Instead of measuring a church by its attendance & budget…
Let’s assess it by the quality of community that disciples people to love well; a culture that equips individuals to have a 1st hand life w/God & a commitment to work for healing in all areas of life in the way of Jesus.
When Pentecostalism hit the scene in 1906 at Azusa, there were two things that defined it above all the manifestations.
1. The love of God- every race, gender, class, and creed were in such loving unity that it was a sign and wonder to the world.
2. Fervent mission- the empowerment of the Holy Spirit sent a wave of global missions that is still going strong in the earth.
It is time to return to these 2 foundational elements of Pentecostalism.
*From an incredible lecture given by @markchironna at @unitedseminary 7/20/23
“So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.” (Acts 16:5)
The Bible doesn’t blush to say churches were growing in their numbers.
🧵 5 things behind the growth:
John the Baptist is one of my fav ppl in scripture. He knew who he wasn't (I am not the Messiah) & he knew who he was (I am a voice in the wilderness).
Every day I need to get clear in my soul who I am & who I am not.
Otherwise I find myself living a life God never called me to
We tend to say, “The church grew.”
Acts tends to say, “The word spread.”
We talk about church growth.
Acts talks about word growth.
Preach the word and let God take care of the size of your church.
A dumb downed the gospel makes dumb downed disciples. KISS sermons (keep it simple stupid) have produced a generation of uninformed Christians. What is the remedy? “Him we proclaim… teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col 1:28).
At the end of it all, Jesus will not say "well done good and successful servant" or “well done good and influential servant,” or "well done good and high-capacity servant," but,
"well done good and faithful servant."
Success is being faithful to what God has called us to do.
There is a difference between opportunity and purpose. Every open door does not lead to your destiny.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6