In Defense of Church Growth

We all long to reverse numerical declines and see our churches grow once again… or do we? I used to assume this was universally true, but recent conversations have convinced me that a discussion is warranted.

Many people are skeptical of using attendance or membership growth as key metrics to measure church health. They point out that we must also consider other metrics that show believers’ spiritual depth, and they are right!
Others resist the shallowness of church growth movements and techniques. They correctly note that some church leaders have been quick to dumb down theology and compromise standards to attract a crowd.

However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. While many other good measures of church health exist, numerical growth remains a very important one. And while church growth movements have occasionally gone astray, the goal of growing Christ’s church is still a noble goal!

Below are five reasons I still care about numerical growth. I still measure it. I still pursue it. I still view it as vital to church renewal, and I hope you will too!

Why Numerical Growth Matters

Evangelism Results in Growth

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism is not optional; it is central to the church’s mission.
Some say spiritual depth is more important, but I would argue that if you are truly producing mature disciples, they will inevitably care about reaching the lost! There is no contradiction: deep is wide.

Healthy Church Cultures Attract People

When people move to town and look for a congregation to call home, they will be attracted to healthy, happy, and helpful churches. They look for places where they feel welcomed and built up. In this regard, new-to-town transfer growth is an important measure of the health of a church’s culture.
We should celebrate when new people decide to call our church home. When we do not get new guests, it should cause us to ask why. When guests come but do not return, it should cause us to ask why.

Vibrant Churches Are Focused Outward

Growing in Christlikeness involves humbly putting others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). This outward focus leads us to serve those in our communities rather than only ourselves.
Churches on the renewal journey often find that their greatest joy comes, not from focusing on their own wants and needs, but from seeking to serve others. Whether it is trying a new musical style or embracing evolving ministry strategies, these difficult choices often result in growth, particularly among the younger generations.

Growing Membership Reflects Growing Commitment

Bringing in and retaining new guests is important; moving these people toward membership is also vital.
Membership is a measurement, not of loose affiliation, but of deep commitment and belonging. It reflects that people are choosing to align themselves with your mission. They are joining the family. They are getting off the bench and onto the field! When church membership numbers increase, it is a cause for celebration.

Survival Is at Stake

Statistics show that some churches lose up to 30 percent of their membership every year, whether from death, disaffiliation, or moving out of town.
For churches that are not constantly growing by reaching new people, simple math is working against them. Decisions that preserve the status quo feel safe in the moment, but they can actually result in the death of a church in a very short time.

Make no mistake — God loves churches of all sizes. Small churches do things large churches cannot. Large churches do things small churches cannot. Not every church is meant to be a megachurch or enjoy a meteoric rise.

For a variety of reasons, not every healthy church will grow numerically in every season, but if your attendance and/or membership is consistently plateaued or declining, it may be time to ask what dynamics are behind those metrics. One of our consultants would love to walk with you as you discern the path forward for your church!