Friday First - Marks of a Growing Church

In Acts 11 we are introduced to the church in Antioch. Initially these Christians shared the gospel only with Jews, but soon after certain men began to teach Gentiles. The Lord with was them and great numbers believed. The number of conversions was on a scale that was entirely new. News of the good things spread. Soon, the elders of the church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to inquire as to what was going on. How were they doing it? What was being done in Antioch that could be employed elsewhere?

What we have listed in the last 12 verses of Acts 11 serves as marks of a growing church. We need to be praying for and expect growth. Growth is good! Over the last two years our church family has been blessed with tremendous growth. People have noticed. They’re wanting to know how we’re doing it. When we are asked, Acts 11.19-30 provides us with the blueprint for growth. What are five marks of a successful, growing congregation?

On Sunday we will see a church that had:

• Aggressive outreach to the lost
• Grace focused, God praising worship
• Warm, inclusive fellowship
• Committed, growing disciples
• A benevolent spirit, serving the needs of others

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What was the message the early church presented to the lost? 
2. How did the early church regard the importance of worshipping together?
3. When we consider the inclusiveness of the early church, what can we learn for today?
4. What does it mean to be a committed disciple?
5. Why is it important to remember we are part of a larger family of believers?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Rich Jacobs

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Dave Pennington

SERVE LORD’S SUPPER
Jim Rutter
Randy Mullins
David Williams
Marvin Lewis
Isaac Tincher
George Long
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Bob Hoopes
Acts 11.19-30

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Matt Ringle

CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Vicki Mullins / Connie Walker

USHERS
Jason Schofield / Eric Renegar

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Dru McLaughlin