Church growth is not merely about numbers or filling pews; it’s about nurturing a vibrant, spiritually enriched community that reflects the love and teachings of Christ. There is a dangerous misconception in the church. Many think church growth is all about getting the attendance numbers up. But while that is an aspect of growth, there is an essential correlating component that must be present—personal faithfulness. Numerical growth will only happen as a corollary consequence of the congregation’s spiritual development. I believe it’s true that faithfulness must increase in tandem with higher attendance numbers. In fact, proper church growth begins with each of us first becoming stronger in our faith. As we grow spiritually, our lives become a testament to God’s grace, drawing others to the faith. Our spiritual maturity fuels the church’s overall growth. Immature Christians in the congregation is the biggest impediment to growth.

The early church, as depicted in Acts, provides us with a powerful model of growth. Acts 2:47 tells us, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This growth was not a result of marketing or strategy but the natural outflow of a community deeply committed to the teachings of Christ, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

A church that embodies genuine love and care for each member creates a magnetic force that attracts others. We must strive to build a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and loved. This love is the foundation upon which church growth is built.

This is where leadership is critically important. Church leaders must lead with love. They must point the way forward in cultivating an atmosphere of decision-making transparency, authentic compassion, and enduring commitment to the Lord.

Church growth often requires adapting to the changing needs of our community while holding firmly to the timeless truths of the gospel. Mission strategy, outreach technique, models of growth… these things will adjust and adapt with time and change. Of course, we know the gospel does not change. The story remains the same. We hold to Biblical truth unwaveringly. But our methods do change. How we deliver the gospel will adapt to the times. We must be willing to embrace new methods of ministry, technology, and outreach without compromising our core beliefs. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

I’ll never forget a church growth seminar I attended years ago in Lexington, Kentucky. The presenter said the strategy for strategic church growth is… Pampers, Parking, & Preaching. In other words, to grow, he said, a church needs to prioritize children’s ministry, make it convenient to park and gain access to the building, and have a dynamic pulpit minister. After the conference, a fellow minister came out and couldn’t stop saying… “We really need to update our nursery.” Another said, “Our church has got to restripe the lot.” And so, feeling the vibe of the moment, I said to the two of them, “We really need to get a new preacher.” They both looked at me and said with a laugh, “But you’re the preacher!”

Perhaps we do indeed need to seriously consider logistical ways to improve the church attendance experience. How can we make getting into the building and parking more convenient. Maybe we could update how we speak in front of the church to make it more appealing to the modern ear. Perhaps there are new ideas that we need to listen to and give credence to, new voices we need to let speak, and new leadership with a clearer vision. We must adapt to the times in legitimate ways. And most importantly, for the church to grow, we need Christians who are already part of the church to deepen their faith and thus “spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

In the final analysis, only God can bring growth. However, he uses Christians engaged in spiritual growth and evangelism to do it. Let’s never forget our commission: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Paul Merideth