> Opportunitunities in the Harvest
> Benefits of a New or Smaller Church
> Vision of a New & Smaller Church
BIBLICAL & HISTORICAL PRECEDENCE
That All Should Come To Repentance
The apostles followed God’s leading by helping others come to repentance. They were laborers in the harvest. Peter, a Jew, visited Cornelius in another city because the Spirit directed him, even though Cornelius was a Gentile. Paul also traveled about, preaching the gospel, establishing and encouraging churches. “The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9
A History of Outreach
Sent by Samuel Froelich, Benedict Weyeneth came to America from Europe. In the first 21 years (1847-1868) he helped establish 24 churches in 8 states. It was not an easy task to travel, but everywhere he went, the seeds of the Gospel were planted. When people responded to the Lord, he nurtured and baptized new believers. Elders were ordained, churches flourished and the Word continued to be spread. As the local churches grew and reached a critical mass, the outreach into the surrounding communities blossomed.
We Have Responsibility
Since Paul wrote “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”
(I Cor. 3:6), we realize everyone has a part in the harvest fields. In Ephesians 4, some are evangelists and apostles (setting up churches and reaching out to the lost) and some are pastors and teachers (counseling and nurturing spiritual growth in the converts and brethren). What gifts has God given you to further His Kingdom?
Do you share the Biblical directive for brethren being sent to establish new churches for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel message?
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