Evidence matters. It matters in research papers, in the courtroom, on the news, and in churches. Evidence matters because it reveals what we know, what we’ve done, or who we are. In this series, I am focusing in on that last one – who we are – in an effort to expound on the evidence of a biblically minded church (Read Part 1, Part 2).
What is a Biblically Minded Church?
By a biblically minded church, I mean a church that is centered on God’s Word, so much so that God’s Word influences the way it thinks and the things it does.
What is the Evidence of a Biblically Minded Church?
I believe there is, at least, four pieces evidence of a Biblically Minded church in Colossians 1:3-14. The third piece of evidence we come across tells us,
(3) A Biblically Minded Church is a Reproducing Church
Focusing in on verses 5 & 6, we see that the gospel is not only bearing fruit among the Colossians, but it is also increasing among them.
“Of this you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing — as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” (Col. 1:5b-6).
The Colossians are not only growing in Christ, but they are also doing the crucial work of reproducing themselves.
Churches must reproduce themselves or they will die.
The most recent statistic I read on churches closing said, “3,500 US churches close their doors every year.” They also said,“Growing churches make up only about 20 percent of all U.S. churches today. The rest have reached a plateau or are declining.”[1] One reason churches are closing at this rate is their failure to reproduce themselves.
How does a church reproduce itself?
Reproduction occurs when a church is focused on making disciples. When a church is making disciples, they are both focused on winning people to Christ by spreading the gospel, and growing their people in Christ by teaching them the Word. I believe both are necessary in order for a church to make disciples and be considered a reproducing church. The reason both are necessary is that people aren’t going to come to Christ if they don’t hear the gospel, and people aren’t going to grow in their faith, nor will they be equipped or motivated to spread the gospel, if they aren’t taught God’s Word. Making disciples, then, includes both a focus on evangelism and spiritual growth.
So the third evidence of a biblically minded church is that they are reproducing themselves.
Question for Reflection
- Are you a part of a church that is focused both on winning the lost and building up its members spiritually?
Resources
Post adapted from my sermon Are We A Biblically Minded Church?
[1] http://catalystconference.com/read/us-churches-no-longer-in-decline/