Church Growth

Why are some churches so effective at reaching people and making disciples, while others remain stagnant year in and year out? The answer to this question is not geographical, denominational, philosophical, or generational. Today there are all varieties of churches in size, shape and color that are effectively reaching people in their community. Most are applying one or more of these proven outreach principles. We would encourage you to do the same.

Here is one reason why older churches are generally less effective at outreach than newer churches: The longer a church exists, the more concerned members become with self-preservation…and the less concerned with the church’s original reason for being.

Over time, churches become increasingly self-centered and self-serving. The result, not surprisingly, is that such churches stop growing. This most important principle that leaders must turn the focus of their congregation away from themselves, and back to their original mission—and Christ’s mission—of making disciples. This outward re-orientation occurs through programming, praying, budgeting, staffing, and honestly evaluating the church’s success at birthing new Christian disciples. While there are many good things a church can do…and there are some important things a church should do…there is only one essential thing a church must do:  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)

A Biblical Basis of Missions (Your Mission as a Christian) by Avery T. Willis, Jr. here

A Day Study in Stewardship by Tim Keller here

A Declaration Concerning Fasting and the Prayer God Accepts by George Fox here

A Distinction Between the Wars and the Weapons ... by George Fox here

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity by John Bunyan here

Assembling Together by Watchman Nee here
(Joining the Church, Laying on of Hands, Assembling Together, Various Meetings, The Lord's Day, Hymn Singing, Praise, The Breaking of Bread)

Blessedness of Benevolence by Charles G. Finney here

Blessedness of the Pure in Heart by Charles G. Finney here

Carefulness A Sin by Charles G. Finney here

Characteristics of the Anointed Preacher When the Holy Ghost is Come
by Samuel Logan Brengle here

Christ Is All In All by Jeremiah Burroughs here

Christ - Our Life by Ruth Paxson here

Christ & The Christian in Temptation by Octavius Winslow here

Christian Experience as Displayed in the Life & Writings of Paul
by Thomas Reade here

Christian Fellowship the Church Member's Guide by John Angell James here

Christian Knowledge by Jonathan Edwards here

Church Planting by Danie Vermeulen here (excellent)

Corporate Prayer for Revival by Jonathan Edwards here

Divine Realities Spiritual Reflections for the Saint & Sinner by O. Winslow here

Do All to the Glory of God by Watchman Nee here
(Marriage, Mating, Husband & Wife, Parenthood, Friendship, Recreation, Speech, Clothing & Eating, Managing Your Finances etc.)

Earnestness Its Marring and Maintenance by Charles H. Spurgeon here

Evangelism 101 Laying The Foundation by Matt Waymeyer here

Evening Thoughts Or Daily Walking With God by Octavius Winslow here

Ever Increasing Faith by Smith Wigglesworth here
(Have Faith in God, Deliverance to the Captives, The Power of the Name, Wilt Thou be made Whole?, I Am the Lord that Healeth Thee, Himself took our Infirmities, Our Risen Christ, Righteousness, The Words of This Life, Life in the Spirit, What It Means to be Full of the Spirit, The Bible Evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Concerning Spiritual Gifts, The Word of Knowledge & Faith, Gifts of Healing & Miracles, The Gift of Prophecy, The Discerning of Spirits, The Gifts of Tongues)

Faith That Prevails by Smith Wigglesworth here
(God Given Faith, Like Precious Faith, Spiritual Power, Paul's Pentecost, Ye Shall Receive Power, Keeping the Vision, Present-Time Blessings)

Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson here

God's Spiritual House by T. Austin-Sparks here

Help Heavenward by Octavius Winslow here

How Do You Know If You Are A Real Christian by Jonathan Edwards here

How to get the Most From Reading Your Bible by Thomas Watson here

How May Ministers Best Win Souls by Robert Traill here
(1. Take Heed unto Thyself, Would You be a Saved and Successful Minister? 2. The Saving of Souls and Advice about the Means, 3. You that are Ministers Suffer a Word of Exhortation)

How to Work for Christ Volume 1 Personal Work by R. A. Torrey here
(The Importance & Advantages of Personal Work, The Conditions of Success, Where to do Personal Work, How to Begin, How to Deal with those who Realize their Need of a Savior & Really Desire to be Saved, How to Deal with those who have Little or No Concern about their Souls, How to Deal with those who have Difficulties, How to Deal with those who Entertain False Hopes, How to Deal with those who Lack Assurance, How to Deal with Backsliders, How to Deal with Professed Skeptics & Infidels, How to Deal with those who Wish to put Off a Decision until Some Other Time, How to Deal with the Deluded, How to Deal with Christians who Need Counsel, Rebuke, Encouragement or Comfort, Some Hints & Suggestions for Personal Work)

How to Work for Christ Volume 2 Methods of Christian Walk by R. A. Torrey here

How to Work for Christ Volume 3 Preaching & Teaching the Word of God by R. A. Torrey
here
(How to Prepare a Sermon, Preparation & Delivery of Bible Readings, Illustrations & Their Use, Teaching the Bible, Textual Sermons in Outline, Topical Sermons in Outline, Expository Sermons & Bible Readings in Outline

Immeasurable Love by Charles H. Spurgeon here

Important Question by John Wesley here

Infallible Word by Charles H. Spurgeon here

Is It Real by J. C. Ryle here

Jewels from James by John Angell James here

Justification by Leon O. Poole here

Life On The Highest Plane - Volume 1 - The Person & Work of Christ by Ruth Paxson here

Life On The Highest Pane - Volume 2 - The Relation Between Christ & the Christian by Ruth Paxson here

Life On The Highest Plane - Volume 3 - The Believer's Response to the Holy Spirit's In working by Ruth Paxson here

Living Faith by Smith Wigglesworth here

Love Builds Up by Rosco Brong here
(Love Builds Up, Are You going to Heaven, Wages of Sin-Death, Repent & Believe the Gospel, Have You Counted the Cost, Evidences of the New Birth, Heirs of the Kingdom, Justified from All Things, This is Everlasting Life, Walking with God, Spiritual Blessings, Spiritual Sacrifices, etc.)

Love One Another by Watchman here

Man - The Dwelling Place of God by A. W. Tozer here

Man's Chief End is to Glorify God by Thomas Watson here

Man's Ruin - God's Redemption by L. R. Shelton here

Marks of the New Birth by John Wesley here

Men of the Bible by D. L. Moody here

Men of the Bible Some Lesser-Known Characters by George Milligan here

Minor Prophets by Timothy Tow here

Not I But Christ by Watchman Nee here
(If Any Man Sin, Restore Your Brother, The Believer's Reaction, The Will of God, etc. )

One Thing Necessary by Thomas Watson here

On Keeping the Heart by John Flavel here

On Visiting The Sick - Matthew 25:36 by John Wesley here

Our God by Octavius Winslow here
(The God of Love, The God of Hope, The God of Patience, The God of Comfort, The God of Bethel, The God of Grace, The God of Holiness, The God of Peace, The God of Light, This God is our God)

Personal Declension & Revival of Religion in the Soul by Octavius Winslow here

Pilgrim's Process by John Bunyan here

Principles of Biblical Interpretation by R. A. Torrey here

Prophetic Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks here

Self Righteousness by J. C. Ryle here
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican"

Some Reasons Why I Believe The Bible To BE The Word Of God
by R. A. Torrey here

Sonship by Smith Wigglesworth here

Spiritual Exercises of the Heart by Thomas Reade here

The Absence of the Sense of Sin in Present-Day Religion by Rev. J. S. Sinclair here

The Anxious Inquirer After Salvation Directed & Encouraged by John A. James here

The Atonement by Octavius Winslow here

The Beauties of Boston by Thomas Boston here

The Believer's Companion in Solitude by Thomas Reade here

The Christian Father's Present to His Children by John Angell James here

The City by J. C. Ryle here

The Crook in the Lot by Thomas Boston here

The Deeper Christian Life by Andrew Murray here
(Daily Fellowship With God, Privilege and Experience, Carnal or Spiritual ?, Out of and Into, The Blessing Secured, The Presence of Christ, A Word to Workers, Consecration)

The Divine Authority & Sufficiency of the Christian Religion by Samuel Davies here

The Foot Of The Cross by Octavius Winslow here
(Nearness to the Cross, A Sight of Sin & a Sight of Jesus, Faith at the Foot of the Cross, Love at the Foot of the Cross, Prayer at the Foot of the Cross, Forgiveness of Sin at the Foot of the Cross, The Conviction of Truth Beneath the Cross, A life-look at the Foot of the Cross, Bearing the Cross, The Solitude of the Cross, The Believer Crucified, The Repose of the Cross, The Cross of Christ the Christian's Weapon, Christ Crucified the Center of Christian Union)

The Fullness Of Christ by Octavius Winslow here

The Glory Of The Redeemer by Octavius Winslow here
(The Redeemer, the Revelation of the Father's Glory, The Typical Glory of the Redeemer, The Prophetical Glory of the Redeemer, The Glory of the Redeemer in His Humiliation, The Glory of the Redeemer in His Resurrection, The Glory of the Redeemer in His Ascension & Exaltation, The Glory of the Redeemer in His People, The Holy Spirit Glorifying the Redeemer, The Glory of the Redeemer in His Second Coming)

The Holy Spirit, An Experimental & Practical View by Octavius Winslow here
(The Soul Before Conversion, The Soul After Conversion, The Believer a Temple, The Necessity & the Nature of True Holiness, The Believer an Epistle, Jesus the True God, & His Work All-sufficient, The Believer Drawing Near to God, The Broken Heart Bound Up)

The Inner Life by Octavius Winslow here

The Jerusalem Sinner by John Bunyan here
(Good News for the Vilest of Men or A Help for Despairing Souls)

The Lord My Portion or Daily Need Divinely Supplied by Octavius Winslow here

The Lord's Prayer, Its Spirit & Its Teaching by Octavius Winslow here
(The Brotherly Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, The Celestial Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, The Reverential Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, The Submissive Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, The Dependent Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, The Forgiving Spirit of the Lord's Prayer, etc.)

The Man of God by Octavius Winslow here

The Ministry of Home by Octavius Winslow here
(The Christian Family, The Desire to See Jesus, The Heart Opened, The Lord's Time of Love, Christ Not Hidden, The Woman that Left Her Water pot, The Power of the Tongue, The Gift of Suffering, The Bereaved Home, The Influence of Companionship, Gracious Surprisals, etc.)

The New Life by Andrew Murray here

The Nightingale Song Of David by Octavius Winslow here
(Christ the Shepherd, Green Pastures, Still Waters, The Restored Sheep, The Valley, The Rod & The Staff, The Banquet, The Anointing, The overflowing Cup, Heaven, At Last and Forever, Hell, At Last and Forever)

The Power of the Blood of Christ by R. A. Torrey here

The Power of the Word of God by R. A. Torrey here
(The Word of God has Power to Convict of Sin, The Word of God has Power to Regenerate, The Word of God has Power to Produce Faith, The Word of God has Power to Cleanse, The Word of God has Power to Build Up, The Word of God has Power to Make Wise, The Word of God has Power to give Assurance of Eternal Life, The Word of God has Power to bring Peace into the Heart, The Word of God has Power to Produce Joy, Patience Comfort and Hope also come Through the Word of God, The Word of God has Power to Protect from Error and Sin)

The Precious Things Of God by Octavius Winslow here

The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer here

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs here
(Christian Contentment Described, The Mystery of Contentment, How Christ Teaches Contentment, The Excellence of Contentment, The Evils of a Murmuring Spirit, Aggravations of the Sin of Murmuring, The Excuses of a Discontented Heart, How to Attain Contentment)

The Release of the Spirit by Watchman Nee here

The Secret Place by Smith Wigglesworth here

The Spiritual Man by Watchman Nee here
(Spirit, Soul & Body, The Flesh, The Soul, The Spirit, Walking After The Spirit, etc.)

The Spiritual Man Vol 1 by Watchman Nee here
(An Introduction Concerning The Spirit, The Soul & The Body, The Flesh, The Soul, etc.)

The Spiritual Man Vol 2 by Watchman Nee here
(The Spirit,The Analysis of the Spirit-The Intuition ...., Walking According to the Spirit, etc.)

The Spiritual Man Vol 3 by Watchman Nee here
(The Analysis of the Soul-The Mind, The Analysis of the Soul-Will, The Body,etc.)

The Stewardship of the Mystery by T. Austin-Sparks here

The Strait Way to Heaven by William Dyer here

The Success of the Ministry of the Gospel, Owing to a Divine Influence by Samuel Davies here

The Sympathy of Christ by Octavius Winslow here
(Sympathy, an Element of Christ's Nature, The Sigh of Christ, The Tears of Christ, The Emotion of Anger in Christ, The Silence of Christ, The Emotion of Love in Christ, The Sensitiveness of Christ to Suffering, Christ Sympathy with Temptation, Christ's Parting Sympathy, etc.)

The Ten Commandments by Dwight L. Moody here

The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson here

The Tree Of Life by Octavius Winslow here
(The Shadow of Christ, Truths Learned at Bethlehem, Be Not Afraid, Christ Washing His Disciples Feet, The Service of Love, Patience in Suffering, Help and Salvation in Christ, etc.)

The True Gospel of Christianity versus the False Gospel of Carnal Christianity
by L. R. Shelton here

The Widow Directed to the Widow's God by John Angell James here

The Word of Knowledge And Faith by Smith Wigglesworth here

The Young Man Leaving Home by John Angell James here

Titles of Christ by Octavius Winslow here
(Christ - Emmanuel, Christ - the Wonderful, Christ - the Counselor, Christ - the Mighty God, Christ the Everlasting Father, Christ - the Prince of Peace, Christ - a Man of Sorrow, Christ - the Resurrection and the Life, Christ - Our Righteousness, Christ - the Alpha and Omega)

Types of the Levitical Offerings by Thomas Newberry here

Types of the Tabernacle by Thomas Newberry here

Types of the Temple by Thomas Newberry here

Walking With Jesus by Mary Winslow here

What it Means to be Full of the Holy Ghost by Smith Wigglesworth here

Wisdom of God's Counsels - Romans 11:33 by John Wesley here

Why Forgive by J. C. Arnold here

Why You Should Go To The Mission Field by Keith Green here

Victory by J. C. Ryle here

 

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