Numerically. The book of Acts records the spread of the gospel from the establishment of the church in Jerusalem to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome—about twenty years of history. As the Apostles preach the gospel, the Holy Spirit sees fit to record the increase in the number of disciples—and often!
“Those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (2:41). “The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (2:47). “The number of men came to be about five thousand” (4:4). “Multitudes of men and women were constantly added to their number” (5:14). “The disciples were increasing in number” (6:1). “The number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith” (7:1). “So the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria … continued to increase” (9:31). “The word of the Lord continued to grow and be multiplied” (12:24). “The churches … were increasing in number daily” (16:5). “The word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing” (19:20).
God obviously cares about numbers! Not so that a congregation can pat itself on the back for numbers on a board, but because each good confession represents an eternal soul rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light. As we strive to follow the inspired pattern of the New Testament church, let us not forget to put efforts into evangelism. The word of God grows and multiplies when Christians spread the gospel to their friends and neighbors.
Spiritually. God also desires those who become saved to grow in faith and knowledge. Preachers and teachers continue this process. Paul likens it to the growth of a human body.
“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).
In other passages God speaks of the growth of our faith (2 Cor. 10:15), our salvation (1 Pet. 2:2), grace, and knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18). A church may grow numerically, but unless the church also grows spiritually, the increase shall not last. It would be like building a large house out of flimsy materials, destined for collapse (1 Cor. 3:10-15). New Christians and mature Christians alike must expand their knowledge of the Bible, develop a stronger faith able to withstand temptations and prioritize God. Church leaders must not be satisfied with many baptisms, but must work all the more diligently to teach God’s word and instill the principles of the faith in those who are saved.
Fraternally. Finally, the church must grow closer together as brothers in sisters in Christ. Paul praised the Thessalonians, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater” (2 Thess. 1:3).
Brotherly love tends to be the forgotten aspect of congregational health. A church may increase in faith and knowledge, and yet still not achieve all that God has planned for it, if the members bicker or remain in segregated cliques, or simply don’t prefer one another’s company. God’s people are supposed to be the closest family on earth. Let us strive through personal efforts of kindness and hospitality, to grow in love for one another.
When it comes to all three types of growth, 1 Corinthians 3:6 must be remembered: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” We must be faithful to do our part, and God will do His. May the congregation of the Lord’s people here in Brandon grow to the glory of the Lord!
—John Guzzetta