It's interesting to note that every religion has people that serve in it. They are not believers and yet they are actively serving. 

By serving I mean cleaning, watching children, taking offerings, guiding people or ushering, etc. 

And again, don't misunderstand me; those who serve in the church help things to run smoothly and provide a pleasant experience for attending the church.

But as a strategy for church growth, this strategy fails every time. 

The reason is, it’s the exact opposite of what we as leaders and preachers, teachers, missionaries, church planters what we are called to do. We are called in Ephesians 4:11-12 to perfect the saints for the work of the ministry.

Ministry is not the same thing as serving. Serving is not the same as ministry.  

In the Word of God, you will find ministry described with these elements: someone who has the Word of God and is transferring it to someone else. 

Our instruction is to train our church members to minister. That means they know how to transfer God's Word to someone else.

And, from my experience, when those who are serving have also been discipled, the results of their service are much greater. 

So, if we will do what the Word of God says we will see disciples multiply.   We can't just get people busy in the Church.   

We must get them effectively transferring the Word of God to someone else and that will produce solid church growth.

This is not a new plan, this is the original plan imparted to us.

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