Gospel spreading movement

And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. - Acts 8:1‭-‬8 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

A gospel spreading movement

Stephen, one of the first deacons, was killed just prior to this passage. Not only that, but there was a breakout of persecution against believers. So the believers scattered, but not only that, it was a purposeful scattering. They are preaching where they were scattered.

A healthy church is seen as a movement. It has a sense of mission and destiny. There is a sense of hunger.

In the second phase, it becomes a monument. Things go from exciting to routine. Energy is turned inward rather than outward.

Finally, it becomes a Mauseleum. There is no energy, no excitement, no desire for change or growth. We do not believe Renewal Church is there yet.

The makeup of a gospel spreading movement

Who spearheaded this movement? Was it the apostles? No, it was the laypeople. The everyday Christian, not the pastor. Each church member must take the gospel to their friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It does not rely on the pastors and full time ministers.

Is it true?
Does it matter?
Does it work?

Most people will need to see proof of the last two points before they will listen to your truth claims. So in our increasingly skeptical would, we will only get a hearing if we meet the last two questions in a reasonable fashion.

Finally, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We need to pray. Please pray for us, your leaders, for wisdom and reliance upon God.

So there was much joy in the city. We, the church, are not just for our own good, but the good of those around us. We are to bring restoration and healing to all areas of life where the church resides. Does Renewal bring joy to the city? If we closed our doors, would anyone care? Or would they rejoice at the greater availability of parking?

How did this movement start? With death. Stephen died. So it is with church movement. We must die to our own comforts, our dreams, our desires. For the spread of the gospel, we must sacrifice these things.