Session 5: Grow Acts 2 Congregations

Read "Grow Congregations" text from the State of the Church.

Sharing God's Word

"That day about three thousand of them took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around them was in awe - all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple, followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they say. Every day their numbers grew as God added to those who were saved." - Acts 2:41-47

Review Section 5 of the State of the Church: Grow Acts 2 congregations

"We celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit that has helped to create the 272 churches that during the few years have achieved three Acts 2 fruit. This is a 200 percent increase since 2005 and puts us almost half way toward our 2012 of 600 Acts 2 churches by 2012."

Acts 2 churches:

Receive people by profession or reaffirmation of faith into the faith community (one person for every 25 worshipers); increase worship attendance (grow worship attendance by 2 percent of the worshiping congregation or 2 percent over the percentage growth of the community where the congregation is located); engage in mission (supporting mission financially by paying 100 percent of their apportionments); and demonstrate signs of God's power and wonder."

Reflect and discuss

The Baltimore-Washington Conference is celebrating 272 churches that have achieved all three Acts 2 fruits (2 percent growth in worship attendance, the addition of one new member for every 25 current members; and 100 percent apportionment payment). In what ways is your congregation an Acts 2 church? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this measure?
"The Holy Spirit is demonstrating what God wants to do in our midst," Bishop Schol said. How do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your congregation?
Growing congregations are participants in the Discipleship Adventure. They celebrate in passionate worship, connect as one through radical hospitality, develop through intentional faith formation, serve in risk taking mission, and share God's extravagant story of grace. Where are you in the Adventure? Which element do you excel at, which challenges you? What steps might you take to ensure you are living out all five elements in a way that glorifies God?
Suppose all things were "possible to those who love the Lord." How might your congregation begin to grow a new faith community?

Going Deeper, Wider, Further

Based on the thoughts, insights and reflections presented in Bishop Schol's address, compose a prayer that reflects your feelings about the "state of the church." Share your prayer with others in your church, either in worship or in a small group setting. Use this prayer as the foundation of a worship service to celebrate your churches journey to becoming an Acts 2 congregation.

Close with Prayer

Dearest God, we are in awe for the plans you have for each of us and our church. Help us to live to be worthy of them and to be builders of your kingdom as we grow missions, disciples, spiritual leaders and Acts 2 congregations. Enable us to be the Good News, in this moment, tomorrow and always. Amen.

State of the Church study guide:
Session 1: Becoming the Good News
Session 2: Grow Mission
Session 3: Grow Disciples
Session 4: Grow Spiritual Leaders
Session 5: Grow Congregations