God calls each and every one of us to be ‘Body Builders’. That is what this 2nd part of our church vision statement is about. Growing in Christ. The goal of the Christian life is not sinless perfection, but continual, steady growth in The Lord. While this growth in Jesus Christ is personal, it is also something that is interactive and happens as the community of believers minister to one another when they exercise their God-given gifts, abilities and resources. The apostle Peter put it this way: ‘Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Peter 4:9-11)
Since we are exhorted to use hospitality towards one another, we learn that this growth in The Lord takes place both inside our homes as well as inside the walls of whatever building the body of Christ meets in. This pattern of growing and ministering to one another is exactly what took place shortly after the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost. ‘And they continued stedfastly in the apostles ‘doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.’ (Acts 2:42-47).
This growth in The Lord does not just happen. It is a personal and congregational desire that is birthed with a hunger and thirst to know Him and grow in Him. So let’s look at some biblical patterns for church growth and ask The Spirit of God to grant us the grace and desire to apply them to our personal lives and within the body here at Koinonia.
