A Church Growth Strategy
Jeremiah 1:1-11
In today’s world, church growth strategies often emphasize marketing, outreach programs, or data-driven decision-making. While these methods aren’t inherently bad, they don’t always align with how Jesus grows His Church. The approach Jesus uses to build His Church is radically different from the methods many churches employ today. In our Gospel lesson from Luke 5:1-11, we see how Jesus begins building His Church and teaches His first disciple, Peter, to join Him in this work. This lesson challenges our contemporary ideas of success and invites us into a deeper, more relational process of growth centered on God’s Word, His presence, and faithful action.
It Begins with God’s Word
The process of growing Jesus’ Church begins with God’s Word. In Luke 5:1-3, Jesus teaches a crowd beside the Lake of Gennesaret. His first step in building the Church was to speak to the people. His teaching is not merely a tool for instruction but the foundation of His work. Through God’s Word, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father and establishes the vision for the Kingdom of God.
When we think about church growth today, it’s easy to focus on programs or social media strategies. But Jesus shows us that the Word of God is the starting point. The Church is built on the truth of the Gospel—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—and it is through the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word that hearts are changed and people are drawn to Christ. The Word of God is the catalyst for all spiritual growth and action. Practically speaking, sinners come for the Word, and the believers come for Worship.
It Involves Going Out and Going Deep
As Jesus finishes teaching, He turns to Simon Peter and instructs him to “put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). This command doesn’t just involve physical effort; it symbolizes a deeper calling. Jesus is asking Peter to venture beyond the shallow shore's safe, familiar waters and go out into the deep. This act of going deep speaks to the need for bold faith and trust in God’s leading, even when it defies human wisdom or logic.
Church growth involves going out and going deep. Going out means reaching beyond our comfort zones—into our communities, relationships, and even places where we might not feel equipped. Jesus’ method of growing the Church pushes us to take risks and trust in His guidance, even when the task seems impossible.
Build from Teamwork
When the miraculous fish catch occurs, it’s too much for Peter to handle alone. He calls for his partners in the other boat to help him (Luke 5:7). This moment shows us that Jesus’ vision for church growth is communal. It’s not about individual success but about working together as a team to accomplish the mission.
Building the Church requires collaboration and mutual support. Just as the disciples worked together to gather the catch, the Church must operate as a body—each member contributing to the whole. The Church's work is a team effort, whether in ministry, outreach, or discipleship. The body of Christ grows through cooperation, with each person using their gifts and talents to serve the Kingdom. The success of the Church is not measured by individual achievement but by how well the team works together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Involves God’s Presence as the Provocation for Worship
As Peter witnesses the miraculous catch, he is struck with awe and fear, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinner” (Luke 5:8). Peter’s reaction is one of worship—a natural response to the overwhelming presence of God. Jesus’ power and holiness provoke this reverence and recognition of His divine authority.
Church growth is a response from encountering God, which results in genuine worship. It is God’s presence that moves us to worship and that sets the stage for transformation. Without God’s presence, there is no true growth. Just as the miraculous catch moves Peter to worship, the Church’s growth moves us to worship. Worship reminds us that growth is not about us or our strategies but God’s work in and through us. When we are in awe of God’s power and grace, we are more likely to humbly join Him in His mission and respond to His call.
Includes Calls for Action
Finally, Jesus doesn’t leave Peter in his moment of awe and fear. Instead, He calls him into action: “Do not fear; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10). Jesus’ call is not just an invitation to witness His miraculous works—it’s a summons to join Him in the work of growing the Kingdom.
Jesus’ invitation is one of action. After experiencing God’s presence and power, Peter and the others are immediately called to participate in God’s mission. This is a crucial point: growth in the Church isn’t passive. It requires active participation—going out, engaging with others, and inviting people into the Kingdom of God. Jesus doesn’t just call us to admire Him from a distance; He calls us to follow Him and take part in His work. Church growth directly results from faithful action—proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and living out our calling in every area of life.
As we reflect on today’s lesson, let’s remember that Jesus’ method of growing His Church involves more than just clever strategies—it’s about beginning with His Word, trusting His call to go out and go deep, working together as a team, centering our lives on His presence in worship, and responding to His call for action. These principles are as true today as when Jesus first called Peter. If we embrace these principles, the Church will grow in ways that honor God and advance His Kingdom.
