"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6
What is church growth? What is it all about? How do we put it into practice? And why does it matter?
Growth is defined in terms of numerical growth as more people get involved, spiritual growth as people become more like Jesus, and servanthood growth as you together have more impact in your local community.
There is a common misconception about growth that somehow it has to be fast, big and colourful. But modest, gradual and on-going growth is a wonderful, visionary, and difficult enough thing to achieve. Church growth is not about a bigger church for its own sake, but rather about more of God’s people being brought to him and his world being transformed. All living things grow.
As God’s people we are called to make disciples, build the body of Christ, and invite others to experience the love of God.
There are lots of courses, support and research for church leaders about how to lead their churches into growth. If you would like to find out more, click on the ‘resources’ link.