The "Secrets" of Church Growth, part 2

It the previous blog post we laid some groundwork for what is to follow: First, that Jesus Christ established the Church, and secondly, the Church is victorious over the powers and person of Satan.  Notice that I make this statement in the present tense because Satan was defeated with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Church became officially established fifty-days later when The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples who were assembled in the upper room.  At that time the believers became equipped to fulfill the purpose of the Church.

Attracted by the commotion raised by the newly spirit-filled believers, a large crowd gathered to see what was happening.  Peter took the opportunity to exercise his recently acquired boldness to stand up and preach to those assembled.  After his sermon and in response to their questions, Peter gave an "alter call":

Acts 2:37-40 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
 ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
 ⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 

This is the first sermon delivered in the Church, and also the first invitation given to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah and to repent of their sins in order to be saved from the world, here defined as the "corrupt generation".

With this example a pattern was initiated which gives us a striking example on how the Church grows:

Acts 2:41 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

We see that during the first day of the existence of the Church that a salvation message was preached, as well as an invitation to repent and be baptized.  The response was remarkable.  We do not know how many people were present to hear Peter's sermon.  But knowing the limitations of the non-amplified human voice it is possible that anywhere from 3000 to about 10000 persons were within range of Peter's voice.  The scripture seems to indicate that there were also those present who did not accept Peter's message.

But most pastors would be extremely happy to have 3000 converts in one day! The early church began to snowball with incredible grow, starting with this first day.  And the Early Church leaders did not alter their message or their methods. They had been given their marching orders by Jesus just before he ascended into Heaven:

Luke 24:45-49 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

In recent years, it seems that many of the churches are preaching a different message. Yet, we see the example of the Church in the book of Acts and the message "Repent and be Baptized", following the directions from the Lord " and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.. "

So why is it that so many churches have placed their defining commission on the back burner, in favor of other  messages?


I will address this question and others in my next blog-post.  Keep checking in!