“The Sovereignty of God in Church Growth”
• Acts 2:47;
• 1 Corinthians 3:6–7
• Psalm 127
• “Who really grows the church?”
• Mention how people often attribute church growth to marketing, programs, or personalities.
• But Scripture shows us: God is the one who gives the increase.
When we think about church growth, it’s easy to focus on programs, strategies, or numbers on a chart. But the book of Acts invites us to see church growth in a very different light — as the sovereign work of God, moving powerfully through His Spirit.
In Acts 2:47, Luke tells us that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Notice whose work this is — not the disciples’, not the planners’, but the Lord’s. This reminds us that church growth is not primarily a human achievement, but a divine miracle, an act of God’s grace and power.
Today, we’ll explore how the growth of the church is grounded in God’s sovereignty, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and conditioned upon our faithfulness. As we unpack these truths, we’ll see that growth isn’t just about numbers — it’s about God’s kingdom advancing in the world through His people.
So let’s open our hearts and minds to what God is teaching us about His mysterious and glorious work in building His church.
Some Important Points for a church growth:
1. Church Growth Is Ultimately God’s Sovereign Work
Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord added to their number daily…” — growth is God’s initiative, not ours. Human efforts are important, but the increase comes from God’s sovereign will. This emphasizes God’s grace and power in the spread of the Gospel.
Illustration: The Light Bulb and the Electricity
A light bulb is designed to shine. It’s shaped, wired, and ready to do its job. But unless it’s connected to power, it won’t light up. You can screw it in, flip the switch, and do everything right—but without electricity, there’s no light. The church is like that bulb. We can preach, sing, plan, and serve—but unless we’re connected to God’s power, there’s no real growth, no spiritual light. God is the source. His Spirit is the power. We do our part—just like putting the bulb in place—but only God can make it shine.
2. Church Growth Is a Result of the Holy Spirit’s Presence and Power
The baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the disciples to witness boldly. Without the Spirit’s work, no real growth happens — evangelism and discipleship rely on divine enablement.
This points to the doctrine of the Spirit’s indwelling and empowerment.
Illustration: The Sailboat and the Wind
The sailors can hoist the sails, steer the rudder, and prepare the boat. They must do their part with care and skill—because a boat adrift is no good. But no matter how well they prepare, the boat will never move without the wind. They can’t manufacture the wind. They can only position themselves to catch it. The wind is like the Spirit of God in church growth. We can organize services, preach the Gospel, train leaders, and serve our communities—but we cannot create spiritual life. Only God’s Spirit can move hearts and bring about real transformation.
Church growth happens when we set our sails in faithfulness—and God sends the wind.
3. Church Growth is the Fruit of the Church’s Faithfulness and Obedience (Acts 2:42).
While God is sovereign, He calls His people to be faithful in prayer, fellowship, teaching, and witness (Acts 2:42). The doctrine of covenant responsibility teaches that God blesses obedience.
Our role is co-laboring with God, planting and watering (1 Cor 3:6–7).
4. Church Growth Reflects the Glory of God and His Kingdom Advancing
The increase in the church is a sign that God’s Kingdom is breaking into the world. It points to the doctrine of eschatology—the final victory and expansion of Christ’s reign.
The church is both a present reality and a foretaster of the future Kingdom.
Conclusion:
The church must humbly acknowledge that growth is God’s gift and call, depend on the Spirit’s power, faithfully obey His Word, and celebrate the expansion of His Kingdom as a sign of His glory.
1. Church growth is not ultimately in our control
2. But we are called to faithful participation.
3. Dependence + Obedience = Fruitfulness, in God's timing.
4. Encourage the church to pray for growth—but trust God’s sovereign hand.
Let us be faithful to plant and water, but never forget—it is the Lord who adds.
