Understanding the Principles of Church Growth

By Professor Isaac O. Ojutalayo

The publication is research on the subject of leadership and church growth. The chapter embraces some of the most important information and necessary information and things leaders must learn and practice whether they are lay readers or ordained Ministers. The book emphasized the importance of transformat

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookTrail Publishing
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637675441

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Copyright © 2021 Professor Isaac O. Ojutalayo

Paperback: 978-1-63767-543-4

eBook: 978-1-63767-544-1

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021920942

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from The NET Bible® Copyright © 2005 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. www.bible.org All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked TNIV are taken from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International Version®. TNIV® Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified Bible, New Testament copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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This study is dedicated to my wife, Mrs Juliet Ojutalayo,

as a gift upon our twentieth wedding anniversary.

Contents

Foreword

Endorsements

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1: The Blueprint for Growth

The Meaning of Church Growth

The Nature of the Church

The Terms: Qualitative and Quantitative Growth

Chapter 2: The Essence and Significance of Groups in Church Growth

The Meaning of a Group

The Significance of Groups in Church Growth

Different Kinds of Groups in the Church

The Role of Church Leaders in Team Ministries

Charismatic Personality Growth

Chapter 3: The Biblical Basis for Growth

Biblical Basis for Church Growth

Growth Is Imperative for the Church

The Lord Requires Growth

Church Growth Is Necessary for the Propagation and Perpetuation of the Gospel

Examples of Growth in Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 4: Different Kinds of Church Growth

Homogenous Growth

Biological Growth

Transfer Growth

Conversion Growth

Loaves and Fishes Growth

Chapter 5: Causes for Lack of Growth in Churches

Prayerlessness

Lack of Goals

Unconfused Sin

Old Members as Stumbling Blocks

Traditionalism

Indifference to the Needs of the Unsaved

Disunity, Division, or Schism

Unfaithfulness

Lack of Commitment

Lack of Spiritual Gifts and Power

Lack of Zeal for Soul Winning

Spiritual Malnutrition

Programme Orientation

Chapter 6: The Supernatural Element in Church Growth

Divine Promises for Growth

Divine Blessing

The Divine Agent of Growth

Chapter 7: Implementing Change for Growth

Church Leaders as Change Initiators

Chapter 8: Areas That Need to Be Changed for Church Growth

Church Environment

Accepting Visitors

Ministry to Sinners

Church Facilities and Church Environment

Service Duration

Chapter 9: A Solutions for Making People Remain in the Church

Attracting Suitable Applicants

Developing Training for Our Youth

Broader Organisational Approaches to Improved Work Plans

The Church Worship Services

The Need for Exemplary Leadership

Chapter 10: Growth in Leadership of the Local Church

Developing Growth in the Leadership Team

The Importance of the Hierarchy

Growth Vision for Young Christians

Effects of a Deficient Organisational Structure

Chapter 11: The Roles Necessary for Growth Clarity

Work Design for the Leader

The John Adair Lexicon of Leadership: The Definitive Guide to Leadership... By John Adair

Lack of Role Clarity

Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot By Max Lucado

Life to the Full By Max Lucado

The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety

God’s Help in Fulfilling a Vision

Define Your Goals

Goals Stability

It Is Possible

Procrastination: Why You Do It, What to Do About It Now

Conclusion

Endnotes

Bibliography

Foreword

Revd Dr Isaac Ojutalayo, in my view, is one of the most respected Bible teachers, preachers, theologians, and ministerial educators in the Pentecostal community. He is not only an anointed preacher and a scholarly teacher but also a prolific writer; he is powerful with his pen, just as he is on the pulpit. He is a young man who is greatly admired and beloved for his enthusiasm, diligence, commitment, integrity, and impeccable devotion to the Lord and His church.

I have known Dr Ojutalayo for quite a number of years, from the time he was a humble apostle in the Cherubim & Seraphim Church in London. Though his beginning was small, the Lord has rewarded his diligence and faithfulness and blessed him with favour, both in the sight of God and in the sight of people.

Dr Isaac Ojutalayo has made tremendous growth and progress in his personal life, ministry, and academic achievements. He has grown from little theological knowledge to a Pentecostal scholar and apologist; from a Sunday school teacher to a Bible school tutor; from not having a diploma or degree to having several doctoral degrees; from a humble mentored person to an individual mentoring about six people on a regular basis. This is evidently the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in His sight.

This book on church growth has been well researched and written by Dr Isaac Ojutalayo. The author provides Christians and church leaders with a study manual on how to experience growth in the local church. He has constantly affirmed that church growth is not a myth; it is real and possible. He believes that the growth of a local church is not only God’s will but also that God has, indeed, commanded that we bear fruits and has promised to make our work grow and increase if we plant and water in accordance with His will (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

Professor Isaac Ojutalayo’s book is a reflection of his burning passion for growth in the Pentecostal community. The contents are workable, feasible, practicable, helpful, and relevant. One of the unique features of this book is that the author appears to be genuinely sympathetic towards pastors who are struggling with their little flocks. Instead of condemning and humiliating their little efforts, he has encouraged them to believe God for growth; as long as they are patient, consistent, and faithful, growth will happen in due course. Your church may appear dead or dried, like the dry bones in the valley (Ezekiel 37), but God can revive the bones and breathe fresh life into your church.

May you be blessed and fruitful as you read and apply the principles of this book!

Allan P. Miller, DMin, ThD, PhD, DrEd

Jurisdictional Bishop for England and Wales Diocese

Mount Calvary Church

Member of Ixthus Church Council

***

The author of this work, Isaac Ojutalayo, has done his research on the subject of leadership and church growth. The contents of this book are the written evidence. The eleven chapters embrace some of the most important and necessary things that leaders should learn and practice, whether they are ordained ministers or lay workers in the church. The principles he has written about can also be applied in circular organisation.

This book reveals Dr Isaac Ojutalayo’s academic achievement and experimental development. He has divided each chapter into readable sections that can be easily discussed and studied. The book is suitable for individuals and groups who are called by God to lead His people.

Dr Isaac Ojutalayo is passionate that leaders be men and women of excellence, whether the congregation they lead is large or small. He stresses communication, generosity, honesty, and continuing education with the highest level of trust, all essential elements of church growth.

He points out repeatedly that the church and the world community are suffering from a crisis of leadership, that bold and honest leaders are needed in the church and in the marketplace, as well as in the home. In my analysis he has called for transformational leaders to rise up and effect change.

It is very clear that he is saying that many leaders work within situations. Transformational leaders change what can be talked about, whereas many other leaders talk about pay-offs. Transformational leaders talk about goals. Many leaders bargain, whereas transformational leaders appeal to a common vision.

Dr Isaac Ojutalayo argues that desperately needed Christians and transformational leadership will not emerge until we have a model of a transforming leader. I believe that Jesus Christ was and is the most effective leader the world has ever known. It is with unreserved joy that I recommend this publication to those who are interested in church leadership.

Professor Clinton L. Ryan, ThD

Endorsements

In writing this powerful book Understanding the Principles of Church Growth , Dr Isaac Ojutalayo has done a remarkable job of stimulating our faith to believe in God to do the seeming impossible by compiling explicit and authentic information about some of God’s choice leaders. Individuals like Dr Isaac Ojutalayo have laid a foundation on which we are able to build.

Understanding the Principles of Church Growth is a befitting title, speaking to average men and women who have answered the call of God to make a difference in the lives of those in their generation. In reading this, we are faced with the question, does God expect less of us than He did of them?

Various considerations have been taken into account in determining the form and contents of this book, not the least of which are the educational and theological aspects of church growth. Your faith will grow with your awareness that God uses whom He wills. You will discover new flames of passion for the lost and find fresh desire to be a powerful witness of Christ.

I strongly recommend this book to all who seek such truths.

Richard Fasunloye, DMin

Lecturer in leadership and Old Testament ministry studies

All Nations Bible College and School of Theological Studies, in affiliation with Canada Christian College and the School of Graduate Theological Studies, Toronto, Canada

Preface

In these increasingly post-Christian and postmodern days, there is a virtual illiteracy not only about the historical or factual content of the church but also about theological growth. But this is also the age of the information explosion, and many people are not satisfied with knowing more about growth theology. In every instance, an attempt has been made to emphasise the theological significance rather than focus on the historical, social, geographical, or biographical elements involved. The study is designed as a descriptive account of how membership and leadership think about the principles of church growth as they are taught in Christian ministry and ministerial counselling.

Based upon research, this study’s purpose is largely diagnostic, so that teachers, clergy, and all who are involved in ministerial excellence may see more clearly the problems of and opportunities in church growth. I am keenly aware that no simple answers are readily forthcoming based upon a true appreciation of the problems. To know what a member is able to grasp intellectually is a more secure foundation for education than to know only what adults feel a child ought to gasp about the growth of the local church.

I thought it better to deal with the subjects as understood from the Bible than to deal with all of the technical issues that led to my understanding. But I Believe the congregation itself is certainly not taking the church in a ministerial direction. It has conditioned Christians to think of counselling as something best left to trained experts. Indeed, it has left many with the feeling that God’s Word is incomplete, insufficient, unsophisticated, and unable to offer help for people’s deepest emotional and spiritual problems.

By presenting a systematic account of religious thinking, from youth ministers to aged ministers, I will try to outline a programme of ministerial education consistent with the intellectual and emotional development of the growing church. Talk to me about church growth life, about the joy of relationships, about the significance of church life, about some real-life connection to the Creator of it all. Tell me that church growth really does have deep meanings; that I can find an upper-level relationship with the One who made me; that in the whirl of making ends meet and navigating the murk and depravity of a sex-crazed culture or the fastest- growing church, I can experience a life of purity, peace, and joy. Upon investigation I have discovered an unusual blend of psychological and theological learning and insights. However, some Christian leaders find it difficult to achieve growth. They have a desire to help, but it seems that problem-laden members do not gravitate in their direction. It is only natural that people take their problems of church growth to a person with whom they feel comfortable—someone they know personally or to whom they have at least spoken. The more any Christian leader mixes with people and increases his or her personal contacts, the more likely people are to seek his or her help.

Many people have realised that behind the understated explanation of a highly successful ministry lies talents and gifts of which the Christian leader remains largely unaware. This close identification grows out of friendliness and genuine warmth. When a person is friendly, can laugh or sympathise, and seems to understand others, he or she is usually well accepted. After several years of stumbling along, I began to understand that prayer and study, no matter how fervent, faithful, and well intentioned, were not enough.

Indeed, ethical standards are essential to all youth growth. These principles are intended as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, the spiritual foundations of ministry. I am assuming you’ve already laid the foundation stones of dedication, holiness, commitment, and intercession, along with a basic understanding of the scriptures. It was only after I finally began to gather together and sort out some basic principles for church achievement on my own that I became fruitful and productive in the Lord’s work. Therefore, I want to share these principles with you.

Professor Isaac Ojutalayo, DMin, DD, DLit

President of the All Nations Bible College and School of Theological Studies, London, England, in affiliation with Canada Christian College and the School of Graduate Theological Studies, Toronto, Canada

Acknowledgements

This work stems from the intersection of my ministry, personal growth, spirituality, experience, and research. I am privileged to keep company with many exceptional colleagues like the following: Revd Prof. Dr Ryan Clinton, Revd Dr P. Powell, Revd Dr Richard Fasunloye, Dr Jugan Pastor Fredrick Endomi, Theophelus Anjorin, Dr Michael Fajoye, and Pastor Joy Aladetan. I am grateful to God for bringing me in contact with them, and to them for the impact they have made on my life and ministry.

I would also like to acknowledge all ministers, members, and friends of Cherubim & Seraphim Church. To all my family, I say thanks to you all.

I also want to acknowledge all lecturers and students of the All Nations Bible College and Theological Studies, London, England, who, in relentless pursuit of truth and clarity, persevered through the demands of my hectic travel and church schedule and college project deadlines to generate this study.

Behind any author’s efforts, numerous contributors are concealed, without perhaps achieving official mention. To all of these, I also say thank you. Many thanks for the great help I have received from one of my mentors, Revd Dr Allan P. Miller, who had to put up with typographical errors within this work when doing the proofreading and making valuable suggestions.

Chapter One

The Blueprint for Growth

The Meaning of Church Growth

If we are to properly understand the meaning of church growth, it is important that we first consider the two words separately, that is church and growth . The church is holy, local, and universally apart for God’s purposes, and yet it is ordinary and subject to human ends in the sense that God uses ordinary men and women to do extraordinary and supernatural things.

Church

The English word church comes from a Greek word ekklesia, which means called out’. It is used in the New Testament, in a general sense, to designate a gathering or assembling of people called out for religious, social, or political purposes. It is used exclusively of Christians who belong to the body of Christ. Therefore, church consists of the gathering of those who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus. They are called out from a world of sin, humanity, and darkness into" (a relationship with) Christ.

According to Dr Peter L. Steinke: We think of the church in terms of biblical metaphors. It is the body of Christ, the New Israel, and Shepherd and flock. Speaking personally, we use the metaphors of warmth and relationship to describe the Church—a community, a family, and a gathering of saved people. Metaphorically, the Church is depicted in splendour.¹

Steinke also said: The word ‘church’ has its origin in the word ‘kuriakon’. It means ‘belonging to the Lord’. The church is a people drawn together in the resurrected Christ. More than thirty times, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of ‘the body of Christ’, with Christ as ‘the Head’ and the people as ‘the body’ illustrate their connectedness. Like the numerous, specialized organs of the human body, the people who compose the body of Christ are many and their functions are different.²

The Christian church is a sacred institution which is distinct from all secular institutions. It is a community of believers who form part of the body of Christ. This view is clearly expressed by Dr Steinke. He has stated that our expectations of the Christian and church community far exceed those we have of other communities to which we belong.

The English usage of the word church includes both the building for worship and the people who congregate for worship. However, from the scriptural point of view, it is not the physical building that constitutes the church, but the people, the believers; for without the people who worship, there can be no church.