How Did Jesus Minister?

Ministering Like Jesus - Key to Church Growth

38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Where did Jesus and His disciples preach?

a) In Synagogues b) In Cities and Villages (Matt. 9:35) c) Outdoors (John 8:1 / Matt. 5:2 / Luke 8:1) d) Everywhere (Mark 16:20)

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16)

How did they preach?

a) Under the anointing (Luke 4:18 and Acts 1:8) b) With authority - 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matt. 7) c) With Compassion (Mark 6:34) d) Without Fear

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Church Growth!

Why don’t we experience it ?

1. The Aquarium Syndrome - Churches have become aquariums, or holding pens for Christians.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (Luke 5)

2. Not Realizing Our Potential

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

3. The Violent Take it by FORCE! Time to get in the devil's face.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (I Sam. 17)

4. Evangelism doesn’t work from pulpits very well. Works better in the street.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28)

5. Pentecostal Prayer and Praise

7 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1)

32 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

6. Must have a STRATEGIC PLAN

10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

7. Discipleship vs. Membership - Disciples beget disciples, members come once a week.

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Final Thought

While many churches are meeting 2 to 3 times a week, with the same handful of people it had for the last 5 years; The Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Nation of Islam is out Monday through Friday spreading lies and winning converts. The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ did not invent door to door witnessing, JESUS DID! We have the truth and don’t spread it! We have the power and don’t use it! We have the authority to act in Jesus name, and we sit at home. God Forbid! It’s time for an EVANGELISM EXPLOSION! Examine your heart and ask God to fill you afresh, and give you holy boldness to spread the Gospel of Jesus
Christ.

Elder Mark H. Stevens