Episode Growing Pains
In the life of a church—from the first century’s to today’s—growing pains are inevitable. We may not embrace this at first—who likes pain of any kind? But in reality, we often grow best through pain, don’t we? Financial pains teach us to manage our money with an eye to God’s directives. Relational pains shape our character. Physical pains develop dependency on God’s provision. And church pains can bring about resiliency, growth in our bodies of believers, and outreach to those who don’t yet know Jesus. In Acts 6 we see how God used struggles to grow the church internally as His people and then externally to bring others to know Jesus. How might God do the same in our churches— and in us?
Chapter 1
We all want to grow, whether it’s in our faith, our ministries, or our careers. But does growth always have to come with growing pains? In this chapter, you’ll look at the example set by the early church and learn how to grow through pain.
Chapter 2
Growth often results in struggle—and even conflict can be a sign of growth! So, what steps can we take to address conflict, especially when it’s in the church? In this chapter, you’ll look to how the apostles dealt with conflict and consider strategies that you can adopt today.
Chapter 3
Growth is a version of change—and often it’s good change! So then why is there so much struggle and pain associated with it? In this chapter, you’ll be encouraged to work through growing pains, because where you’re going is worth the effort!
Chapter 4
As much as we dislike the pain of change as we’re going through it, we’re often better for it. But is it possible to find joy in the midst of growing pains? In this chapter, you’ll rediscover the joy that can be found through the growing pains of life.
Chapter 5
When we’re going through change, it can feel difficult in the moment. But looking back, it’s easy to see how far we’ve come. So how do we measure God’s work in these seasons? In this chapter, you’ll be reminded to stay focused on the truth of the gospel, through every season!