Committed to Church Growth
Glenn Herschberger, Executive Director of Church Planting
Growth in a church context shouldn't be confused with chasing numbers. The true heart of church planting lies in building a vibrant, Christ-centered community. Church planters committed to healthy growth understand this. They prioritize building a strong foundation based on scripture and fostering a welcoming environment where individuals can connect with God and one another.
Metrics are important for measuring progress, but church growth goes beyond attendance data. Committed church planters celebrate new conversions, baptisms, acts of service within the community, and the spiritual growth of their congregation. They view church growth as a holistic endeavor, one that strengthens individual lives, builds a strong community, and ultimately expands God's kingdom.
When we are assessing a potential church planter, we want to see some of these characteristics in them. Do they believe in church growth as a theological principle? Are they committed to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth (more and better disciples) We are also looking to see that they are determined in establishing the goal of becoming a financially self-supporting church within a specific period. Typically, that can take 3-4 years depending on their context. And do we see in them that they see the new church project within the larger context of God’s kingdom.
Committed church planters understand the importance of growth, not just for the sake of numbers, but for the sake of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The Bible is filled with examples of leaders who prioritized growth. In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit descended, the number of disciples increased rapidly: "And there were added that day about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). This wasn't a stagnant event; the early church continued to grow: "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47).
So, how can church planters copy this biblical emphasis on growth while staying true to their core mission? Here are a few key principles:
Focus on Evangelism: The heart of church growth lies in reaching the unchurched. Church planters, like the Apostle Paul who called himself "a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" (Romans 15:16), must be passionate about sharing the Gospel message and leading people to Christ.
Disciple Making: Growth isn't just about numbers; it's about spiritual maturity. Church planters, following Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), must prioritize building a foundation of faith and equipping believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). New believers need nurturing. Church planters who prioritize discipleship equip members with the tools and knowledge to grow in their faith and become active participants in the church's mission.
Intentional Leadership: Effective church planters understand the needs of their community and design ministries that resonate with them (1 Corinthians 9:22). A healthy church doesn't rely solely on the pastor. Committed church planters invest in identifying and developing leaders within the congregation, empowering them to share the ministry load and fostering a sense of ownership among members.
Building Community: The church is meant to be a place of worship, fellowship and belonging (Acts 2:42). Church planters who foster a welcoming and wide-ranging environment create a space where people can connect with one another, grow together, and invite others to join them.
It's important to remember that church growth is ultimately about the expansion of God's Kingdom. Church planters who prioritize healthy growth, rooted in biblical principles, create thriving communities that fulfill the Great Commission and make a lasting impact on their communities. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, "We are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). Church planters, through their dedication to growth, play a vital role in cultivating that harvest field and building a strong foundation for God's work in people's lives.