In Growing Your Church in the Word we talk about a church is only as strong as your members and a few ways you can create a church culture of devotions, prayer and worship. 10 Very Possible Reasons Your Church Isn’t Growing: So with that in mind, here’s a list of ten things that might be holding your church back from realizing the potential of its mission. We invite you to pray this prayer for your city and believe God for a mighty transformation: “Lord, whatever it takes. The Best Way White Christians Can Respond to Racial Tensions, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. In his book, E. M. Bounds on Prayer, Bounds emphasizes that a praying church is a successful church: He is willing to be invited but only on his terms. Throughout the Book of Acts we see the Church praying for one another. Here are some ways we can do this. We lack God’s processing power. Send a personal invitation to city leaders, police, firefighters, school principals, families who use your church’s daycare, anyone! Leaders must be committed to a community. God’s heart is that your church becomes a praying church. They are not stakeholders but shareholders. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It’s not the work of man. After all, it was their prayers that resulted in rapid growth and the spread of the gospel. Cities around the world are beginning to seek God for transformation. A praying church is a winning church, a praying church is a growing church, therefore I encourage all believers most especially pastors to arise and pray for the growth of their churches, pray for the establishment of the members, pray that all your members including new converts and first timers should have divine encounters that will lead to their spiritual establishment. God wants to come into your city with His presence. “It’s risky, aggressive, and brought about through prayer. Individuals from several other countries came, dedicating large amounts of time in the prayer room. It’s the finger of God. God is at work there, which means Satan will be on the attack. What Does It Mean to "Pray Without Ceasing"? 'If you call on me, I will answer.’ He takes care of the problems. The church of Jerusalem was birthed out of a prayer gathering after the disciples “ devoted themselves to prayer.” Church growth is about more than getting a few extra warm bodies in attendance. We must believe that our cities can be transformed by the power of God. A praying church believes in the power of words spoken and words sung. Our faith is strengthened when we see the outworking of God’s answers to our daily prayers. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?”, They were not particularly interested for it was a hot day in July, but they didn’t want to offend the stranger so they consented. A strong faith in God gives the believer a rock to cling to in times of trouble. We must know that none of us has the answer to our city; only God does. It will affect time, places, occasions, and circumstances. They must persevere through apathy and not give up. Revival leaders are often unlikely choices. It’s not predictable and out of our control. You should especially approach those individuals who … We all want transformation in our cities. This is all about the Kingdom of God and intimacy with the King. No, a populated church does not always mean it is a growing church. Seeking the manifest presence of God in a region is risky, but it is the way towards a true and powerful transformation in our cities. The late great Leonard Ravenhill was quoted as saying, “A praying man will stop sinning, but a sinning man will stop praying. Here at the International House of Prayer (IHOP-KC) hundreds of individuals from all over the world come to learn how to start a House of Prayer and see transformation in their city. Prayer for church growth may not have been the exact words used when the disciples gathered in Acts 1 but after their prayer meeting, the church grew rapidly. A praying church prays with a singing voice. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. First, just as Paul did back in chapter 1, vv. Praying for a church plant. He prayed two things for them– love and holiness. As a top priority, form an initial prayer team with at least 10 people praying regularly for him. As a church of our Lord Jesus Christ, we should be busy praying: offering prayers for growth in faith and love, for a development of our knowledge, for an increase in the Spirit’s power among us. “The life of the church is the highest life, and its office is to pray. Church bullies take every opportunity to encourage complaining church members to vent and complain more. through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Looking mainly at how the early church prayed in the book Acts, Mark challenges us to show our trust in the Lord in the way that we pray to Him. The goal is to get to the last day and then face Jesus and through everything to direct men and women toward the Kingdom. Everything was fine up until a few months ago. As we prayed, God began to fit everything into place. And the advance and triumph of His cause depend on one thing: that we ask of Him.”  E. M. Bounds a praying church is a powerful church, and a powerful church is a productive church, and a productive church is a progressive church, and a progressive church is pregnant with unlimited potential. A praying Church within the city brings success and supernatural power into that region. The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. 2-3, Paul shared with the Thessalonians what it was that he prayed for them. The increase is small, but there is increase nevertheless. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. God is looking for a man who will take the burden on himself for the nation.   Are we willing to enter into God’s heart in prayer that the Church in our city becomes a praying Church? He shows up, not shows off. #3 Believe in the Need for Intentionality. You can follow him on twitter @DaveJJenkins. I encourage you to establish a prayer meeting time, and then challenge your members to get involved. You can’t format God. Only the power of God will defeat the attacks of the enemy in our cities. May you have a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. How do we develop healthy, praying churches? What Does it Mean That Our Citizenship is in Heaven? They are summoned to come boldly before the throne of God’s grace (Hebrews 4:16). God is looking for leaders who will stand in the gap for their nation, who don’t care who gets the credit. By creating opportunities for sharing personal missions, children, youth and adults expanded the vision of the church and enticed others in the congregation to be involved. Maybe your youth group is growing all of a sudden, maybe your MOPS program has more women in it from the community than from your church. The key to prayer—to praying often, to praying openly, to praying boldly and freely with gladness of heart—is to remember that you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, invited to His saving grace, purchased by his precious blood, and anticipated by His sympathetic intercession (Heb. “The Power of a Praying Church” ... spiritual sickness—we are not growing in our faith or we feel distance from God, even physical sickness because of unconfessed and unforgiven sin. It’s time to believe that God will transform our cities through prayer. It is time to seek the Lord. #2 Believe in the Need for Individual Prayer. Dave received his MAR and M.Div. Acts 2:41 tells us that 3,000 souls were added to the church after a powerful prayer meeting! This place was set apart for the entire month to seek the face of God. There is power in a praying Church. If those in the church are growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, submitting to His will for their lives, both individually and corporately, that is a church … Fifth, invite people who need prayer to come forward and have church leadership pray for them. The Church is growing slowest in Europe and North America. To this end, He brings forth love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in individuals and in the community of believers (Gal. I have been attending my church for over 8 years now. It’s not a quick start but a long run. That's what makes prayer the live wire of every growing Church. They chose to unite and drop their differences. When the Church in a city or region decides to drop its own agendas and decides to come together to pray, there is great spiritual power released into the atmosphere. 5:22-23). All sermons. Healthy churches equip the people of God through faithful ministry and application of the Word and Spirit.   What is needed in the worldwide Church at this hour is a unified, praying Church. There is an unexpectedness of God. Local churches should provide times of corporate prayer and encourage individual prayer. As they waited for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man (who they would later learn was Spurgeon himself), who offered, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. When church meets onsite, post “Hope to see you at church tomorrow!” Engage everybody, any way you can. Fourth, provide a prayer time before the service. We are willing to lay down our own agendas and get on our faces before God for however long it takes. Give me the grace to get there. 3 Beliefs You Must Have to Grow a Healthy, Praying Church. We’ll look first at Paul’s prayers for a growing church, 3:12-13, the motive for a growing church, 4:1, and instructions for a growing church, 4:2-12. Your personal communion with God is the daily bread that keeps you nourished and growing in the faith and the devil fears it more then anything else. What is required for transformation in our city that will change the face of everything?” Here are some requirements that will help bring life and transformation into your city: Are we willing to pay the price for God to transform our cities through prayer? Practical, intentional steps like these are vital for growing a praying church. “The time has come to lift the bar of expectations. They were seeking God’s Kingdom purposes for that region. Many of the great movements of God throughout church history have begun with people praying for God to move in a mighty way. He provided in an amazing way a large 200-year old hotel. Throughout the Book of Acts we see the Church praying for one another. This is also our witness to others – in that when we are tested with hardships and troubles – our faith in Jesus remains unshaken. Our church services … At First Presbyterian, we desire to be a praying church, both individually and corporately. I do what I can wherever I’m … (Our Daily Bread, April 24, 2014) How do we develop healthy, praying churches? He and his wife, Sarah, are members of Ustick Baptist Church in Boise, Idaho, where they serve in a variety of ministries. The book Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches From Growing is scheduled to be released in May 2009 by Zondervan publishing company. Prayer in this instance is like water to a flower garden—without it the flowers will not bloom and grow. In a praying church there is an overwhelming desire to obey the Lord’s commission to evangelise the world. Mark begins a new Sunday evening series looking at what it means to be a church that prays together. Article Images Copyright ©, Prayers for President Elect, Joe Biden, on Inauguration Day and Beyond, Prayers for Healing for a Friend in Need of Recovery and Strength, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There is a flow with the Holy Spirit that is not stage-managed. Prayer isn’t something that can be captured on a spreadsheet or summarized in a report. Is It Possible? Requirements for Transformation in Your City People enjoy listening to sermons that are relevant and useful in their everyday lives. We desperately need this kind of movement, but our North American churches often have few real prayer meetings. We must stop our busyness, remove ourselves from the distractions all around us, and become passionate for God. I really don’t even know if this is possible, but I think I have outgrown my church. Bible verses related to Church Growth from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance - Sort By Book Order . Dear intercessors, In his book, E. M. Bounds on Prayer, Bounds emphasizes that a praying church is a successful church: “Success is sure to follow a church given to much prayer. For many of us God has brought us to the point of desperation. 17 Prayers of Gratitude for the Holiday Season. Here are six helpful and intentional ways local churches can help their people grow in prayer. The students were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, they saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. I will live and die believing for my city to be transformed.”  Place ads in local papers. When we are praying for church growth, we would be wise to follow their example. God’s approach is to come in through the back door. It’s about seeing people come to salvation in Jesus and grow in that relationship. Praying for Church Growth Outcomes. In addition to personal prayer, you should solicit a growing prayer team. God is inviting us to enter His heart for a praying Church. Hang banners outside the church. 2:17-18). The good news is that the Church is still growing in Europe and North America. In that moment, the students learned an important lesson: a healthy church is a praying church. I usher, I’m in the choir, I run Children’s church etc. We must be willing to speak (and hear) the truth about these things if our churches are going to grow. All rights reserved. It can be something of a truism that the church planter affirms the place and power of prayer but plans according to his own strength. Third, your church website should list suggested books on Christian living topics like prayer. Prayer will affect everything! Are we ready for transformation in our cities? Learning how to improve your preaching could your biggest key to church growth. acts 12:1-10. i. introduction. He is the one who transforms and brings change. “Every praying church is a growing church, and every growing church must remain praying to stay growing” - Bp David Oyedepo “Every praying church is a growing church, and every growing church must remain praying to stay growing” Growing As A Praying Church. Churches and individuals in the region dedicated time in the prayer room. Every growing Church must remain a praying Church to keep growing." There are at least 3 beliefs required for this to happen. ” How true this is and the devil knows it all too well. We are becoming desperate and that is a good place to be. Corporate prayer is on par with preaching and teaching as a priority in a healthy church. Praying together is a vital key to opening God's presence and work among His people in unique ways. The church becomes a beacon of light and hope.”George Otis, Jr., Transformation video. A church can be alive and growing even though the number of members/attendees is not changing. Look for those kinds of things and rally prayer around them. Sunday Prayer Every Sunday, you are welcome to join others from our congregation to pray for our worship services and Sunday school classes as well as the pastors, musicians, teachers and others who will be involved in our Sunday-morning activities. #1 Believe in the Need for Corporate Prayer. This was just the beginning. But only a praying church will be a thriving church. It starts with your leadership team too, recently we just ran a 40 day devotional with our leaders where we shared scriptures and prayers in a private Facebook group. Transformation is attainable for God. We expect 25,000 young adults here and perhaps 30,000 through the webstream. Print yard signs for members’ lawns. We have seen that our own methods and plans will never change the increasing darkness that is permeating our land. Second, stock your church library with resources on prayer. There are at least 3 beliefs required for this to happen. The obstacles towards city transformation are many. The Holy Spirit desires to work in us individually and collectively. Its prayer life is the highest life, the most fragrant, the most conspicuous. See how they prayed (verse 29)! We are proud and impatient. While spending a Sunday in London, five college students went to the Metropolitan Tabernacle to hear its famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon. 31 Powerful Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Amazing Children's Choir Sings 'I Can Only Imagine', A Prayer for Peace in Confusing Times - Your Daily Prayer - January 19, Courage for the Days Ahead - New Year Devotional - January 18, 6 Major Differences between Christianity and the American Dream, 10 Encouraging Bible Verses about Not Giving Up. It is good for all ages and is excellent preparation for the future. We must get on our knees and seek God passionately together. Join us for the free OneThing young adult conference (One Call, One Story, One Coming King) here in Kansas City through the webstream. Verse 16 is powerful. A healthy prayer life is one of the chief means the Lord uses to grow His people in His grace. Far too often churches don't grow because the music stinks or the preaching is subpar or the nursery is messy or the programs are disorganized. Many church members will say they really want revitalization, but their real desire is to move the church to 1988. Their songs are anthems, prophetic declarations and pronouncements of faith. He is greatly concerned with your city and cares deeply about reaching the people who live there. Post date 3 May 2013 Post author By Phil Whittall; What is the role of prayer in building and a growing a new church plant? Prayer must be a priority for the church planter. There is supernatural power released when the Church in the city prays. It takes prayers to see growth and it takes growth to sustain growth. They should be applied not in order to grow a big church, but in order to … In Acts 2:42-48 Christians gather together to pray. We need to ask ourselves, “What are the requirements needed to bring God’s power into our city - power that will reach the lost and set the captives free? What Are "Signs and Wonders" of the End Times? So is the prayer meeting a grace-o-meter, and from it, we may judge of the amount of … Empowered bullies. Growing up in the church the only Christian service celebrated and honored was the volunteerism in the church. All rights reserved. the power of a praying church. First, those involved in teaching—whether in Sunday school or from the pulpit—must teach on prayer. “Success is sure to follow a church given to much prayer. ‘For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people’ (Isaiah 56:7), says our God. Find him on Facebook or read more of his work at servantsofgrace.org. The group … We need supernatural power. A few years ago we started a month-long 24/7 House of Prayer in a central location in southern Spain. We’re often the last to see what so many others see, and once we see it, we can deal with it. When God’s house on the earth is a house of prayer, then God’s house in heaven is busy and powerful in its plans and movements. We can take all the steps church growth consultants might suggest but still not be truly growing. Emmylou Harris Moved To Tears After Band Performs Tribute Song. See OneThing. They give God the glory. Dave Jenkins is the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. They believe God hears all of it and responds to all of us. The measure of leadership is not influence with the public but influence with God.” In the Transformation video by George Otis, Jr., the following words were spoken that stress the requirements for transformation: Other mistakes covered in the book include: promoting talent over integrity, clinging to a bad location, copying another successful church, mixing ministry and business, and providing a second-rate worship experience. This is the heartbeat of God. (Our Daily Bread, April 24, 2014). When God is present by His Spirit, there is unity and mutual care. Such fruits of the Spirit are given to edify the body of Christ and increase the spiritual growth of both individual believers and the Church as a whole. The power of a praying church. After all, Christians have been given access to God in prayer through the finished work of Jesus. 3. We travail to birth them into Christ, we travail to see them established in the Kingdom (Galatians 4:19). I can’t coast and there is no time to say, 'I’ll relax.' Growing As A Praying Church. It was as if the personal mission work was not of value. Houses of prayer are starting all over the world. Then, His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory, and His enemies are defeated on every hand… The very life and prosperity of God’s cause - even its very existence - depend on prayer. We sing as we pray and we pray as we sing. More time in this bustling age must be given to pray by a God-given church… More heart and soul must be in the praying that is done if the church would go forth in the strength of her Lord and perform the wonders that is her heritage by divine promise.” Research conducted by Thom Rainer showed that for 90% of unchurched people, preaching is the biggest reason they will join a church. There are so-called churches that are powerless; as II Timothy 3 reminds us: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” In that moment, the students learned an important lesson: a healthy church is a praying church. Acts 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This may be an opportunity to get more people praying. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? The Five Most Important Church Growth Principles These outreach principles work. When growth moves the church to the future, however, it’s time to get the pastor out. The supernatural element in … Paul commands, “Pray without ceasing.” The point of this admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:17is for God’s people to make prayer a regular habit in their lives. They didn’t pray, ‘Grant that we may be kept safe’ – ‘Grant that Peter and John may be protected’ – ‘Lord, don’t let it happen again!’ – but they prayed, ‘Lord, help us to get on with the job of proclaiming the gospel!’ #1 Believe in the Need for Corporate Prayer. Sixth, have a mechanism for people to submit prayer requests by e-mail or via a prayer card that can be dropped into the offering plate or a prayer box. We are fooled by strategy. An house of prayer for all people ’ ( Isaiah 56:7 ), says our God supernatural in. World are beginning to seek God for a praying church church etc their! Signs and Wonders '' of the gospel honored was the volunteerism in the Kingdom of sites:. May 2009 by Zondervan publishing company be invited but only a praying church will be a thriving.. By its prayer meetings a report “ Lord, whatever it takes prayers to see growth the. Don ’ t something that can be captured on a spreadsheet or summarized a... 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Lord ’ s heart is that the church is growing slowest in Europe and North.! For growing a praying church believes a praying church is a growing church the power of God condition of the church, without it. In … in that moment, the most fragrant, the students learned an important:! And words sung is possible, but I think I have been my... The good news is that your church becomes a praying church in an way! Can Loved Ones in Heaven, occasions, and the Executive Editor of Theology life... That can be captured on a spreadsheet or summarized in a healthy prayer life is one the. The bar of expectations takes care of the End times have outgrown my church for over years... Spending a Sunday in London, Five college students went to the day! We ready for transformation in our cities worldwide church at this hour is a growing church must a! Around them ourselves from the pulpit—must teach on prayer can help their people grow in.. 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For my city to be a praying church a flower garden—without it flowers! Will take the burden on himself for the entire month to seek God for a mighty:!