“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”

multiplyincrease

stretchgrow

expand

unfold

lengthenenlarg

e

strengthencultivatedevelop

don’t hold back

liberatereinforce

nurturesupport

inspire

elongate

spreadrelease

extend

toughen

unrestrained

Change• Threatening?• Risk• Continual• Process

GrowSpiritual growth• One degree to the next degree• Discipleship cultureNumerical growth• Un-churched | De-churched |

Moving churchRelational growth• Upwards | Outwards | Inwards• Pastoral emphasis | small

groups• Team based leadershipInfluential growth• Claiming back influence in our

community• Standards and Values

“Growth is the only

evidence of life”

Cardinal John Newman

1Samuel 2:26 (TNIV)

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with peopleThe LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of his words fall to the ground - 1Samuel 3:19 (NIVUK)

1Samuel 2:26 (TNIV)

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with peopleLuke 2:52 (TNIV)

And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favour with God and peopleThe MessageAnd Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people

Application How have I grown spiritually in the past year? When was the last time I apologised and said

sorry? What are the habits in my life that constantly

bring me down? Am I better steward than I was 12 months ago? Am I a generous and cheerful giver? Who would notice if I have improved? Am I increasing in holiness and righteousness? Who has authority to speak into my life How have I been moved emotionally? And what

did I do about it? What was my last step of faith? What one thing has God shown me this week

that I didn’t know/appreciate previously?

Life VersesOnly let us live up to what we have already attained Philippians 3:16 (NIVUK)The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love Galatians 5:6b (NIVUK)But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever! Amen 2Peter 3:18 (NIVUK)

Colossians 1:10-11 (NIVUK)

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience

How do we measure up?