When people ask about the growth of our church, we answer: “Christ is being formed in the people.”
There are a few word studies included in the message which will help define the process of forming Christ's attributes in believers. The audio sermon will add a few practical examples for application in ministry.
Listen to this sermonChrist Formed
By Apostle Aje Pelser
Preached at Harvester Reformational Church Cape Town, Sunday, 18 June 2006

When people ask about the growth of our church, we normally answer: “Christ is being formed in the people.” Roy Pointer writes in his book entitled: “How do Churches Grow” that there are “4 Dimensions of Growth”. He bases his study on Acts 2:41-47
Act 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. And the same day there were added about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they were continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and in fellowship and in the breaking of the loaves, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came on every soul. And many wonders and miracles took place through the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things common.
Act 2:45 And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.
Act 2:46 And continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Act 2:47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
In every area of growth, Christ should be the focus:

The 4 dimensions of growth are:
1. Numerical. “MORE” v.41,47
Membership: Restoration; Recruitment; Redemption.
Prayer: For the salvation of the unsaved to receive Christ.

2. Conceptual. “UP” v. 42,46
Maturity: Learning; understand nature in Christ, and mission.
Prayer: For maturity that Christ be formed in the individuals

3. Organic. “TOGETHER” v.42 – 46
Relationships: Worship; fellowship; training
Prayer: For relationships – Christ to be manifest in the church. (Body of Christ)

4. Incarnation(al). “OUT” v.43, 47
Social Involvement: Outreach; Media; Concern; Word become flesh
Prayer: For needy; that Christ’s presence might be seen in the community.

Here Christ is the Cornerstone of every dimension of growth. This ensures the sustainability of church growth.

But how is Christ formed in the people?
Here follows a short study from the Bible.

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed1 into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

The word used for “God” is the plural' ĕlôhîym GOD: H430 . It is essential that we understand that God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit each play a role in forming divine qualities in us.
God is the original Creator. His Spirit breathes life into us to make us living beings. His Son died for us to redeem us from sin and lives to make intercession for us. Jesus Christ the Son of God is the Author and Finisher of our faith as we continue to live for Him.

BDB Definition:
1) (plural)
1a) rulers, judges
1b) divine ones
1c) angels
1d) gods
2) (plural intensive – singular meaning)
2a) god, goddess
2b) godlike one
2c) works or special possessions of God
2d) the (true) God
2e) God

Formed H3335
yâtsar
BDB Definition:
1) to form, fashion, frame
1a) (Qal) to form, fashion
1a1) of human activity
1a2) of divine activity
1a2a) of creation
1a2a1) of original creation
1a2a2) of individuals at conception
1a2a3) of Israel as a people
1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (figuratively of divine) purpose of a situation)
1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created
1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained
1d) (Hophal) to be formed

Soul H5315
nephesh
BDB Definition:
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
1g1) dubious
1h) activity of the will
1h1) dubious
1i) activity of the character
1i1) dubious

Apostolic Labour:
Gal 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until, Christ be formed in you,

Christ G5547
Christos Thayer Definition:
Christ = “anointed”
1) Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God
2) anointed

Formed G3445
morphoō
mor-fo'-o
From the same as G3444; to fashion (figuratively): – form.

Here apostle Paul expresses the level of intensity he experiences as a minister of the Gospel to see Christ formed in his disciples. Every true minister will agree that it is not easy to produce Christ in people. It takes a great deal of effort, care and pain. However, when we compare the birth of a child to being born again, we learn that once the child is born, the mother forgets the pain and celebrates the new life. Where there is a new baby, everyone is happy; there is much patience; room to grow and make mistakes; love and care. Even strangers are kind for a moment. Similarly, a new born Christian brings great joy into your life. Some Christians who are depressed need to save a soul for Jesus and remember the joy salvation brings. “With joy you will draw water from the well of salvation…” (Isaiah 12:3)

The earth is experiencing similar birth pains to reveal the true sons of God.
Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Travaileth in pain together G4944
sunōdinō Thayer Definition:
1) to feel the pains of travail with, be in travail together
2) metaphorically to undergo agony (like a woman in childbirth) along with

In Ephesians we have a description of the process of maturation:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

Measure G3358
Metron Thayer Definition:
1) measure, an instrument for measuring
1a) a vessel for receiving and determining the quantity of things, whether dry or liquid
1b) a graduated staff for measuring, a measuring rod
1c) proverbially, the rule or standard of judgment
2) determined extent, portion measured off, measure or limit
2a) the required measure, the due, fit, measure

Stature G2244
hēlikia Thayer Definition:
1) age, time of l