The Book of Acts -- A Handbook for Church Growth

Hopefully, all Christians truly want the church to grow (Overheard in TN - "I like the size of this church just the way it is. I don't like big churches."). However, many are compromising the truth for the sake of increasing attendance figures. Getting them in the door is more important than going out and entertaining take precedence over teaching the truth. Elders are reading from the modern-day "church growth experts" and following the polls to see "what the people want." This attitude is faulty at its very core. The church exists to change people, not vice versa. The book of Acts is the first and foremost church growth manual. From its beginning on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the church experienced astonishing growth. From 3000 on day one to over 5000 men in Acts 4:4, the church soon numbered in the tens of thousands. The formula for their success is no secret. Having a complete knowledge of all things from the beginning (Luke 1:4), Luke recorded for us God's pattern for church growth.

The early church grew when . . .

  1. The word was preached without FEAR or FAVOR: 2:13-14
    1. Acts 4:1-21
    2. Acts 5:17-42 (cf v 28 = Matt 27:25)
    3. Acts 7:2-60
    4. Acts 24:25
    5. Acts 26:24-29


  2. People were CONVICTED of SIN- Acts 2:22-24, 36-41


  3. Christians were FAITHFUL . . . Acts 2:42
    1. to the apostles' DOCTRINE
    2. to participate in FELLOWSHIP
    3. to PRAY together (cf Acts 4:31)


  4. Christians made personal SACRIFICES:
    1. Acts 2:44-46
    2. Acts 4:34-37


  5. When Church members were of one HEART & SOUL - Acts 4:32
    1. 5 times in the first 5 chapters of Acts - "one accord"
    2. One mind & passion, striving toward a common end, (e.g., music)


  6. Church DISCIPLINE was practiced, causing Christians to live in the FEAR of God - Acts 5:1-11, 14
    1. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
    2. 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14
    3. 2 Corinthians 2:9
    4. Christians claim practicing discipline is unkind - just to opposite is true! Hebrews 12:5-11


  1. Christians were willing to SERVE - Acts 6:1-7
    1. Matthew 20:25-28
    2. Philippians 2:3-11
    3. Galatians 5:13-14


  2. Christians endured PERSECUTION
    1. Acts 8:1-4
    2. Acts 14:21-22
    3. Acts 16:25-34


  3. The GOSPEL was taught: (Acts 8)
    1. By EVERY member (v 4)
    2. PUBLICLY (vv 5-12)
    3. PRIVATELY (vv 26-40)
    4. In its FULNESS - Acts 20:20, 26-27


  4. RACISM was condemned as an enemy of truth - Acts 11:2-18


  5. It sent out FAITHFUL men into the mission field- Acts 13:1-3 (Romans 10:13-18)


  6. It was properly ORGANIZED - Acts 14:21-23 (Titus 1:5)


  7. It did not allow the TRADITIONS of men to hinder its work - 15:1-11


  8. False RELIGION was opposed - Acts 17:16-34
    1. Matthew 13:24-30
    2. Matthew 15:7-9
    3. Galatians 1:6-10
    4. Jude 3