Initial Characteristics
February 13, 2009 (Friday)
In my blog of January 23, "Tell Me the Old, Old Story," I wrote about the response to Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Three thousand people were saved and baptized, and the Church got started in Jerusalem. It has since spread around the world and continues to grow.
The Church’s growth at first was not based upon any carefully planned strategy on the part of the members or leaders. The plan developed as the people in the church followed the course that flowed naturally from their new faith. In Acts 2:42-47 we are told what happened next:
1. They followed the teachings of the Apostles, beliefs that were given to them personally by Jesus Christ Himself during His earthly ministry.
2. They continued steadfastly in fellowship.
3. They practiced the breaking of bread, observing the Lord’s Supper and participating in fellowship meals.
4. They kept on praying.
5. They practiced reverence for God.
6. They witnessed many signs and wonders done by the Apostles.
7. They shared everything they had with each other.
8. They met regularly for worship.
9. They kept a positive outlook, characterized by joy and affection for one another.
10. They kept on praising God.
11. They maintained a good reputation with the community at large.
Though this was not a strategy they mapped out in a committee meeting, it was the strategy of God. Churches grow spiritually when they do things the Lord's way. Numerical growth naturally follows, as people are attracted to “the real thing.”