God's Program for Church Growth: The Purpose 1

God’s program for the growth of His church from Ephesians 4:11-16:

First, the persons selected for the growth of the church, 11
A. Christ gave apostles to His church
B. Christ gave prophets to His church
C. Christ gave evangelists to His church
D. Christ gave pastors and teachers to His church

Second, the plan secured for the growth of the church,12
#1: Pastors are to ensure the equipping of the saints
#2: Pastors are to ensure the mobilization of the saints
#3: Pastors are to ensure the edification of the saints

Third, the period set for the growth of Christ’s church,12

When do we reach our goal of spiritual perfection in Christ?
#1: We arrive at spiritual perfection when we all reach unity in our doctrine
#2: We arrive at spiritual perfection when we all reach unity in our intimacy with Christ
#3: We arrive at spiritual perfection when we all reach unity in our Christ-likeness

Fourth, the purpose stated for the growth of Christ’s

The two-fold purpose:
#1: The purpose of church growth is spiritual immunization, 14

What are some spiritual diseases that can infect us?

a. There are doctrinal diseases Colossians 2:16
b. There are worldly diseases
c. There are moral diseases Proverbs 6:27

How can we be deceived?
a. We can be deceived by remaining children
b. We can be deceived by remaining vulnerable
c. We can be deceived by remaining captive to the deceivers around us

Who are the deceivers?
a. These deceivers are professionals
b. These deceivers are crafty professionals Luke 20:23, 2 Corinthians 13:2
c. These deceivers are methodical professionals
d. These deceivers are focused professionals