Getting Connected

Church Orientation & Recruitment of Elders

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 1^ST 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