7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

This is a general theme throughout the book of Acts. The disciples constantly planted seeds and constantly reaped a great harvest.

As we’ll see in other books in the New Testament, rapid growth and immature church leadership gave way to major problems. But without those early church problems, we would not have many books of the Bible we read today. New Testament writers wrote instructional letters to the churches because of the problems they were experiencing.

It all began with rapid growth and limited discipleship.

There are parts of the worldwide church that is still growing rapidly. Many nations in Africa and Asia come to mind. Parts of South America are also teeming with great church growth.

What would it take for this kind of growth to happen in America? What about Europe? Church growth here seems to be stagnant. Perhaps a better question to ask is, why is it stagnant? If we can honestly get to the root cause, then maybe we have a chance of changing it.

So, any ideas why church growth “feels” stagnant?