Sermons on church growth and development:

Corrupt Church

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 23, 2009

Thyatira is a corrupt church. They do many great works, but God does not even address them as His children. It’s still here today and is key to the end of the world. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

READING SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL Thyatira: The Corrupt Church Rev. 2:18-29 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Corrupt.html [map] In the 1700’s there lived a mighty evangelist that was greatly used of God to shake this country…his name was George Whitfield. Years before, at the age of 16, he came under ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Praying Church

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jun 19, 2009

Jesus called the temple a "House of Prayer". Is the church a house of prayer today? Do we believe prayer is still powerful? Nothing is more powerful than a church that prays together.

“A Praying Church” Acts 4:23-31 May 17, 2009 Today I would like to share with you about what is probably the most important activity of each Christian and the church as whole, prayer. I know for a fact that some Christians only pray at meal times and it’s often a repetitive, shallow one. Maybe ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Commended Church

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 26, 2009

Of all 7 churches of Asia Minor, here’s the one we want to emulate -- Philadelphia: 1. Highly commended 2. Deeply challenged 3. Greatly compensated - Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

READING SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL PHILADELPHIA, the Commended Church Revelation 3:7-13   http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Philadelphia.html Yazoo, MS…in the 1930’s…the Great Depression.  People didn’t have extra money / children especially had no extra money for candy / people would go to general store and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Leadership In The Church

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 16, 2010

Talents (Gifts) are not the root but the fruit of our salvation. God has given us gifts, so we can be useful in His kingdom. There are no excuses for not being fruitful.

Leadership In the Church Text: Matthew 25: 14-30 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Balanced Church

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Jan 18, 2010

Sometimes we get so focused on just one aspect of Christianity that we fail to see the big picture: we miss the rest of the story.

AN OLD SOLDIER’S PERSPECTIVE OF A BALLANCED CHURCH ILLUSTRATION In the summer time my wife and I love to feed hummingbirds. Our front porch faces west, which makes it an excellent place for flowers and for birds. Each year we put out 3 or 4 hummingbird feeders so that we can sit on the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Christian Church

The Church Purpose Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jan 19, 2010

A review of Paul's challenge to the church regarding its purpose and the importance of pressing forward to serve Christ by serving others.

BACKGROUND TO PHILIPPIANS LOVE LETTER WRITTEN TO A CHURCH encouraging them of their purpose. Q: What is the Purpose of the Church? Q: What is Your Purpose to the Church? KEY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS 3:12 READ VERSE 12 1. ‘not that I have already obtained all this’ (3.12) ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of The Church

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 26, 2010

THE CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH IS TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION IN THE MOST COMPASSIONATE WAY POSSIBLE. THIS SERMON LOOKS AT SOME ISSUES THE CHURCH FACES IN ACCOMPLISHING THIS

THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHURCH MATTHEW 16:13-20 INTRODUCTION: TELL THE JOKES ABOUT LITTLE HARRY AND PETER, TWO CHILDREN WHERE ONE IS INTRODUCING THE OTHER TO HIS CHURCH: 1. ONE JOKE IS ABOUT HOW LONG THE MINISTER SPEAKS 2. THE HONOUR ROLL AT THE BACK OF THE CHURCH NOW I REALIZE THAT THESE ARE OLD ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

State Of The Church

Contributed by Tracey Evans on Jan 26, 2010

THIS SCRIPTURE WAS WRITTEN BY THE PROPHET JEREMIAH TO JUDAH;IT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD TODAY.

JEREMIAH 2:13 ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THINE INIQUITY,THAT THOU HAST TRANSGRESSED AGAINST THE LORD THY GOD,AND HAST SCATTERED THY WAYS TO THE STRANGERS UNDER EVERY GREEN TREE,AND YE HAVE NOT OBEYED MY VOICE,SAITH THE LORD. THE OUESTION IS OFTEN ASKED WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH TODAY? WHY DOES SHE HAVE ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13

Denomination: Holiness

Shacking With The Church Series

Contributed by Frank Edwards on Jan 26, 2010

There are millions of people today who live together, enjoy each other's company but do not share a relationship of mutual trust and commitment. On the outside they look happy, but on the inside they are unwilling or unable to make a full commitment.

SHACKING WITH THE CHURCH- There are millions of people today who live together, enjoy each other's company but do not share a relationship of mutual trust and commitment. On the outside they look happy, but on the inside they are unwilling or unable to make a full commitment. One of the unique ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Church In Jerusalem

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Feb 6, 2010

That church was the hottest church in the New Testament...or since. They were the poorest church (Paul took offerings from other churches to support them) and yet they won more souls and offered the greatest threat to Satan. They suffered more and yet had

Acts 6:7 THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. The verse we have just read is an excellent description of the church in Jerusalem. That church was the hottest church ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church At Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2010

The apostolic command to be filled with the Spirit is a corporate responsibility of each congregation, and not simply an individual command. Paul instructs the churches what Spirit-filled worship looks like in this text.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

Dangerous Church Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Jan 3, 2010

The early disciples were serious about God and dangerous to the world. What is the difference between a safe church and a dangerous church? (from a series by Craig Groeschel, lifechurch.tv)

Introduction (from series by Craig Groeschell, lifechurch.tv) Welcome to COTRM and welcome to 2010. The New Year is a season with new opportunities. Just like there are physical seasons- spring, summer, etc., there are spiritual seasons in our lives and different seasons of God in the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:38-41

Denomination: Charismatic

Church Is Boring

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Apr 29, 2010

To share that church is not a stuffy boring place but a place full of excitement and life.

“Church is Boring” Scripture: Hebrew 10: 25 Date: 18 April 2010 Purpose: To share that church is not a stuffy boring place but a place full of excitement and life. Illustration: Rebecca D. on Christian Net posted ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Other

A Church Alive Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jul 5, 2010

What are the characteristics of a Church that's alive? See what Paul prays for.

Philippians 1:1-11 Paul had some tough times as he traveled around the Mediterranean telling people about Jesus. He faced opposition from various sources: from the Jewish leaders who were worried that he was taking people away from their Jewish worship, from Roman authorities who were concerned ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Anglican

Injustice In The Church Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jul 5, 2010

Why is the Church so guilty of injustice and does it rule out faith in God as a valid life choice?

This is a series based on and heavily dependent on Timothy Keller’s Best Seller "The Reason For God" for which I’m deeply grateful. It uses much of his argument though with various additions by myself or the other preachers of the series. I’m going to begin today with a short ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-7

Denomination: Anglican