Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Rev_3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
"It’s better to have 12 sold out disciples that 100 lukewarm church goers."
I have heard this comment often in my years of ministry. It is usually said by a pastor of a small church that may only have 12-20 people.
It is true to a point, but growth is also the point of righteousness. We are told to multiply by making disciples and what happens when your 12 die or end up in the nursing home? We may not see conversions like on Pentecost, but if we are seeing none and our church stays at 20 or declines there is an issue. I would question their being sold out. Twelves sold out disciples saw 3K saved on one day and then daily had those added to the church such as would be saved.
This may sound harsh, but if your church has not reached anyone in years except wandering sheep from some other church and the only ones getting in your baptistry are spiders then it is time to shut it down and meet in a home because you are no more than a social club. Your existence as a church ceased long ago. Save the money you spend on the building and give it to missions or someone that is growing. Better yet, join a thriving church and see how your soul will be revitalized.
I left a church of very nice people pastored by a man who thought like that quote. There was no outreach and it is now down to where one more major bill or two more people die and they are going to have to close. He is not going to change and they will hang on to the bitter end, but it is not good for the people to see the demise.
God has called us to unity and victory not live in defeat watching a building and congregation decay. Whatever caused a church to be formed may dictate why it has not grown. In some cases, it should not have been formed as it was built on the bitterness and carnality of angry people.
One pastor feels like churches are like people, They are birthed process through adolescence, adulthood and then die. I am afraid some churches are just mausoleums where people come to remember the dearly departed.
How about instead of just seeking 12 on fire for God we become one of 1200? If you have a 100 pew warmers that is OK because the fire of God can be stoked in them in church more so than at home. Indeed, one of them getting on fire may be the spark for the 99.
Maybe we need to repent of the "survival" mentality and seek for a revival mentality that is about our Father's business. We can start by closing some churches and uniting in the body as the Body then God can send some fire into our souls. There is strength in unity and if a three strand cord cannot be broken imagine what a 1000+ strand cord could do?
Father, I ask for the fire to fall to consume our dross and refine the gold. Polish us so that Your light upon us will attract those who need you and do not know it whether they are current church members or those not yet in the family. Close the doors not opened by You but by flesh and bring back the wandering sheep looking for You in all the wrong places, even church buildings. Glorify Yourself in Your Body through healing, restoration and humility! Amen! Maranatha!
