TITLE: HOW TO BUILD A GREAT CHURCH: Great Planning (3 of 6)

TEXT: Matthew 16:24-28

PROPOSITION: Great churches are built by great planning.

QUESTION: Why?

KEY WORD: Reasons

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

          1. Fishers of men vs. keepers of the aquarium

          2. Church must not be slothful in business Romans 12:11

          3. Business meetings -more time on pigeons than souls

          4. Plan Ahead

                    A. Weyerhauser - plants trees - 40 yrs. later

                    B. A.T.&T. - 25 years ahead

                    C. Car designs - 3 to 5 years ahead

I. Why Plan?

1.     To control our future

2.     Establish priorities

3.     To implement the work - We must know tomorrows direction.

4.     Spirit of confidence in the future

II. Think Big

1.     Look ahead - 5 yrs. 10 yrs. 25 yrs.
Where are we now?
What do we want to become?
How do we get there?

2.     Mission work

3.     Soul-winning - baptisms

4.     Benevolence

5.     Youth program

6.     Buildings and facilities needed

III. The Challenge from God

1.     Matthew 16:24-28 Plan for eternity, it is coming

2.     Joshua 3:5 Good things coming tomorrow

3.     Nehemiah 2:15 & 17 View broken walls, Let's build

4.     Genesis 11:6 Nothing restrained - if imagined