As a preacher for a small and dying congregation of the Church of Christ, many of our business meetings involve a declaration that “We have to do something!” A feeling of desperation overtakes the group, and yet no one knows what to do. “We need a program”, “We need a VBS”, “We need outreach into our community” are a few of the panicked gasps. Does this sound familiar in your congregation? Then the rebuttals come: “People are not interested any more”, or “Times have changed.” In all of this, the preacher sits, listens, and wonders what it is he has to do in order to motivate and instill confidence in the brethren to overcome their lack of faith. The reason many congregations of the Lord’s church are dying is a lack of faith. In order to resurrect a dying congregation (that is, make it grow) the key is as simple as faithfulness.

First, a desire to grow must be present in the congregation, especially the leadership. The root word in leadership is “lead.” If the leadership wishes to drive the congregation from the rear like a wild herd of cattle, they are not following Biblical examples; number one being Christ. Most programs follow this model. It is also important to note the stating that there is a problem, and verbalizing that “We have to do something” does not necessarily indicate the desire to grow. Actually cultivating the desire to grow by working to achieve that growth is a personal hurdle that many will refuse to cross. Their conscience is appeased until the next business meeting when they can again bemoan the state of the congregation and adjourn.

Second, Bible study must be a daily practice by those desiring for the congregation to grow. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, so naturally it is vital to reversing a lack of faith. Follow this logic. In order for a congregation to grow, people must be taught. In order for people to be taught, there must be teachers. The Hebrews writer stated that “dull hearing” caused those who should be teachers to need the “first principles” taught to them again. There it is. If you are not a student of the Bible, you cannot be a teacher. If you are not a teacher, you will teach no one.

If no one is taught, your congregation will die. This plague of ignorance is wiping out congregations of the Church of Christ. In Oklahoma, where I preach, sixteen congregations have shut their doors in the last three years alone. Another point to be made about becoming motivated to evangelize was made by Jeremiah. He was choosing to halt his spreading of God’s message. Then he declared, “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.” The more we study, our faith will grow. The more our faith (trust in the validity of the message) grows, the ability to pass by opportunities to share the Gospel will become weaker; and we will be chomping at the bit to study with our friends and neighbors. We will not be shy and fearful because the true need of the Gospel for lost souls will compel us to act, and speak. This is the power of the Gospel of Christ. Those who verbalize that “People are not interested any more” will see that it is they who were not interested any more. Study and get the word inside of you, and it will begin to flow out of you. Evangelism will be the result.

Programs, Gospel Meetings, Campaigns, Filmstrips, and various ministries must be evaluated on an individual basis to determine their scriptural validity as well as how they fit the individual congregation utilizing these evangelistic methods. The one sure-fire proven method to evangelism is to study and apply. Part of the application of God’s word is found in Mark 16:15-16.

A final thought: if you find yourself motivated to evangelize, and grow your self so that you can grow the church, do not wait for the group to join you. Get busy about your Father’s business. Become a leader in evangelism, and others will follow. On the other hand, if you believe evangelism is someone else’s responsibility, i.e. your paid preacher, please consider I Corinthians 15:34. May God Bless You And The Church of Christ.

- Ron Suiter
Snyder, OK