It’s the question I’m asked more than any other. It’s asked so often because it’s rarely answered very well, certainly not by me. The question is this: What do we need to do for our church to grow?

     Apparently others have also been stumped by this question, because the largest national survey of congregations ever conducted in the United States has resulted in a very helpful paper called Facts on Growth (just google those words and you’ll find it). The question of what causes a church to grow is answered by finding what churches that are growing have in common. You’ll want to read the whole paper, not just my synopsis, but maybe I can whet your appetite.

     Growing churches have men. Much as we love our ladies who hold most of our churches together, without both sexes present and participating, you aren’t likely to grow.

     Churches that describe themselves as a “close-knit family” are least likely to grow. Not good news, I know, because we have many “close-knit family” churches in the Central District. The problem is such churches have an invisible barrier that is very difficult for new people to cross.

     Growing churches describe their worship as “joyful”. Note, both traditional and contemporary styles can be joyful. “Reverent” is the word used to describe worship in those churches least likely to grow.

     It’s a rare growing church that doesn’t have its own website. If you don’t have one, it communicates that you don’t have much interest in reaching the generation for whom a computer keyboard is an extension of their fingertips.

     Theological orientation is not a significant factor in growth. The only “kiss of death” seems to be those churches that describe themselves as “middle of the road”.  Far more important than the liberal or conservative label is clarity of your mission and purpose.

     Churches willing to change to meet new challenges are the churches most likely to grow. But note, it’s not just the desire to grow that matters. Intentionality and action are where the rubber meets the road.

     The best summary statement of the findings in the Facts on Growth paper is this: “Essential to the mission of any religious congregation is to create a community

where people encounter God. Otherwise, congregations often resemble inward-looking social clubs with little unique sense of purpose.”

     What do we need to do for our church to grow? Maybe you wish you hadn’t asked. The truth is there’s no short, easy answer to that question, much less a short, easy path to move from decline to growth. Don’t despair! A good place to start is in prayer, seeking God’s will for your church. Get enough people praying and your church is sure to become “a community where people encounter God”. If that’s not true of your church, maybe it’s a good thing you aren’t growing!