PART THREE OF CHURCH GROWTH

From part two the scriptures mentioned earlier,{ Ephesians 4:12-15, 2 Peter 3:18,Colossians 2:6,&1 Peter 2:5} echo the need for growth.Many converts remain dwarfed yet mature Christians are either busy with other aspects of Ministry,are wondering what to do, are busy feeding themselves, have left the work to pastors/ fulltime Christian Ministers, [but who are these fulltimers? Did Christ call some to work half or quarter the time?] among others which I hope excludes apathy.If we are growing we should produce a yeild that is both worthy our LORD Jesus Christ and what has been invested in us.Christ in John 15:1-16, says he called the disciples to bear fruit that abides/ will last and much fruit at that.

Therefore, growth is qualitative and quantitative.
Among the factors that affect growth is nutrients found in food taken in.WHAT YOU FEED ON AND HOW YOU FEED DETERMINES HOW YOU GROW! 2 Peter 2:2 urges as to be like babies that crave for milk.You and I must resolve as follows,I MUST GROW AS WE ALL GROW.

There are three dimensions of growth that all together result in a fruitful and effective Christian life.

• HIGH DIMENSION- This has to do with ones personal intimacy with God.It is developed as we discipline ourselves to meet God regularly, talk with Him (commune) in prayer and listen ti Him through His WORD.This is called devotion quiet time.Jesus was keen on this.He choose a quiet place early in the morning.Mark 1:35, read.

It may be helpful to have journal/dairy of what to pray for or have prayed for.When you tick against an item answered having prayed,your faith will be boosted.   

• DEEP DIMENSION- This is growth in character.2 Corinthians 5:17.How are we in our Christian character? The bible has a lot to say about on the need for us to grow in our character - in Christ likeness.We need to put off the old self, - Colossians 3:5, put off ungodliness - Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10, 1Thessalonians 5:8. We also need to bear the fruit of the Spirit instead of promoting the works flesh - Galatians 5:19-26.

You will be thrilled as you review your notes on the changes/transformation within as you grow. However,where you have not seen and or recorded progress/change,pray,have faith and possibly seek for assistance from a maturing Christian.

• WIDE DIMENSION - This has to do with our relationship with other people.Nobody can claim to grow in isolation.We need the influence of other godly people in order to grow.We get to stir one another to love and good deeds through fellowship. - Hebrews 10:24-25.

Within fellowship, find at least one of such people [VRP;VIP;VTP] as you aim at being sharpened even as you sharpen others.- Proverbs 27:17

1. V.R.P. - Stands for a Very Resourceful Person. Such a person ignites your passion for God and for Christian service.You meet them regularly or access their books or recorded messages.Biblical examples include Moses - Joshua.John E.Haggai is the founder of Haggai Institute.This institute has trained over 60,000 Christian leaders from various developing countries in evangelism skills, since 1969.These leaders are committed to train 100 other Christian leaders.This is called The Expo Factor.
2. V.I.P. - Means Very Important Persons.These are mostly your contemporaries who share your passion.As you talk and agree in the Spirit and you delight working together.They can be your prayer partners/team and you easily correct one another without much ado.For the married your spouse is part of such a team.Hence these are your co-workers in Christ.The apostle Paul had a team of brethren including Silas, Luke,Priscilla and Aquila.
3. V.T.P. - These are Very Trainable Persons.They are those that you would like to pass on to them your passion and vision.You multiply your life in them as Christ did to the 12 disciples, and Paul to Timothy.You need to keep ahead of them so that you provide them with training and motivation.You eventually pass on the button to them so that they take others to the next level.They ought to be reliable and faithful people.-2 Timothy 2:2.

Prayerfully identify these persons and be involved with them.They will definitely form a structure necessary for accountability even if it is not a rigid / formal structure.