How to Sustain Church Growth: Every Christian's Responsibility
Church growth isn't just about numbers—it's about spiritual maturity and community impact. But sustaining meaningful growth requires more than just showing up on Sunday morning. It demands active participation from every believer in the body of Christ.
Why Is Church Attendance Non-Negotiable?
Many Christians today have become too comfortable with minimal church involvement. However, Hebrews 10:23-25 makes it clear that regular attendance isn't optional—it's essential for spiritual health and community growth.
Attendance Affirms Our Hope
The early church met on Sunday mornings to commemorate Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week. When we gather regularly, we're affirming the same hope that sustained believers nearly 2,000 years ago. As Titus 2:13 reminds us, we're "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Attendance Shows Consideration for Others
Church attendance isn't just about personal spiritual needs—it's about loving and considering fellow believers. Philippians 2:3 instructs us to "let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
When we prioritize our own convenience over gathering with other believers, we're essentially saying we love ourselves more than our brothers and sisters in Christ. This self-centered approach prevents the mutual encouragement that comes from corporate worship.
Attendance Enables Exhortation
The Bible calls us to exhort one another—to encourage each other toward more godly living. This can only happen when we're consistently present in each other's lives. How can we encourage spiritual growth in others if we're rarely around to witness their struggles and victories?
What Does It Mean That Service Is Mandatory?
There's a harsh truth many Christians need to hear: no one is saved to sit, and there's no retirement age in God's kingdom. From the youngest to the oldest believer, everyone has a role to play in sustaining church growth.
God Equips Every Believer to Serve
First Corinthians 12:1 addresses spiritual gifts, and Paul makes it clear he doesn't want Christians to be ignorant about this topic. In fact, there are only three things Paul specifically says Christians shouldn't be ignorant about: the gospel, Christ's second coming, and spiritual gifts.
Every person who has been genuinely saved has received at least one spiritual gift. This isn't debatable—it's biblical fact. If someone claims they don't have a spiritual gift, they either haven't discovered it yet or they may need to examine whether they've truly been born again.
The Parable of the Talents Applies Today
Jesus' parable of the talents illustrates God's expectation for using our gifts. The master gave different amounts to different servants based on their abilities, but he expected all of them to use what they'd been given. The servant who buried his talent was condemned, not because he lost money, but because he failed to use what was entrusted to him.
Too many Christians today are burying their spiritual gifts instead of investing them in God's kingdom.
How Should We Use Our Spiritual Gifts?
First Peter 4:10-11 provides clear direction: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." The purpose of spiritual gifts is to serve others and bring glory to Jesus Christ.
Developing a Servant's Attitude
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 20:26-28 that greatness in God's kingdom comes through serving others. Yet many churches today have too many people wanting to be masters rather than servants. This creates conflict and stunts growth.
Consider this: if you went to work tomorrow and told your boss you were going to do things your way instead of following instructions, how long would you keep your job? Why then do we think we can approach church service with a "my way or the highway" attitude?
Remember, we were "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20). If we truly belong to Christ, we don't get the final say in how we serve—He does.
What Are the Key Areas for Using Spiritual Gifts?
Evangelism: Sharing the Good News
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations." Today, we have more tools for evangelism than ever before—social media, email, and countless other communication methods.
But here's the key: you don't have to travel to foreign countries to fulfill this command. Each of us enters different "worlds" every day—our workplace, neighborhood, school, or community. Are we sharing the gospel in these everyday contexts?
Discipleship: Growing Others in Faith
Many people misunderstand what discipleship means. A disciple isn't just a "follower of Christ"—the word actually means "learner." A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus Christ and becomes more like Him over time.
This raises an uncomfortable question: Are we becoming more Christlike, or are we still struggling with the same issues that have bothered us for years? If we're not growing spiritually ourselves, how can we help others grow?
Discipleship can't be accomplished by one person alone. It requires the entire church body working together to help new believers mature in their faith.
Community Engagement
Our community extends far beyond our church walls. In our connected world, we have opportunities to reach people throughout our region and beyond. The key is finding creative ways to engage with practical needs while sharing the gospel.
Effective community engagement meets people where they are, regardless of their economic status or background. Everyone needs the gospel, from the poorest to the richest person in town.
Why Do Churches Struggle to Retain New Members?
Consider this sobering reality: many churches baptize new converts and welcome transfer members, but fail to retain them long-term. Why does this happen?
Often, new members observe the attitudes and behaviors of existing members. If they see people more concerned with having their own way than serving others, if they witness poor attendance and lack of commitment, they may decide church isn't worth their time.
New believers and members need to see authentic Christian living modeled before them. They need to be discipled by mature believers who demonstrate what it means to follow Christ daily.
What's the Difference Between American Christianity and Biblical Christianity?
One significant problem in American churches is that we often prioritize being Americans over being Christians. We cherish our individual freedom so much that we resist the biblical call to servanthood and submission to Christ. This shows up in how much time we spend discussing politics versus discussing Jesus Christ. It reveals itself in our insistence on having things our way rather than seeking God's will for the church. Biblical Christianity calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Christ, putting His desires above our own preferences.
How Can You Discover Your Spiritual Gifts?
If you're unsure about your spiritual gifts, there are practical steps you can take. Spiritual gift inventories and surveys can help identify your areas of giftedness. The key is being willing to discover and then use whatever gifts God has given you.
Remember, spiritual gifts aren't given for personal benefit—they're given to serve the body of Christ and advance God's kingdom. When we use our gifts properly, they bring glory to Jesus Christ and contribute to both numerical and spiritual growth in the church.
Life Application
This week, commit to moving beyond passive church attendance to active service. Take a spiritual gifts inventory to discover how God has equipped you to serve. Then look for specific ways to use those gifts within your church and community.
Ask yourself these challenging questions:
Am I more concerned with having my way or serving others?
When was the last time I shared the gospel with someone?
How am I helping newer believers grow in their faith?
Am I becoming more like Christ, or am I stuck in the same spiritual patterns?
Remember, sustaining church growth isn't the pastor's job alone—it's every believer's responsibility. God has equipped you with spiritual gifts not to keep them buried, but to invest them in His kingdom for His glory and the good of others.