A Growing Church In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus told the following parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed...which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the greatest among herbs..." Though the message of the parable pertains most directly to the rapid and powerful expansion of the church soon after its inception in the first century, it serves as a reminder to us today. A reminder, that, on a number of different levels, God expects the church to grow. We are happy to be a part of a congregation which is devoted to doing that very thing. Growing in Knowledge Peter wrote, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…" (II Peter 3:18). He also penned, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). According to the Bible, the first way a congregation absolutely must grow is in its knowledge of, and respect for, the word of God. After all, if it fails to be grounded upon the firm foundation of His truth, it will never be able to withstand the challenges nor fulfill the works which will be a part of its existence (Hosea 4:1-6; Matthew 7:24-27; Hebrews 5:12-14). With those scriptural principles in mind, the Warm Springs Road congregation is determined to grow in its ability to know and properly handle the Bible (II Timothy 2:15). We do so first of all by having sermons which are saturated with passages and principles from the word of God (II Timothy 4:2). We do so also by presenting a Bible school program which uses age-specific classes designed to help each child, adolescent, and adult better know and appreciate the scriptures. Finally, we encourage each of our members to spend personal time every week in Bible study, meditation, and prayer (Acts 17:11; I Thessalonians 5:17). Growing in Unity There are a plethora of Biblical passages that present the need for Christians to ever grow in their love, appreciation, and concern for each other (John 13:35; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:4). One passage portrays the church as a body made up of many members, with all working together and contributing to success (I Corinthians 12:13-27). Other passages speak of the church as the affectionate household or family of God (I Timothy 3:15; I John 3:1). Clearly, God wants His people to draw closer one to another. At the Warms Springs Road church of Christ, that is one of our primary goals - to express our appreciation for each other, to watch out for each other, and to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:1-2). To be completely honest, the current atmosphere of the congregation is such that you would be greatly challenged to find a more united and a more loving group of Christians anywhere! Growing in Work A congregation can know and respect the word of God and be united in their Christian walk, but if the congregation is not active, it is only a matter of time before it perishes. On the other hand, a church that is grounded upon God's word, is devoted to loving and caring for one another, and is willing to roll up its sleeves and get to work is destined for long term success. A prime example of such is, no doubt, the early church. As they grew in their knowledge of God's will (Acts 2:42; 17:11; 20:7) and their unity (2:42-47; 4:32-37), they also grew in their level of activity (2:46-47; 5:41-42; 8:1-4). The result? Their number multiplied daily (Acts 2:47; 4:14; 6:7). With that pattern set before us, the Warm Springs Road congregation realizes one of the great keys to complete growth as a congregation is to actively involve ourselves in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Of course, we are always careful to be sure that all of our works and activities are in harmony with the authority of the scriptures. Some of those activities include: (1) Worship services twice on Sunday, and Bible classes once on Sunday and once on Wednesday evenings. (2) A weekly bulletin designed to inform and edify the congregation's members. (3) Two separate work programs that focus upon 1) outreach and soul-winning, and 2) meeting the needs of our own brethren. (4) This website, which enables us to teach and influence not only those of our own community, but also souls throughout the world. (5) Special events including a Ladies Day in March, a Saturday Lectureship in May, and a Gospel Meeting in November. (6) Two monthly meals together -- separate and apart from an actual worship service -- designed to serve as a period of fellowship and encouragement. (7) Several of our members work with young people each summer at Backwoods Christian Camp. (8) In financially supporting our evangelist, Caleb Campbell, we are indirectly involved in a number of other important works: he is an instructor in the Columbus Institute of Biblical Studies, appears regularly on the Know Your Bible television program, and travels to preach at a number of congregations throughout the year. Growing in Number… The members of the church of Christ on Warm Springs Road have no desire to just "get by" or "stay afloat" as a congregation. Our goal is to meet our full potential and be the greatest congregation we can possibly be. Over the past couple of years, a number of new members have decided to work and worship with the Warm Springs Road church. Things are moving ahead, and we firmly believe that, as we continue to devote ourselves to growing in knowledge, unity, and work, the result will be the salvation of souls and the Lord adding people to His church (Acts 2:47). This is the clear formula for church growth found in the New Testament - we work together to do our part, and the Lord will give the increase (I Corinthians 3:6). May He receive the glory for any success we enjoy.