Church Growth 2023

This year in PEC, the leaders have designated the theme as the "year of Growth". A note theme indeed and that must be the motor not just for this year but every year in the church calendar. 

But church growth is not easy as it seems. If it is, then why are so many churches stagnant or even decimating. 

What would help a church grow in numbers? Programs, events, outings or should we focus on the spiritual? Maybe a hybrid would help. 

Today I shared in the morning service on the growth in the early church. In Acts 2 , we suddenly see the birth of the church and its soon acceleration in growth. But I am of the opinion that the foundation of this growth was laid in Acts 1, when the 120 gathered in the upper room. 

I am of the opinion that if we want to see growth in the church we must return to the first principles as found in Acts 1. No other form of  "spiritual gymnastics will substitute these principles".

Three principles stood out for me in Acts 1.

• Unity in Prayer - v 14
• Unity in Penitence - v 15-23
• Unity in Purpose - Acts 2:1

When a church uphold these principles, I am convinced that growth is ineveitable.