Today and Sunday, October 6, are the last two lesson in the sermon series, “How To Grow A Church.” However, we cannot stop thinking about growing Southside both in spiritual strength and numerical strength just because the series ends. Church growth must ever be in our thoughts and actions. I want to share six practical and personal ways to grow Southside as we march forward touching the lives of the lost in Winchester.

First, pray for an evangelistic passion. Church members heartily support and believe in evangelism to save people from eternal condemnation. We pray for the lost to be saved, but for most, who pray that prayer, there are the unspoken words, “Lord, let someone else save them from condemnation.”  Seldom does one pray, “Lord give me a passion to speak to someone about the Lord and their eternal destiny.”

Oh, that all of us saw people as the Lord sees them and we would be personally moved to say something to them as we have the opportunity. Unless more people have a divinely given passion to save sinners, the church will not grow. God the giver of good gifts, including spiritual ones, will give you a passion for evangelism if you sincerely ask for it!

Second, live a life consistent with your belief. It’s hard to speak the words of Christ when everyone knows you live like the devil. Lost souls are reached when they see a consistency in Christ’s words and deeds. The Christian’s life must rise above the expected social norms of respect, kindness, and civility. What makes someone listen to you when you speak of Christ, is when you exhibit love to those that hate you, extend forgiveness to those who speak evil of you, live honestly in word and deed when so many lie, cheat, steal, and forsake morality. You are to be the light of the world, that glorify our Savior. Let the light of your Christian belief shine brightly in word, thought, and action, in this dark evil world. Let your daily life of Christian disciplines be a light to help guide a sinner to the Light of the Lord Jesus.

Third, build relationships with those outside the church. Relationships with those in the church is a wonderful blessing. We never have to feel alone in our trials and troubles. However, don’t limit your associations only to the saved. The unsaved need your fellowship and friendship also. Jesus was not afraid to associate with those who were not in his fold of disciples. He used His association with them to be a friend, to help them when He could,  to let them see He was uniquely different. He used these association to stress the importance of following His Father and believing in Him. Each of us must do the same. Associate with and build relationships with people outside of the church in the hope that some of those associates will come to salvation.

Fourth, learn how to tell someone the gospel. Each of you know enough to share the gospel of Christ. Each of you know exactly what an unsaved individual must do for salvation. You know because you did it. Tell them why and how you became a Christian. Give your testimony. Paul gave his testimony wherever he went. Just because denominational churches allow Christians to give their testimony, does not make it wrong for you to do the same. Give gospel tracts to people to read. In the lobby and on the back wall are two tracts titled, “What’s So Important About Jesus”  and “What’s So Important About Baptism.”  Give both of these tracts to someone. All they need to know about the gospel and how to receive Christ’s forgiveness is found in those pamphlets.

Fifth, watch for openings and create opportunities to insert Jesus into the conversation. Peter remarks, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” [1 Peter 3:15] Since you prayed for a burden to save souls, expect God to put you in front of people and in situations that allow you to speak of Christ. Attune your listening and your mind to what someone is saying about themselves and their life situations. When the moment presents itself, say something spiritual. It matters not the exact words, just direct the conversation to Christ, the gospel, salvation, forgiveness, prayer, hope, etc. Trust the Lord to give you the words. Speak and listen to what the person says. And add more about the Lord depending upon the response. Ask if they would like to discuss this more. Invite them to church, if there is an interest. Finally, give the tracts. Be courageous and humble always watching for opportunities to share our Lord.

Sixth, give it to the Lord. As evangelizing servants, our task is to speak something about the Lord, to hand out a tract or two, to bring someone to church to hear the gospel, to have a Bible study whenever possible. But not one of us can make someone obey the Lord. It is the Holy Spirit using the word we share that convicts someone of the need for Christ’s saving power. Many will be hard-hearted and refuse the Lord’s invitation to salvation. But there are some who will accept it because the Spirit convicted their soft and tender hearts and minds. It is those who say “yes” to the Lord who make it worth all the effort. Share the word and let God do His part. Wait for the “gospel seeds” planted in the right hearts to bring forth salvation and all of its spiritual fruits.

May God be glorified at Southside as we all do our part to grow the church! — Tom