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TITLE: We are
at Kedesh
TEXT: Numbers 13:25-28
PROPOSITION: Every church arrives at Kadesh (decision time).
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Decisions
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- I was hungry, got out cookbook – told how to dress and
stuff a turkey
- One problem – I don’t have a turkey! What is stopping
me?
- I don’t have the turkey on hand.
- I lack the motivation to go to store, spend money, to
get turkey.
- I am not that hungry. Settle for coke and chips.
- “Many churches do not grow for some of these same
reasons. They cannot identify with the church-growth studies because they feel
that they don’t have the ingredients, they lack the motivation, and they are
not willing to pay the price.” (Pyramid Principle of Church Growth,
Womack, page 49)
Who wants this office?
- Desire – in the NT = “to stretch to reach, to challenge
oneself to achieve”
- Hebrews 11:16 – But now they desire a better, that is a
heavenly, country
- This word describes an “inner desire” to achieve, reach
forth, strive for
Wrong Reasons – to gain power, control, run things
your way
Proper Reasons to stretch for this goal
- Love the church – want it to remain true, not
drift, be led astray
- Love this congregation – secure its future,
establish foundation for growth
- Support the programs of work – Encourage,
support, motivate, make better
- See this church grow – (more on this in a minute)
- Willing to help – offer your knowledge, wisdom,
maturity
Why add more elders? How many are enough?
- One of the jobs of an elder is to train his
replacement.
- Pyramid Principle of Church Growth by David A.
Womack, 1977
- Churches grow – plateau – and grow (or decline)
- Plateau levels – 50, 90, 120, 180, 230, 290, 400,
600, 800, 1,200
- Are you ready to move to the next plateau? The 230
range?
We are at Kadesh – It is time to decide – Do we go
forward or turn back?
-
Today we begin the study and search for
additional elders.
-
Next Sunday we have a congregational
meeting for your input on programs, improvements, and ideas – on where this
church goes from here.
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