Do you desire for your church to grow? When asked, most ministry leaders answer yes. While some church movements prefer to remain small, the majority strive for growth to reach more people with the message of Christ.
It’s crucial to consider why many churches, especially small ones, struggle with growth. Here are five common reasons:
Almost Nobody Starts Big
Almost all churches start small, with only a few exceptions, like North Point. Regardless of the size, growth should be a natural outcome of fulfilling the mission to reach a community.
Resistance to Change
Resistance to change can hinder growth in churches. Some members may resist growth because they prefer the current size and dynamics of the church. However, catering to a broader community’s needs can lead to substantial growth.
I Don’t Want to Start Another Debate
Let’s avoid debating about the superiority of small vs. large churches and acknowledge that both have their strengths and weaknesses. The focus should be on growth and outreach to the community.
5 Reasons Churches That Start Small Stay Small
There are several factors that contribute to churches remaining small, including:
1. Big Hopes…But Small Strategy
Leaders often have ambitious goals but lack a clear strategy to achieve them. Developing a comprehensive plan for growth is essential for expanding the reach of the church.
2. Underfunding
Inadequate financial resources can impede church growth. While starting small is possible, sustainable growth requires proper funding to support the ministry’s activities.
3. Pastors who do everything
Pastors should delegate tasks and empower volunteers to share the ministry’s workload. Relying solely on the pastor to handle every aspect of the church can hinder growth and lead to burnout.
4. No plans for anything bigger
Leaders need to envision and plan for the church’s future growth, even if they haven’t experienced it yet. Setting goals and strategies for expansion is critical for overcoming current limitations.
5. A selfish drift inward
Churches can become inward-focused, catering to the preferences of existing members rather than reaching out to the community. Keeping the mission of outreach at the forefront can prevent churches from stagnating and losing sight of their purpose.
