NI GERI A

WORD OF FAITH BIBLE INSTITUTE

LAGOS

PRINCIPLES
OF CHURCH
GROWTH
(PCG)

LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE COURSE

“I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”
Matt. 16: 18

Copyright © by Word of Faith Bible Institute

38, Raji Oba Street, Iyana Ipaja,
P. O. Box 3459, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this Outline may be used without the written permission of the Institute
 REFERENCES

Exploits In Ministry Dr. David Oyedepo

Towards Excellence In Ministry Dr. David Oyedepo
The Church Growth Manuals David Young-Cho
The Triumphant Church Kenneth Hagin
Church Planting David Abioye
Strategies For Church Growth Peter C. Wagner
Supernatural Evangelism Dr. James Richards

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 COURSE OBJECTIVES

 To present to the students biblical factors and strategies responsible for

an ever flourishing church ministry.
 To teach pastors and church workers how to bring about excellence in
church administration.
 To create an awareness that we are in the multitude era of the church.
Jesus commanded multitudes in his ministry and we are to do the same.
 To understand the principles of growth and learn how we can apply the
same to every area of our individual lives.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

References 2
Course Objectives 3

LECTURE ONE
Lesson One Realities Of Church Growth 5
Lesson Two Fundamentals of Church Growth 8
Lesson Three Church Growth Boosters 11
Lesson Four Tools For Church Growth. 13

LECTURE TWO
LESSON 1 Growing A Vibrant Church 15
Raising Strong Based Committed Members

LESSON 2 Motivating Followership for Growth 16

LESSON 3 Leadership Development and Delegation 18

LESSON 4 General Communications 20

LECTURE 3:

LESSON 1 Building A Long Lasting Solid Church Structure 22

LESSON 2 Church Administration and Finance 25

LESSON 3 Expending Funds 30

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 LECTURE ONE
LESSON ONE

INTRODUCTION
It is good to know that church growth is a reality and it is something to be
desired as this is the express will of God for the body of Christ at large. To
have any thing contrary to Church growth is not in line with God’s agenda for
the body of Christ. Mathew 16:18

DEFINITIONS:

PRINCIPLES
Principles refer to the basic and important rule or standard required in getting
something done.

CHURCH
The Church can be adequately defined as an assembly of people that share a
common Faith in Christ. Such assembly of people are also called the body of
Christ and they are referred to as Christians
The church is not the physical building. The churches are not the
denominations. The church talks about the universal body of Christ.

In Greek the word church is taken from the word “ECCLESIA”, meaning a
body of believers worldwide, it is a “gatthering, selection or called out
assembly”. The moment you accept Jesus you become a part of that invisible
church. There is only one church in the realm of the spirit. This
understanding will eliminate bitterness and strife between congregations over
members moving from one church to the other.

CONGREGATIONS
This simply means smaller units of the church. It could be a ministry,
fellowship, or church denomination. People have wondered why all the
congregations cannot come together as one, with one name.

WHY CONGREGATIONS Acts 6:12; 8:1

When the Christians began to multiply in the early days of the Church this
became a great concern for the leaders of that time. There arose great
persecution which led to the scattering of the Christians. Though it seems an
attack on the Church but it turned out for her good. The major effect of this
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persecution is the scattering abroad of the Church and various denominations
were given birth to under the different Church leaders of those days. This has
helped in the following ways:
It put a stop to the murmuring.
The image of the church was redeemed from a cult nature to its real nature.
1. In spreading the gospel abroad, far and wide.
2. For exhortation of one another. Assemblies of saints are God-ordained.
(Heb.10: 24, 25)
3. God himself is a lover of varieties, and wants to service the variety
nature of man. Even in Jesus’ time not everybody belonged to his
congregation.(Mk.9: 38-40; Lk.9: 49-50).
Therefore persecutions only serve the purpose of strengthening the
church. The former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi
acknowledged this when he admonished his people to stop persecuting
the Christians.
“Some people will not move by the light they see, but by the heat they
feel”.
4. To multiply our prayer effects by creating a platform for effectual
prayer (Acts 4:21-24). The early church at the beginning had small
companies.

OTHER SCRIPTURAL BASIS FOR CONGREGATIONS

Moses alone could not pastor the church in the wilderness (Ex.18: 13-21)
The early church had several congregations in several of their houses
(Rom.16: 5, ICor.16: 19; Philemon 2, Rev.1: 4).

GROWTH

Growth talks about a process through which a living entity becomes larger,
increased and more matured. Growth is all about additions, increases,
advancements, progress and improvements both in quality and in quantity.
One of the Characteristics of any living thing is growth and the Church of the
living God is a living entity and therefore growth must be a daily occurrence
in the Church.

Therefore, principles of church growth is concerned with the study of all the
basic things that makes for the increases, maturity and the advancement of the
body of Christ.

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 LESSON TWO

FUNDAMENTALS OF CHURCH GROWTH

These are the basics of church growth, which must be properly understood:

1. RECOGNISE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE BUILDER

(Matt. 16:13-18; ICor.3: 6)
Jesus is the builder of his church and not any man. He is the sole owner of
the church. It is wrong for any minister to refer to a church as “my church”
and to run it like his personal establishment. There is no gimmick that can be
used to gather crowd, except God draws them they will not come. John 6:44.
Anyone that gathers crowd without acknowledging Jesus cannot keep the
crowd – they will eventually scatter (Acts 5:29-37).
2. CONFRONT THE GATES OF HELL Mt.16:18, 19; Deut.2:24
Jesus is the builder, but he has given us the key (authority) to bind and loose
certain things and to confront the gates of hell. So, he has given us the
authority, and we must take up the responsibility to confront every gate of
hell against the building of his church. This responsibility can be likened to
the weeding and nurturing that a farmer does to a growing crop. Every Pastor
desiring the growth of the church he pastors must be sensitive to discern the
activities of the devil and to resist and confront the enemy in spiritual
warfare. Even if you don’t feel any opposition, be constant in confronting the
gates of hell with the word.
3. SENSITIVITY TO DIVINE DIRECTION Ps.23:1-3, Deut.32: 9-13,
Isa.48:17
You are in the employment of the Owner and the Builder of the church and as
a Pastor (Shepherd / Caretaker) called by God for this assignment, you must
only do what he says. If you do not do what he says you lose your pay and
your place. Jesus as the Chief Shepherd has the responsibility to lead you,
and you have the responsibility to be led. If you let him lead you, you will
ride on the high places of the earth. It may not be convenient, because God
will usually shake you to make you. To be guided with the eye requires
sensitivity, i.e. you need to keep looking at his eyes to know what he is
saying (Ps.32: 8). This requires closeness to God and following His heartbeat
for the hour always.
4. ASSUME THE POSITION OF A FEEDER WHO FEEDS THE
SHEEP. Jn.21: 17; Acts 20:28; Jer.3: 15, 16; Ipet.5: 1-4
You are employed to feed the sheep. Church members are not meant to be
used, but to be fed. He has not called you to flog the sheep but to feed them.

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5. PRAYER OF ENQUIRIES Ezek.36: 37, 38
Every Pastor must consciously set aside time to ask or enquire of God for
increase. God’s answer may come in the form of specific instructions.
Prayer is not the only key, but one of the keys for church growth.
6. WATERING FOR INCREASE ICor.3: 6
Planting must be followed by continuous watering with the words of your
mouth (i.e. your confessions) in order for God to give the increase. Never
speak needs but supplies. This is engaging the power of positive confessions
and proclamations.
When you say it, you see it
When you proclaim it, you claim it.
7. THE LAW OF GRATITUDE Ps.67: 6, 7; Job 8:6, 7
Jesus gave thanks for five barley loaves and two small fishes and five
thousand were fed with it and they had twelve baskets leftovers. John 6:9 -11.
There is power in thanksgiving!
Never forget to thank God for your little beginning. If you thank him for two
members when you were expecting 100, it will not be long before God will
increase you beyond 100.
Nothing reduces in the hands of a thanksgiver and nothing will ever increase
in the hand of a complainer.
The church is a living being, and when these forces are put to work there
must be positive change.
EVERYTHING IS TO MY ADVANTAGE. THE SET TIME HAS COME

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 LESSON THREE

CHURCH GROWTH BOOSTERS

These are the catalysts that enhance or accelerate church growth:
1. VISION
Apart from the fact that any Church that will ever see growth
and increases must be based on a divine Calling and Vision,
the Pastor of that local assembly must have a clear vision for church growth.

Whatever you cannot see, you can’t claim. No church can’t grow beyond the
vision of the pastor. It is only as far as you can see that God will give to you.
Jer.1: 4, 5, 10-12 – it is one thing to know the plan of God, but another thing
to see it. Performance of God’s plan depends on your seeing (vision). The
speed of performance is dependent on how well you can see.

God has made provision for your greatness, but it is your responsibility in the
covenant to make it happen via accurate vision.
Gen.13: 14,15 – it is the man that sees that possesses.
How To Treat Your Vision:
a. Document your vision (Hab.2:1-2)
b. Communicate your vision (Philemon 6)
2. SIGNS & WONDERS
The healing of Aeneas from 8 years affliction and the raising of Tabitha from
the dead led to many people believing the gospel and joining the disciples –
Acts 9: 33-46
Man is naturally curious about the supernatural. This explains why signs and
wonders pull crowd. It constitutes a major tool for church growth.
As a minister of the gospel, you must believe God for signs and wonders. It is
scriptural to pray for signs and wonders. Acts 4:29-31; 2:22
Signs and wonders are advertising forces.
“If you don’t have a proof, you don’t have a point” – Bishop Oyedepo.
Everyone ordained and sent by God is qualified to work signs and wonders
(Mk.16: 17).
The provokers of miracles include:
a. Boldness (Acts 4:29,30)
b. Declarations
3. WISDOM Isa.33: 6
Nothing is stable without wisdom.

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Wisdom is required in the area of counselling and time management.
Wisdom not only determines the number but also the calibre of people that
will come to your church. Prov.24: 3 – 6. God will never add more to you
beyond the level of your wisdom. It is the principal thing for everything,
including church growth. Wisdom makes the face of a man to shine. If your
ministry lacks shine, then check your wisdom level.
4. PLANNING
You must sit down and set out your strategies for reaching the various
calibres of people in the city. As you reason under the Holy Ghost you will
receive effective and enduring strategies for increase. Read wide to learn
from the experiences of those who are succeeding, and don’t hesitate to adopt
their strategies that can be applied in your circumstance.

For instance, if you are organizing a city centre crusade/outreach, ensure that
the theme is catchy and your handbills should be attractive with your church
address clearly written on it. Also, you can arrange gifts (e.g. taped
messages) for all new comers to the church. The cost of producing the tapes
can be borne by volunteers without having to overstretch the church purse.
Any other effective follow-up strategy can be adapted.

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 LESSON FOUR

THE TOOLS FOR CHURCH GROWTH

These are certain things the Holy Ghost will not tell you directly. You must
use your mind to reason them out:

1. SIMPLICITY OF YOUR MESSAGE

It is important to make your message as simple and practicable as possible. It
is one thing to get a revelation and another to break it into consumable
proportions for the people. The Gospel is simple (IICor.11: 1-3, 1:12. ICor.9:
19-22) Jesus, a lot of times used examples from activities that occur around
the people on-day-to-day basis to ensure that his messages were passed across
to the people.
You must be conscious of your members’ level of understanding and bring
yourself to their level in order to reach them. God himself took up the form
of man in Jesus Christ in order to reach us.
Believe God always for appropriate utterance in communicating your
message. KEEP IT SIMPLE, MAKE IT CLEAR, SERVE IT HOT
2. PUBLICITY Mt.5: 14-16; 4:23-25, Lk.10: 1, 14:16-23
It is important to announce to and inform the public about your vision and its
effect. Jesus also believed in publicity. He sent the disciples ahead of him
into every city and place where he himself would come to create awareness.
God also believed in publicity. He publicized the coming of Jesus Christ
long before he came in the Old Testament. He also announced him at his
baptism (Mt.3: 16, 17).
You can always use handbills to advertise your programmes and ensure that
they are properly distributed. Your method must be within the means
available to you and the size of your congregation.
Materials used in publicity will go farther than you can ever imagine. Radio
and television will go far in getting this done
3. APPEARANCE
Your appearance represents the first impression people have about it.
Man looks at your outward appearance (I Sam.16: 7), and since you are
pastoring men and not God, you must mind your appearance.
You can be decent without being too expensive. “You do not have a second
chance to make the first impression”. By virtue of your calling, there are
certain dresses you cannot put on. As a priest your dressing must radiate
beauty and glory (Ex.28: 2, 40). Your dress code must reflect the decency
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attached to your calling.The appearance of your church building must also
reflect beauty and honour. Beauty is attractive.

4. GOOD RELATIONSHIP Prov.18: 24

You must consciously cultivate good, lasting and quality relationship. Make
yourself accessible to your members (Heb.4: 15). Within the limits of
decency, let your members have access to you. Such access should not breed
negative things and soil your image or integrity. Delegate where necessary.
Learn not to answer people roughly. Be gentle as a dove and wise as a
serpent.
5.INTEGRITY
Your behaviour and lifestyle have an effect on your message. Bad news
about a man of God affects his followership. Beware of what you do. Your
conduct will affect your rating in the eyes of your members. As much as
possible you always have to do what you tell your members to do.

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 LECTURE TWO
LESSON ONE

GROWING A VIBRANT CHURCH

It is very important to note that for any Church to grow there is a need to
build up the people that makes up that congregation. A weak congregation
can not build a solid Church. Only a strong sheep will give birth to an equally
strong sheep. The first thing to do is to go after all it will take to raise a very
strong, dedicated and highly committed people.

This becomes possible in the following ways:

(a) Be a good example of what you want the people to be.
This is the most magnetic way of raising strong followership (I Tim.4: 12).
The easiest way to learn is by observation; so you must be seen to do what
you say. Apostle Paul says “Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of
Christ. 1 Corinthians: 11:1

(b) Teach the people.

Teaching is a very big tool for spiritual impartation. E.g. Acts 4:13 the
greatest source of the Impartation of Christ’s life on the disciples was via
teaching. He taught them practically on every issues of life that long after he
had gone they were making references to His words. His teachings brought
about a lot of doctrines, conducts and behavioural patterns as we as we have
it till date in the body of Christ.
Every preacher or minister must be apt to teach no matter his calling.
Teaching simply means giving instructions. Whatever you learn from
somebody connects you to him. It is not a sign of weakness to prepare notes
ahead of your services, but a sign of responsibility. Also, beware of the kind
of people you allow on your pulpit.

(c)Familiarise them with the vision God has given to you. Keep reminding
them of what God has sent you to do. This will help them understand your
actions (Philemon 6).
Take time to explain to them in details the vision and whatever God has told
you because He has sent you to them.

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 LESSON TWO

MOTIVATING FOLLOWERSHIP FOR GROWTH

A pastor's followership determines his influence and effect in the community.
Followership is gained by impact and retained by wisdom (motivation). The
Pastor must be able to inspire and motivate the people at all times. This is a
primary attribute of a Leader. Most times people will not do things until they
are made to see enough reasons to do them. But with a leader who is a mover
and a motivator, it becomes easy for the people to take steps after him
because of the positive influence he has on the people.
PROCESS OF MOTIVATION
(a) IMPACT AND WISDOM:
Every service should be a blessing, miracle, and signs and wonders-oriented.
Wisdom teaches that the followers gained must be motivated towards
achieving the pastors’ major goal, which are to gain-more people for the
kingdom and eventually turn them into strong influence in their society.
Jesus had a well-managed and useful followership.
(b) APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION:
Appreciation in word, gifts and any other form of honorarium stirs up a
higher commitment (Eccl 9:7: Mathew 25:21). God believes in
commendations, God promises commendation.
(c) COMMUNICATION:
Good communication creates a sense of belonging and responsibility. The
vision, goals and objectives of the Pastor must be well communicated to the
people. They can never do beyond what is communicated to them.
(d) INSPIRATION:
It is not enough to communicate your goals but you must go ahead to inspire
the followers towards achieving those goals with you.
- locate spiritual foundations
- share practical but relevant testimonies
(e) GOOD HUMAN RELATIONS
Treat them with honour and high esteem. They are not your personal
property. You are only a caretaker. The people have some rights of their own
and therefore their submission must be seen as a form of God’s favour to you.
Never take advantage of their submission and availability. Remember Moses,
as high as God rated him, He refused to compromise how he addressed the
people. Numb 27:12 – 14.
Guiding Scriptures – 1 Peter 5: 1-3. 1 Tim.5 1-2.

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With adequate teachings by the Pastor he must be able to motivate his people
to:
1. Win souls for the Lord and bring new members to church.
2. Serve God with delight and dedication in the various service units of the
Church.
3. Give generously and sacrificially for the work
4. Live a holy and righteous life.
5. Be a good disciple and ambassadors of that local assembly and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
As they are given a thorough teaching on the benefits and rewards attached
for doing of all of these, the people are easily motivated to do them.

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 LESSON THREE

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROCESS OF

DELEGATION
The natural characteristic of every true success is to raise successors. Success
without successors is a failure. If you expect a large congregation, it is your
duty to raise leaders like you within your congregation. Every structure is
designed to carry a particular load. Therefore, if the weight must increase the
structure must be adjusted. If your church reduces when you travel, it means
you are a bad leader.
Seventy elders were raised for Moses - Num.11: 16, 17.
Ministry is not just preaching, it involves also raising and leading people.
Many ministries have been lost to bad administration. The people working in
your ministry are not working for you, but are sent to you to be raised by
divine arrangement. Oral Roberts was used of God to raise Kenneth
Copeland, who is today a major pillar in his ministry. Kenneth Copeland was
used to raise men like Jerry Savelle

HOW TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP:

BY DELEGATION
This is entrusting part of your assignment unto others. This requires that you
have faith in other people. It will give you the following:
1. Relief
2. Concentration and Efficiency
3. Speed
4. Wider spread (reaching more people)
5. Transference of unction

THE TWO MAIN REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF

DELEGATION
1. Sense of insecurity,
This is the product of uncertainty about your call. You must assure yourself
of the certainty of your call and work hard to make a full proof of your
ministry.
If you seek to be involved in everything going on in the church, the people
will end up abandoning everything to you. You can't afford to be trapped in
the net of personal attachment. Church is not your personal property. Set
people in place and allow them to fulfil their own part.
2. Suspicion:

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 If you have reasons to suspect an individual, do not delegate to that person
until you are sure. Suspicion results from too much personal attachment to
your work. You cannot do everything if you must live long. Avoid the fear of
being overshadowed but be excited about seeing others grow towards your
spiritual height. Otherwise you will be stagnated because there will not be
enough challenges for you to get stirred up for higher heights.
Anybody you fear may overshadow you will eventually overshadow you.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTICAL DELEGATION

1. Have faith in people. Break your ministry into departments and entrust
them unto men with responsibilities believing they will always represent your
interest. Everyman, great or small has great potentials. Don’t look down on
any man for any reason.

2. Give opportunities to people to exercise themselves. This is the only way

you can prove that you have faith in them. Mastery comes by practice.
Practice makes perfect (Lk.10:1-4)

3. Allow room for errors. No one becomes perfect in one day. Every man is
a product of mistakes. If your delegate makes a mistake, correct him and
give him another chance.

4. Every growth requires time. Don’t be perfectionists. Lk.6: 40; Heb.5: 1-2.
Every perfection comes out of error(s).

5. Encourage Initiatives. If you don’t let them think, then you have defeated
the purpose of delegation. Allow your people to reason and develop
mentally.

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 LESSON FOUR

GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS
A conducive environment where people are not left in the dark as to what is
happening is very essential for Church growth so that everybody is been
carried along. This calls for a good communication within the Church.
Communication is the means of disseminating information. Communication
is a gift from God without which no man can pick instructions, corrections,
reproofs, etc.
In order for any system to work effectively, there must be a good means of
communication. Communication is at various levels and must exist within
various cadres of people.
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION
1. OVERALL HEAD TO THE FOLLOWERSHIP
2. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE HEAD AND SUB-HEADS
3. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PASTORS

ESSENTIALS OF COMMUNICATION
Below are things that make for effective communication.
1. Clarity. Misconception of any kind is not allowed.
2. Simplicity. Very plain and direct and emphasis on vital points.
3. Medium. The right medium must be used to get the targeted audience.
4. Conduciveness of time and environment.- Right time and place

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 LECTURE THREE
LESSON ONE

BUILDING A LONG LASTING SOLID CHURCH STRUCTURE

Other vital issues are required for sustainable Church growth apart from the
spiritual requirements. These includes an effective platform for administrative
and financial operations for running the Church All of these will be
examined in this final part of the lecture.

SUSTAINING CHURCH GROWTH Prov.4: 18

God’s plan is to keep you growing non-stop until the perfect day. The perfect
day will come at the coming of the perfect one (Jesus).
Steady Church growth is God’s will. Growth that stagnates and later
depreciates is not God’s will
A pastor must be diligent enough to know the state of his flock (Prov.27: 23,
24). Assumption will not help in assessing growth, but actual recording of
attendance. You must find the reason for any form of stagnation and address
it squarely.

FACTORS THAT SUSTAINS GROWTH

1. SELF-DEVELOPMENT
No church can grow beyond the capacity of the pastor to develop himself.
Where you stop developing yourself is where your growth stops. It is the
growth of the man that translates into the growth of the church. Prayer
cannot replace study if you desire growth. Paul Yonggi Cho believes prayer
is a key to church growth, but he is a very studious man also. The first thing
and the last thing he does everyday is to read. The moment you stop
developing yourself you will also loose relevance; stay current so as to
remain spiritually relevant. Be at the centre of every move of God. Go in
search of brighter light every time.
Kenneth Hagin said, “You don’t build your ministry around gifts, but
around the Word of God”
WHAT TO DO TO DEVELOP YOURSELF:
 Attend Holy Ghost inspired conferences.
Go because you are led. No one can make impact in isolation (Prov.27: 17).
Every minister should belong to a company of prophets, i.e. certified, God-
oriented prophets with proofs in their own ministries.
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  Through Reading (STUDY) 2Tim. 2:15
This is the most basic form of self-development.
 Reasoning Isa.1: 18; Eph.3:20
Meditate on scriptures and reason about insightful happenings around you.
“When you stop thinking, you start stinking” – Bishop Oyedepo.
 Planning
 Prayer
 Changes Isa.43: 18, 19
Adapt yourself to changes. This may be in the area of your appearance,
disposition, your staff or even the decoration of your church building. Don’t
be afraid of positive constructive changes.
2. MEEKENSS
Every increase is from God (ICor.3: 6). The growth of any church is by the
help of God. If that help must continue, meekness is required. God must see
you to be meek at heart in order to help you. There is no limit to the growth
of a meek man (Mt.5: 5) many visions and callings have been aborted by
pride. Success is a monster, if you don’t tame it, it will tear you. Moses
pastored the largest church in the world, but he was the meekest man
(Num.12: 3).
3. WATCHFULNESS (LK.2:8)
The Shepherd’s responsibility over the sheep is threefold – to feed, lead and
watch over the sheep. Don’t allow the factors that will cause disintegration to
creep in. Identify problem areas and quickly fix them. Respond wisely and
quickly to reports about certain members that may come to you. Don’t be
part of the problem by taking sides but be part of the solution (Mt.26: 41).
4. ASSOCIATION
Many have lost their ministries to wrong association (ICor.15: 33). Associate
only with people going the same direction with you in ministry. Wrong
association corrupts good destinies. IICor.6: 14. Also you must mind the kind
of people you give your pulpit to.
5. WALK IN LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS
Let your actions and utterance be love motivated. Your rising will not stop if
the rising of others is your concern. So, be excited and participate fully in the
increase of others
(Job 42:10). You cannot be bitter and be better (Heb.12: 15, James
3:11).

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 LESSON 2

CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

According to 1Corinthians.14: 33, 40; Paul emphasizes the need for things to
be done decently and in order. Without order the work of God cannot start or
grow not to talk of stability. With good planning and balanced execution a
healthy atmosphere and congregation could be raised, nurtured and stabilized.
HIERARCHY AND FLOW OF AUTHORITY
Orderliness involves setting things in their orders of priority and authority. In
any decent set-up, hierarchy must be put in place to make room for a free-
flow of authority (Titus 1:5). In our set-up the following pattern is the order
in the church.

THE SENIOR PASTOR

ASST. PASTOR

ORDAINED WORKERS
(ASSOCIATE PASTORS, ELDERS, DEACON & DEACONESS)

GENERAL WORKERS
(All that is functioning in different capacities
i.e. Choir, usher, New believers class teachers, etc. )

CHURCH MEMBERS

FOR A HEALTHY ATMOSPHERE, THE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY

ESTABLISHED BY THE MINISTRY PUTS THE SENIOR PASTOR
IN CHARGE OF A LOCAL ASSEMBLY.
All authorities flow from him as he also received from higher authority. He
directs actions, summons church meetings i.e. Church Council, Workers, etc.
for approval, prayers and marching forward instructions.
It is instructive that Assistant Pastors need to be faithful and lend their
supports to their Senior Pastor. Their faithfulness in this regard determines
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their own promotion by God (Prov. 22:29; 18:16; Gal 6:7). Until a man is
found faithful and committed in another man's business, God would not put
him over his own. Lk. 16:12 This Ministry believes in orderliness and abhors
any form of rebellion.
Senior Pastor is in charge, will delegate activities and make job descriptions
for other fellow staff and freely allow the Elders/ Deaconess 'Serve the
tables". He should not be involved in everything, especially trivial matters
which should be handled at lower level. (Acts 6:1-8; Exodus. 18:13-26). This
style will enable the Senior Pastor pay attention to more important things and
his primary duty of feeding the sheep. He shows them how to do it and leave
them to do it- a role model.

SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES

For church services, the Pastor takes the lead and assigns duties to others.
Timeliness is a very important factor. Much as we flow with the Holy Spirit
to direct, a brisk, business-like meeting will be more productive. The Spirit of
the prophet is subject to the prophet.
A recommended period for a regular service could be 2 to 2 and a half
Hours, incorporating the following features:
A TYPICAL SERVICE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
DURATION
S/NO EVENT (MINUTES) MINISTER

1. OPENING PRAYER 5- 10

2. PRAISE AND WORSHIP 20-25

3. WELCOME CHARGE 5-10

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4. CHOIR MINISTRATION 5- 10

5. TESTIMONIES 10-15

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS 5

7. OFFERINGS 10

8 THE WORD 45-60

9 CLOSING/FINAL
BLESSING 5
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The main feature at every service is the word, which must be the rallying or
focal point. However, during seminars and other special services, longer time
comes up and it will be understandable, we should monitor things based on
responsiveness to length of time in service in our locality.

Other activities in the church should be seen and treated as a form of ministry
or the other rather than just being involved in a ceremonial or physical
exercise.

CHURCH OFFICE
Every one of our churches is supposed to run an office system.
An office will add dignity to our services. After the Commissioning Service
of the ministry on Sat. 17th September 1983, the office opened on Mon. 19th
the same month.
Begin each day with a prayer fellowship for the staff. Make every hour
productive. Take time to invest on yourself. The approved office hour is 8.00
a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Every church service is part of the official
duties.
RECORD KEEPING/PRODUCTION
A great Civil Servant once said 'black and white does not lie". That is
anything we write down will remain. Hab.2:2-3 enjoins us to keep record.

Title documents, letters of instructions and information, correspondences,

minutes of meeting etc. are vital records that should not be handled anyhow.
They are needed for future references, reminders, etc. Documents should be
filed neatly in a simple 'Book System" of filing. A flat file jacket with a tag is
all you need.

For instance, a new or small station should maintain a few subject files i.e.
Ministry's Affairs (all matters coming from the Headquarters or Regional
office) Finance (receipts, and the-like documents, Church Administration
(matters relating to the local assembly like programmes, initiations,
agreements membership matters, etc). With this, successive administration
would be able to follow trend of events and actions. As the station grows, the
system is also enlarged.

REPORTS
For the purpose of feedback - each station must give heed to instructions,
requesting for reports i.e. monthly report, and this must be attended to with
despatch. The station is advised to always keep a duplicate copy of whatever
document is going out from them. As much as possible, confidential matters
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should not be taken outside the office for typing.

FINANCE
Money is as important as the ministerial aspect. Ministry's money is God's
property. It must be well managed and wisely invested. Your faithfulness in
this regard can also be a yardstick for God's promotion upon your life and
ministry.

SOURCING FOR FUND

Our primary source is what God gives through freewill offerings by members
of our congregation. Nobody must be put under any duress to give. If your
ministry is making impact on their lives and your proposed project is
appealing and convincing you won't need to pressure anybody before they
identify with it and give freely. Importantly, the people want to be sure of
your probity and integrity in practical terms and if they are, they will give
according to their several abilities.

In sourcing for finance, the ministry does not subscribe to:

1. Fund raising (Launching)
2. Levying of any form
3. Letter of appeals, especially to outsiders
4. Borrowing or credit purchases for anything or project.

Our Apostle can be regarded as a "professor" in this aspect of life or ministry.

He has proved beyond any doubt that:

1. What God commissioned He makes provisions for.

2. When your people believed in you they can entrust their money in your
hand.
3. Your lifestyle and the impact your ministry has over the people
determine their response.

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 LESSON THREE

EXPENDING FUNDS
As a matter of principle and policy, you don't spend all your earning, there
must always be a left over no matter how small.
Money spent is gone, but money invested brings back profit. A better part of
the fund must be invested in projects and the life of the people.

A SUGGESTED DISTRIBUTION OF YOUR FUND INCLUDES:

Capital projects (building, equipment, etc.) 65%

Recurrent services (programmes, welfare, and wages) 35%
It is also expedient to set priorities for our expenditures. The following is the
order of priority set by the Ministry:
1. Church tithe - 10% of total regular income
2. Staff salaries/wages - as approved by the Ministry
3. Mission fund - 20% of total regular income
4. Programmes/services
5. Projects
6. Others

FINANCE RECORDS
For the sake of probity and accountability:
 every money coming in or going out must be documented by raising
appropriate papers i.e. receipt slips, vouchers or receipts.
 Payments are to be signed for including salaries collected.
 Returns must be documented by raising appropriate papers i.e. receipt
slips, vouchers or receipts
 Expenditures to be documentd either in receipt form or signed
statements.
 A formal accounting record is recommended for every church no matter
the size; however, the size also determines the form.

SAFE KEEPING
It is not advisable that any Pastor or staff should keep church fund in his
house or private possession. They should be banked. The office can maintain
an imprest for petty cash needs.

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CHURCH PROPERTIES
Every property belonging to the church must be receipted in the church's
name and never in the Pastor's name. Gift items to the church must be
accompanied with a transfer of ownership note or letter. If the original
purchase receipt can be added, it makes it better. The office should maintain
an up-to-date inventory of church properties.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

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