It’s important for every believer and church leader to understand that the growth of a church does not always follow a smooth or straight path. Just as in the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24–27), every effort to grow spiritually or numerically will be challenged.
Growth and resistance often come together. But if we can recognize and uproot the barriers, growth will continue. If we ignore them, stagnation—spiritual dullness and lack of progress—will creep in. Sadly, many churches today are no longer advancing because the “weeds” of stagnation are being allowed to grow unchecked.
A. FACTORS THAT STAGNATE CHURCHES
(Revelation 3:15–16; Psalm 78:72)
When a church becomes stagnant, it means it is no longer spiritually vibrant or experiencing fresh growth. It becomes a “maintenance church”—just going through the motions. It might lose three members and gain only two. It neither grows upwards (in maturity) nor outwards (in membership). It becomes a “lukewarm” church, surviving but slowly dying in a world full of souls needing Christ. Why does this happen?
Here are the key reasons:
- Faulty Foundations – If the beginning of the church was not built on Christ the solid rock, it will eventually crumble. Any foundation not based on truth, prayer, and godly counsel is bound to falter (1 Corinthians 3:11).
- Leadership Errors and Scandals – When leaders fall into sin, abuse authority, or fail morally, it discredits the work of God and hinders trust and growth.
- Internal Power Struggles – When members and leaders are fighting for positions instead of serving with humility, it creates disunity. This strife quenches the flow of the Holy Spirit.
- Negative Events and Tragedies – Disasters, both physical and emotional, can shake a congregation, especially if not handled with spiritual maturity and compassion.
- Inward Focus and Mere Maintenance – Churches that focus only on their own comfort and ignore outreach stop fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Lack of Evangelistic Zeal – When soul winning is no longer a priority, the church becomes a social club rather than a rescue center for lost souls.
- Poor Administration and Injustice – Mismanagement of church resources, lack of order, and partiality in leadership decisions can discourage members and destroy unity.
- Demonic and Witchcraft Attacks – Satan is actively working against churches through manipulation, deception, and oppression. Churches that are not spiritually alert may fall under these influences.
- Grieving or Quenching the Holy Spirit – When the move of the Holy Spirit is ignored, resisted, or replaced with human methods, there can be no spiritual vitality (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
- Infighting and Disunity Among Believers – A divided church cannot grow. Where there is gossip, competition, or bitterness, the Spirit cannot move freely.
- Biblical Ignorance – When church members don’t know or live by the Word of God, the church remains shallow and vulnerable to false teachings.
Each of these issues is like spiritual poison. A wise and discerning shepherd must be courageous and prayerful enough to uproot these weeds for the church to be healthy and fruitful again.
Recommended Reading
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B. GROWTH ANSWERS TO THESE FACTORS IN THE CHURCH
(1 Corinthians 3:6; Acts 2:41; Psalm 92:12–14)
True church growth is the result of doing what is spiritually right. Growth is not just a human effort—it is a divine-human partnership. God brings the increase, but we must fulfill our part in obedience and diligence. Growth in the church is always a response to certain spiritual principles and practices.
- Growth Starts from Within – Both pastors and members must experience inner renewal and maturity. You cannot lead others to grow if you have not grown yourself.
- Growth Answers to the Holy Spirit – The church must host the presence, power, and activity of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we have form without power (Acts 1:8).
- Growth Comes Through Vision – Church leaders must receive clear direction from God, communicate it with clarity, and pursue it boldly. Without vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18).
- Growth Requires Dynamic Leadership – Everything rises or falls on leadership. A spiritually vibrant, visionary, and disciplined leader will raise a healthy and growing church.
- Growth Requires Warfare Prayers – Until the church becomes a real house of prayer, the gates of hell will not be pushed back (Matthew 21:13; Ephesians 6:12).
- Growth Depends on Unity and Love – Love for God, the leaders, fellow believers, and the lost creates an atmosphere where the Spirit can work freely (John 13:35).
- Growth Needs a Good Reputation – A church must have favor with people in the community. A bad name can block souls from coming in (Acts 2:47).
- Growth Happens When Needs Are Met – Churches must address both spiritual and practical needs of people. Jesus fed the hungry and healed the sick while preaching the Kingdom.
- Growth Requires the Supernatural – People must experience the power of God to save, heal, deliver, and transform lives. Signs and wonders confirm the Word (Mark 16:20).
- Growth Demands Timely Change – Necessary and God-led changes must be embraced. Old wineskins cannot hold new wine (Matthew 9:17).
- Growth Needs Strategic Programming – Church programs should be aligned with the vision and purpose of God, not just tradition or routine. Programs should be impactful, not just frequent.
- Growth Answers to Competent Pastoral Leadership – A pastor must demonstrate the capacity to disciple people, manage resources, and guide the church into God’s future.
- Growth Comes Through the Word of God – Ultimately, it is the Word that builds and grows the church. Preaching, teaching, and obeying the Word must be central (Acts 6:7).
When all these principles are active and aligned, the church will not only grow—it will thrive. Health, vitality, and multiplication will become the new normal. God is always ready to grow His church, but are we ready to partner with Him?