospel.
Acts 9:31
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
This verse describes the expansion of the church beyond Jerusalem into other regions. The believers experienced the peace of God, were strengthened in their faith, and as a result, the church multiplied. It teaches us that a church characterized by reverence for the Lord and reliance on the Holy Spirit will naturally grow and reach new territories.
Acts 11:21
“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.”
This verse reveals that the Lord’s hand was evident in the growth of the early church. As believers faithfully served and shared the Gospel, many turned to the Lord in faith. It reminds us that church growth is ultimately dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit, and we must rely on His power and guidance in our efforts.
Acts 16:5
“So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.”
This verse highlights the dual aspect of church growth – spiritual and numerical. As the churches were strengthened in their faith through teaching and discipleship, they also experienced an increase in numbers. It emphasizes the need to prioritize both the depth of discipleship and the growth of the church body.
Acts 19:20
“So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”
This verse affirms the power and effectiveness of the word of God. The preaching and proclamation of His truth, when done boldly and faithfully, will continue to spread and make an impact. It serves as a reminder that the growth of the church is ultimately tied to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”
This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the process of church growth. While believers have roles to play in sowing seeds and nurturing others, it is ultimately God who brings about the growth. It encourages us to trust in His timing and work, recognizing that our efforts alone are insufficient without His divine intervention.
1 Corinthians 12:12
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
This verse highlights the concept of unity within the church. Just as a human body is made up of many interconnected parts, so is the body of Christ. It reminds us that church growth is not just about individual conversions but also about building a strong and unified community that reflects the image of Christ.
Ephesians 1:22-23
“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
This verse portrays the church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head. It emphasizes the divine authority and power that Christ possesses and underscores the vital role of the church in representing and manifesting His fullness in the world. It reminds us that church growth is not merely about a building or organization but about becoming more like Christ.
Ephesians 4:15-16
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of truth and love in the growth of the church. As believers speak the truth of God’s Word in love and walk in unity, the body of Christ grows and builds itself up. It teaches us that genuine growth involves both individual spiritual maturity and collective unity.
Colossians 1:9-10
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
This verse highlights the role of prayer and spiritual growth in the expansion of the church. As believers are filled with the knowledge of God’s will and wisdom, they are equipped to walk in a way that pleases the Lord and bears fruit. It reminds us that personal growth and a deepening relationship with God are essential for effective ministry and church growth.
Colossians 2:6-7
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
This verse encourages believers to continue walking in Christ and growing in faith. By remaining rooted in Him and being built up, we establish a firm foundation for ourselves and contribute to the growth of the church. It highlights the importance of gratitude as we recognize God’s work in our lives and the growth of the community of faith.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
This verse commends the Thessalonian believers for their growing faith and love for one another. Both spiritual and relational growth are important aspects of church development. It encourages us to celebrate and give thanks for the progress we see in the lives of fellow believers and the church as a whole.
2 Timothy 2:2
“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
This verse speaks to the importance of discipleship and the multiplication of leaders within the church. As believers actively invest in others and equip them to teach, it leads to the continual growth and expansion of the church. It reminds us of the need to pass on the teachings and truths of the faith to future generations.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This verse underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the growth of the church. As believers actively engage in stirring up love and good works, and encourage one another, the church is built up. It reminds us of the significance of regular gathering and mutual support in the journey of faith.
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
This verse emphasizes the power of confession, prayer, and intercession within the church. As believers humble themselves, confess their sins to one another, and pray for each other, healing and restoration occur. It reminds us that a healthy and growing church is built upon a foundation of humility, transparency, and fervent prayer.
1 Peter 2:5
“you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
This verse portrays believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house. As we each fulfill our roles as part of the priesthood of believers, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, the church is strengthened and grows. It teaches us that every member has a vital role to play in the growth and advancement of the church.
1 John 3:18
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
This verse urges believers to demonstrate their love for one another through practical actions and genuine sincerity. When the church exemplifies love in practice and truth, it creates an environment that attracts and impacts others. It reminds us that love is a powerful catalyst for growth and transformation within the community of faith.
Revelation 7:9
“After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
This verse presents a vision of the ultimate fruition of church growth – a multitude of believers from every nation and people group. It reminds us that the purpose of church growth extends beyond mere numerical increase but encompasses the gathering of a diverse and redeemed people who will worship and honor God for eternity.
Revelation 22:17
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
This verse showcases the invitation extended by the Holy Spirit and the church to all who are thirsty for eternal life. Church growth involves actively inviting and welcoming those who are seeking God and offering them the life-giving message of salvation. It reminds us of our responsibility to propagate the Gospel and invite others to experience the grace and love of Christ.