A discussion document for Bible Study Groups
by Geoff Gertzen
April 2010

Mark Dever in his book, 'What is a healthy church?' says,"When you peer into the life of a church, the growth of its members can show up in all sorts of ways."

Here are a few possibilities:

1. Growing numbers being called to mission -"I've enjoyed sharing the gospel with, my neighbours from South America. I wonder if God is calling me to..."
2. Older members getting a fresh sense of their responsibility in evangelism and discipling younger members -"Why don't you come over for dinner?"
3. Younger members attending the funerals of older members out of love -"As a single man in my twenties, it was so good to be taken in by Mr and Mrs..."
4. Increased praying in the church and more prayers centred on evangelism and ministry opportunities - "I'm starting an evangelistic Bible study at work and I'm a little nervous. Would the church pray that..."
5. More members sharing the gospel with outsiders.
6. Less reliance among members on the church's programs and more spontaneous ministry activities arising from members -"Pastor, what would you think if Sally and I organised a Christmas tea for the ladies in the church as an evangelistic opportunity?"
7. Informal gatherings among church members characterised by spiritual conversation, including an apparent willingness to confess sin while simultaneously pointing to the cross -"Hey brother, I'm really struggling with..."
8. Increased and sacrificial giving -"Honey, how can we cut 50 dollars from our monthly budget in order to support..."
9. Increased fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control)
10. Members making career sacrifices so that they can serve the church (family) -"Did you hear that Chris turned down a promotion three times so that he could continue devoting himself to being an elder?"
11. Husbands leading their wives sacrificially - "Honey what are several things that I can do to make you feel more loved and understood?"
12. Wives submitting to their husbands -"Sweetheart, what are some things I can do today that will make your life easier?"
13. Parents discipling their children in the faith - "Tonight, let's pray for Christian workers in the country of ..."
14. A corporate willingness to discipline unrepentant and public sin.
15. A corporate love for the unrepentant sinner shown in the pursuit of him before discipline is enacted -"Please! I you get this message, I would love to hear from you."

For discussion

• Can you add any areas of growth to Mark Dever's list?
• What areas of growth do we show as a church?
• What areas of growth do you show as an individual?
• What areas of growth would you like to show individually?
• What areas of growth would you like to see take place corporately?