Getting Connected
Church Orientation & Recruitment of Elders
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Read: ACT 2:41-47 6:1-6 EXO 18:13-26
Christians Need Each Other:
ROM 12:5 GAL 6:10
Two Major Concerns For The Church
1. To reach as many people as possible
2. To care for their individual needs
THE AMAZING GROWTH OF THE 1ST CHURCH
- 120 people (ACT 1:15)
- 3,000 added (ACT 2:41)
- 20,000 in all (ACT 2:47, 4:4, 5:14, 28, 6:1, 7)
- Many Thousands (ACT 21:20)
Where did they put all those people? (ACT 5:21)
1) Large group celebrations in the Temple courts;
2) Small group fellowships in people’s homes.
(ROM16:5; 1CO 16:19; COL 4:15)
How Did They Care For So Many People?
NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE: ACTS 6:1-7
- A healthy church is a growing church. (vs.1a)
- Church growth causes problems. (vs.1b)
- Problems are always about unmet needs. (vs.1c)
- The few leaders can’t meet more needs. (vs.2)
- More needs require more ministers. (vs.3)
- Pastors are to focus on prayer & teaching. (vs.4)
- More ministers mean more church growth. (vs.5, 7)
AN OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLE EXO 18:13-26
- Problem: (v.17-18) Growth (nation of 2million) causing problems.
- Problems are about unmet needs.
- Moses can’t do all the work & is burning out.
- Solution: (v.19-22) More needs can’t be met by the leader (Moses)
- More needs require more ministers (groups with leaders of 1000, 100, 50 & 10)
- Moses to focus on prayer & teaching.
- Result: (v.23) More ministers mean more needs satisfied people.
A CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLE: Seoul, Korea – Assembly of God
750,000 members. Why such growth? Every need gets met How? Through cell groups
What Did They Do In Home Groups? (Acts 2:42-47)
- Study the Scriptures/Teachings (v.42)
- Build fellowship (v.42)
- Celebrate communion (v.42)
- Pray for each other(v.42)
- Practice the Miraculous (v.43)
- Promoted Fear of the Lord (v.43)
- Give to each other’s need (v.45)
- Bring continuity to new life (v.46)
- Open doors of favor (v.47)
- Worship God (v.47)
- Welcome the Newly saved (v.47)
Why Should I Join a Small Group?
- Get to know the Bible better;
- Feel like I’m part of God’s family;
- Prayer becomes more meaningful;
- Be able to better handle the problems of life.
- Easier & more natural way to serve Christ;
- Develop my spiritual gifts and skills;
- Enhanced my worship of God.
2 Important Spiritual Commitments
- 1: Join a large meeting (celebration). Sunday Celebration
- 2: Join a small group (cell). Home Group Ministry