Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Tickets to Heaven The Error of Market Based Theology The difference in between Biblical Theology & something else is the difference between truth & error False theological can be in direct opposition to the Bible False theologies can be perversions of the Bible leading to a false gospel

Tickets to Heaven The Error of Market Based Theology False theologies can be aberrations of the Bible leading to spiritual confusion and immaturity Traditions can be helpful if their reason is known and they assist in walking in godliness A tradition kept without knowing its purpose and meaning can be dangerous

Church Growth vs. Market Growth Jesus said He would build His church - Matthew 16:18 True church growth is dependent on the Lord doing His work and His workers being faithful The Great Commission - Matthew 28:18-20 - expresses our Master’s desires The command is to make disciples carried out by going, baptizing and teaching

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ Communicating New Life in Christ Cultivating New Life in Christ Caring for New Life in Christ Celebrating New Life in Christ

Church Growth vs. Market Growth Many things within the church growth movement can be helpful in carrying out the Great Commission Periodic re-evaluation of ministry to make sure they are fulfilling their purpose is a good practice Removing unnecessary obstacles to new people coming and assimilating is a good practice

Church Growth vs. Market Growth Without the goal of making disciples, even good things from church growth ideas can be dangerous Small groups that are not promoting discipleship can be very dangerous to spiritual health Market research is helpful when it aides clarity to ministry to make it more effective - cf. Acts 17

Church Growth vs. Market Growth Ministry based in market research just to increase numbers will result in a toned down gospel Meeting felt needs of unbelievers can open the door for the gospel - if the gospel is primary When meeting felt needs overshadows the gospel, the gospel will be perverted or lost.

Church Growth vs. Market Growth When the goal of the church is not on making disciples, it becomes weak and wimpy Barna’s statistical research shows that evangelicals match general society in morals, ethics and values Do such people believe the Biblical gospel or a perversion saving them from hell, but not sin?

Church Growth vs. Market Growth Pragmatic ideas to get your best life now instead of changing you to be like Jesus is a false gospel Ear tickling false teachers - 2 Timothy 4:3-4 True teachers of God’s word - 2 Timothy 4:2,5

The Foundational Error John 5:44 - men who seek honor from other men instead of the glory that comes from God The pressure to conform is great and perverts the true definition of success in righteous living. The pressure to make a small church grow can lead to doctrinal compromise

The Foundational Error Without a humble heart a pastor can easily succumb to pride and wrong motives will mark his pursuits A greater danger occurs when the gospel is shifted from making disciples to selling tickets to heaven The “wide path” is marketed to the masses, while the narrow gate & path is proclaimed because it is true.

The Solution The Lord Jesus Christ builds His church & we are but His humble slaves Seek the Lord’s glory & not the honor of men Be gospel centered in outreach & discipleship centered with believers. Follow Jesus’ example in Matthew 19 and John 8

The Solution We are merciful & gracious speaking the truth in love, but never compromising the truth True success is being faithful in serving God to the best of our abilities.

Conclusions Is your quest to do likewise with whatever gift God has given you to serve Him? Do not fall victim to the idea that bigger is necessarily better nor let pride block your serving the Lord

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ