Did you know that sudies in psychology indicate that the mind retains only 11% of information received for the first time? No wonder "...faith comes by hearing and hearing...". In other words, the highest chance for retention and proper implementation of knowledge gained is through repetitious hearing/reading/watching.
Day 4 of the 40-Day prayer and fasting joint Services was another wonderful time in the presence of the Lord as our man of God, Bishop Matthew Addae-Mensah, gave a recap of previous day’s message by Bishop Nterful. The first point he made was in reference to this quote;
“You cannot glorify God with small churches” - Bishop Nterful
Bishop Matthew Addae Mensah explained that one cannot glorify God with a church of just 10-20 members. He mentioned that some pastors wonder why small churches are being planted. Others prefer small churches because of problems associated with church. He stated that sometimes your view or mind is different from the Mind of God. Bishop then gave an example by saying that he knew some people he started the church with when it was small who later left because it was growing big. He claims such people are selfish. Other people also want a pastor who is only for them and some pastors have availed themselves.
Bishop then told the story of how he preached to a pastor one time who couldn’t tolerate mistakes in his church and would tell you to go to other churches. He further mentioned that if you want to glorify God then you must bear much fruit (John 15:8).
When God’s glory comes on the church some will fall on us (members) (see Proverbs 14:28).
He then adumbrated the points stated by Bishop Nterful in his previous message on Church Growth.
1. Pastors must have a burning vision to have big churches.
Don’t give excuses concerning geographical location or anything but rather believe. Don’t follow traditions and perceptions of where you are. Some people will tell you churches don’t thrive in a certain location. e.g. Nungua branch.
You have to declare that you’re different. Church growth starts from the heart of the pastor. Church does not grow accidentally and it’s not only by prayer but rather it takes so many factors. The pastor must decide to grow his church and the elders must understand. It must be his desire. Sometimes church members sabotage the growth of a church by failing to come for meetings.
2. Every pastor must know the three stages of members
I. Deer Members
These ones are not stable. They usually stand outside during Church services and after church they’re gone. You see them once in a while. They are in the church but they are not part of it. They don’t join any groups. We must have patience for them. With patience, you can turn them into sheep.
II. Goat members
They are stubborn. They don’t take instructions. One day Bishop said that one of the young men was fooling around and he warned him to be careful or else he’ll be suspended. The man went around telling others that he will never leave. Such members don’t pay tithes and also fail to participate in church activities. They also need patience in order to be guided to become sheep.
III. Sheep Members
They are the best. Loyal and faithful. Always supportive. Participate in church activities. We must all be like this group.
3. Let your church be X person oriented.
An X person oriented church is a church that is interested in new converts and visitors. Sometimes we don’t create room for new converts. One elder said the first time he came to church it was an usher who nearly discouraged him from coming to church. Sometimes, existing members ignore new members of a church. When you see a new face in the church, try to behave nicely.
4. Do Altar Calls at every service.
Invite visitors. Set up a team to welcome new converts and members. Treat them like VIPs. Be nice to them. Set up a new convert school that will run for 6 weeks. Visit them between 24 and 48 hours.
5. Care for Type A and Type B members.
Type A members are very active members. They come to Church regularly and live righteously. They also pay tithes regularly. Type B members are inactive. They live anyhow. They do not pay tithe and do not belong to any group. They are work-in-progress, so they need patience.
6. Use the secret of industrialization to win souls.
Create soul winning activities in church. e.g. Gospel rock shows, street evangelism, open air crusades, special conference and seminars, breakfast meetings and special group meetings. Let’s create avenues for soul winning.
7. Organize outreach for the youth.
We need to create room for the young ones. e.g. dance groups, drama groups, music group, fashion groups, etc.
8. Create home cell systems in the church.
You can use your home for home cells.
9. Create powerful prayer systems in the church.
Organize prayer meetings
10. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you.
Without the Holy Spirit the above cannot be achieved.
'Twas indeed a powerful Service!
Compiled by Stephanie Adu-Botchway
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