Unity

by Jonathan Pettus

What is the recipe for guaranteed church growth? Location, location, location? A persuasive preacher? Dynamic door-knocking campaigns? A commitment to serving the community? Members that are involved in relationship evangelism? Strong leadership? Willing followers? Big programs and ministries?

A look back at the first century church will give us an idea of how we can formulate a recipe for Biblical church growth - the growth that lasts!

1. Unity in PURPOSE: "and they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers." [ Acts 2:42]


2. Unity in RELATIONSHIPS: "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul..." [ Acts 4:32]


3. Unity in SERVICE: "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." [ Acts 2:44-45]

One important detail to take note of is the number of Christians who were involved: Acts 4:32- "the full number", Acts 2:44- "all who believed". Notice that the scriptures don't say, "Some of the believers devoted themselves to the apostle'' teaching...", "Half of the group who believed were of one heart and soul...", or "The same ones that always showed up sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds...". These early Christians were successful in growing the Lord's church because they were all involved. They worshiped together, spent time in fellowship together, and served together.

If we want to be as successful growing the Lord's church here in this community, we need to have the same unity of purpose, relationships, and service that the first Christians had. All of us.

In the month of February, a lot of focus will be placed on the obligations and opportunities we have to be involved in Kingdom work here at Mt. Juliet. Our S.O.S. (Serving Our Savior) program will be reorganized, giving each individual member a chance to invest themselves in one or many of our outstanding ministries. Only when we all are involved will we grow to our potential!

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..." [ 1 Peter 4:10]