Principles for Church Growth
Principles for Church Growth by Bob and Mary Hopkins, published by the Anglican Church Planting Initiatives, delves into the multifaceted nature of church growth, emphasizing that it encompasses more than mere numerical increase.
The article identifies four key dimensions of growth: upward growth in maturity and discipleship, inward growth in fellowship and community, outward growth in mission and societal engagement, and numerical growth. Bob and Mary emphasize that the recognition of the Holy Spirit as the sole source of growth, underscoring the necessity to remain connected to the divine in order to bear fruit.
The article highlights that the scale of kingdom growth is rooted in multiplication, as evidenced in biblical narratives such as God's covenant with Abraham and Jesus' parables, which illustrate growth through the multiplication of seeds, talents, and disciples. Sacrifice is presented as the system through which this growth operates, with Jesus teaching that true gain comes through self-denial and letting go of worldly practices.
Principles for Church Growth also emphasizes the importance of relationships as the conduit for evangelism within the kingdom, where love and sacrifice facilitate the spread of the gospel. It also outlines four elements that should be multiplied within the church: converts, disciples, leaders, and communities, each contributing to a self-reinforcing cycle of growth.
The text concludes by discussing four levels of relational community—couplets (one-to-one relationships), cells, clusters, and celebrations—each playing a vital role in fostering a healthy, growing church. Through these comprehensive insights, this article provides a holistic framework for understanding and facilitating church growth in alignment with biblical principles.
