I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane, and I have to say, many pastor/ authors were light years ahead of their time. Here is a short but sweet article by Rick Warren which I consider evergreen content. It was applicable in 2013, and it’s still just as fresh today.If you are just starting out in ministry, starting a new church, or wanting some help to grow your church, this post is for you.
I have listed the bullet points. If you would like to read the entire article, please visit ARTICLE by Rick Warren
1) Decide you want to grow
Believe it or not, the primary barrier to church growth is desire. Do you really want to grow? If the answer is yes, then you must commit to this goal and be willing to accept changes.
2) Your role as a pastor must change
Once you decide you want to grow, you’ll need to analyze your role as pastor. You must be willing to switch from minister to leader.
3) Mobilize members for ministry
Be willing to give up some leadership and entrust ministry to the people in the pews.
4) Begin having multiple services
If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to start planning for it seriously. By offering people a choice of services, you’re effectively putting another hook in the water.
5) Multiply your staff
To grow past that 200 barrier, you must begin moving to multiple staff. You must begin to specialize the staff under your leadership.
6) Plan big days
The best way I know to break through barriers is to break a few all at one time. Plan a big day — an event — and your numbers go up. Yes, they go back down afterward, but not as far as they were before the event. Keep doing this and you grow. Big holidays are an obvious time to concentrate on events — Easter, Christmas. Plan outreaches to the community.
7) Have multiple cells
Groups of 8-12 people. Cells become tools for caring for the body.
8) Expand your facility
Many churches build too small, too fast. What I’m saying is you need to plan for growth and project out what your needs will be.
May God bless you and anoint you as you begin to implement these changes. May you continue and not lose heart. Remember… it’s worth it 🙂
If you would like to read the entire article, please visit ARTICLE by Rick Warren