UNDERSTANDING CHURCH GROWTH: How To Make Church Growth Work In Your Community (II)

The Church of Jesus Christ is not a human idea—it is a divine institution established to bring God’s kingdom to the earth. Church growth is not just about numbers, buildings, or crowds. It is about obedience to the Great Commission, the transformation of lives, and the advancement of God’s eternal purpose through His people.

In every generation, God raises men and women who carry the burden to see the Church healthy, growing, and impactful. However, church growth does not happen by accident. It requires understanding, prayer, spiritual power, leadership, and intentional action.

This teaching addresses both the spiritual and practical dimensions of church growth. From personal growth to strategic leadership, from understanding internal transformation to external evangelism, we will explore how any church—whether denominational or independent—can experience the kind of growth that brings glory to God.

May this teaching stir your heart, sharpen your insight, and empower you to lead your church into a season of fruitfulness, expansion, and spiritual maturity.

G. INTERNALIZE AND EXTERNALIZE CHURCH GROWTH

True church growth begins with the inner fire of evangelism, the passion of the Holy Spirit, the burden for souls, and the commitment to outreach that leads to salvation, transformation, and discipleship. Real church growth is about depopulating hell and populating heaven.

You can gather crowds without God, but you cannot build the Church of Jesus Christ without the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:6). To grow a biblically healthy church, you need more than just gifts—you need sound doctrine and spiritual maturity (Proverbs 10:14, 14:21; 9:9–12). Anointing, miracles, and prophecy must be balanced with sound training and teaching (2 Peter 3:18; 1 Cor. 1:24).

1. Internalize Growth

Church growth must start within the leader. If the leader is not growing, the church will not grow.

Grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and relationally.
Deep roots produce tall trees—go deeper to grow higher.
Personal development is the foundation for ministry advancement.
Improve your leadership, communication, and people skills.
Transformation begins on the inside—“You must travel within before you travel without.”

Many leaders and churches that have applied this principle have experienced great revival and impact.

2. Externalize Growth

Growth is not complete until it is expressed in action.

Take bold steps to implement what you learn.
Think and act growth in your planning and programming.
Deal with spiritual, contextual, and organizational barriers.
Restructure your church to support growth.
Pray earnestly for numerical, spiritual, and territorial expansion.
Evaluate and assess your church systems regularly.
Train and disciple your members intentionally.
Clear out obstacles that hinder growth—spiritual, cultural, or administrative.
Create a discipleship pipeline that turns visitors into believers and believers into workers.
Embrace a growth mindset and theology rooted in the Great Commission.

When attending conferences, reading books, or taking courses on holistic church growth, apply the following principles:

Accept – Believe that growth is possible.
Admit – Acknowledge your mistakes and limitations.
Analyze – View your church through the lens of growth.
Adopt – Implement what is suitable for your context.
Adapt – Align with scriptural truth, not personal tradition.
Adjust – Modify your meetings and methods to promote growth.
Adhere – Consistently apply what works with patience and prayer.

H. S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS IN THE CHURCH

To make church growth effective, conduct regular S.W.O.T. analysis—quarterly or bi-annually. This helps you make informed decisions with spiritual and strategic insight. It can be done internally or with the help of an external church growth consultant. Every church needs an unbiased, third-eye perspective.

Strengths – Identify what you’re doing well. Maximize it.
Weaknesses – Acknowledge areas of limitation. Work on them.
Opportunities – Recognize open doors for outreach and impact. Seize them.
Threats – Be aware of internal and external challenges. Pray, prepare, and take action.

A healthy S.W.O.T. analysis positions your church for sustainable growth and revival.

I. CHURCH CHANGE FORMULA

CC = CG (15Ps) + 10s

Church Change = Church Growth via 15 Principles + 10 Key Shifts

Not every change leads to growth, but no growth can happen without change. Many churches die because they refuse to change. After about seven years, most churches (local or denominational) settle into a system that resists innovation. To reverse stagnation, deliberate and Spirit-led change must be introduced.

15 Pillars of Change (15Ps):

A clear, divine vision for a better future.
Personal transformation before corporate transformation.
Raising leaders who embrace and model change.
The Holy Spirit’s power to drive change.
Research your church to understand what to change.
Prevailing prayer as the foundation for change.
Educating people until they desire change.
Effective communication of needed change.
Gradual, Spirit-paced implementation of change.
Leadership buy-in—key people must embrace the change.
Addressing resistance and problems around the change.
Celebrating visible results of change.
Developing courage to lead and manage change.
Focusing on long-term benefits, not just immediate outcomes.
Conducting debriefs and reviews to refine the process.

A church that resists Spirit-led change is a church headed for decline.

10 Strategic Areas That Often Need Change:

Church structures
Church leadership style
Doctrinal rigidity (non-essential dogmas)
Worship expressions
Service timings
Ministry programmes
Sunday school curriculum
Music style
Dress culture
Outreach methods

But we must NEVER change the eternal truth of God’s Word.

J. LEADERSHIP IS THE DIFFERENCE-MAKER

Everything rises and falls on leadership, especially in ministry. The difference between thriving churches and struggling ones often lies in the quality of leadership (Psalm 78:72).

You can be called but not trained in leadership.
You can attract crowds but lack the wisdom to lead them effectively.
You must grow in relational, managerial, and spiritual leadership.
People don’t always leave churches—they leave poor leadership.
A leader must stay green (teachable) to remain relevant and respected.

People follow leaders they respect, and respect is earned through:

Integrity – Proverbs 10:9
Humility – Proverbs 29:23
Dependability – Proverbs 25:15
Right Priorities – Proverbs 11:27; 14:22
Generosity – Proverbs 11:16
Spirituality – Proverbs 3:4–6

Leadership is influence—and influence is built on character, competence, and consistency.

K. CHURCH GROWTH IN DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES

Denominational churches often face institutional barriers to growth due to layers of authority, traditional systems, and rigid policies. However, local pastors must remember: You are accountable for the local church under your care.

Build the people God has given you—don’t just wait for headquarters’ approval.
Navigate the dogmas with wisdom and grace.
Develop spiritual and relational influence to move the church forward.
Be Spirit-led but system-wise—working within structures but growing beyond limitations.

L. CHURCH GROWTH IN INDEPENDENT CHURCHES

God is raising many leaders to plant and pioneer churches. However, independence must never mean rebellion or pride. Many began with God but drifted into competition, carnality, and empire building.

Remain faithful to your calling and heavenly vision.
Build on the balanced foundation of Scripture.
Seek to expand God’s Kingdom, not your personal name.
Embrace change that aligns with God’s will.
Develop systems that produce genuine disciples, not just followers.
Raise leaders who multiply the work, not just extend your title.
Teach and live out a sound theology of growth.

M. GENERAL FACTORS THAT FOSTER CHURCH GROWTH

Prayer and spiritual warfare
Personal development of the leaders
Effective leadership skills
Willingness to change outdated methods
Strategic and productive programmes
Biblical preaching and pulpit effectiveness
Training and empowering workers and leaders
Manifestation of the supernatural (miracles, healings, gifts)
Ability to solve people’s real-life problems
Hard work and ministry diligence
Maintaining a good public testimony and image

CONCLUSION: BUILDING THE CHURCH THAT CHRIST DESIRES

Jesus said, “I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). This means that church growth is Christ’s agenda, and we are co-laborers with Him in this great task.

We must remember:

Church growth is not a formula—it is a partnership with the Holy Spirit.
Church growth is not just attendance—it is about making disciples.
Church growth is not about competition—it is about kingdom expansion.
Church growth is not instant—it requires intentionality, faith, wisdom, and sacrifice.

Whether you are leading a small fellowship or a growing congregation, God wants to breathe fresh life into your vision, deepen your leadership capacity, and cause your ministry to flourish. Don’t settle for survival. Don’t be satisfied with religious routine. Step out in faith, rise up in boldness, and build for Christ.

Let this be your heart cry:
“Lord, grow your church through me. Multiply your kingdom through us. Let your glory fill your house.”

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” — Acts 2:47

Amen.