In the words of John Piper, “we must pursue growth.” We are living in an age where people want to know how to grow church attendance, but pursuing church growth may raise eyebrows; it’s a reality that we cannot turn a blind eye to. Rather than being discouraged, let’s be intentional by taking the time to reflect on our own hearts in how we address church growth and attendance. If you’re reading this, you may be genuinely thirsting for the growth of your church — praise God for that! Dr. Tom Schreiner summarizes the book of Ephesians in these three words: “Sit, walk, and stand.”

SIT: Church Growth ≠ Large Congregation (Eph 4:15-16)

2020 knocked almost everyone off their feet: it came out of nowhere, and it’s an understatement to say that we were not prepared. Churches weren’t any different; the already declining church attendance fell even more sharply when many church doors were forced shut for months. In Summer 2020, only 13% of Americans attended in-person worship services, and by March 2022, that same percentage rose to 27%. However, even after the increase, the numbers of those who are actively worshiping in the church were still lower than pre-COVID-19. This pandemic raised a lot of questions for Christians, including the leaders of the church. It’s not an easy time to be in ministry, but was there ever an “ easy” time in pursuing the higher calling of pursuing Christ together?

While the early Church did not endure through a pandemic, they were not short of experiencing hardships, setbacks, and persecutions, and their first question was probably not about how to grow church attendance. Since the beginning of the Church in the book of Acts, famines, wars, and false teachers—the list goes on and on—attacked the health of the Church. Yet, we remember that God made us alive with Christ and saved us by grace, raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus (Eph 4:4-6)! We want to encourage you to sit with that truth for a bit.

While the times and situations may look different, the Church has existed over 2,000 years, despite the pains, sufferings, and hardships She endured. We must sit with the fact that Christ, who is the bridegroom of the Church, is protecting His perfect Bride, the Church, even in this very moment. Once that very truth sinks in, we can continue to walk faithfully and wisely, remembering that God is indeed in control. It’s not just the capital-C Church He’s protecting—it’s every church that professes Jesus is Lord and living out the calling that we’ve received as His Body.

WALK: Continue to be Faithful and Walk in Wisdom (Eph 5:15) to Grow Church Attendance

Growth can be a fruit of good works. The key word that we’d like to emphasize is “can.” Church growth is not a sign of faithfulness, but it is good that more people are being saved. Rather than focusing on an increase of numbers, we should emulate what Christ did by showing compassion to those who do not know Him. As John Piper states, we should encourage those in ministry “to see more and more people escape the wrath of God.”

Ultimately, we will each be responsible before God for how we steward the time and gifts that the Lord has bestowed upon us (2 Cor 5:9-10). Do we focus on sharing the Gospel or are we too focused on the total count of a Sunday to miss what God has commissioned us to do (Matt 28:18-20)?

To get the ball rolling, here are additional questions to ask yourself: How are you…

• Welcoming newcomers into your church?
  • Churches shouldn’t just be geared toward unbelievers, but they should be welcoming to those who are new to faith and exploring. We cannot be so caught up in the fellowship with one another that newcomers do not have a place at the table amongst believers. We also cannot be so focused on newcomers that current members and mature believers are not getting fed with the Word of God weekly.
• Engaging with your current members?
  • Does your church have time outside of Sundays for believers to gather and fellowship amongst one another? Are they eager to meet regularly and break bread together (Acts 2:42)? Are discipleship and accountability an important aspect of your church? Bible Studies? Community/Family/Cell Groups? Praying together? If you wonder how to grow church attendance, you should first think about how to grow church attendees.
• Reaching and serving the community around you?
  • Does the community outside your church notice your presence? What is your church doing to increase engagement with those that you’re neighboring? Is your church an encouragement to its neighbors? How are you welcoming and being genuinely curious about the community around your church?
• Preaching the Gospel effectively and reaching your congregation so that they are equipped to go out into the world?

At the end of the day, those who hear the Gospel being faithfully preached, see the believers fellowshipping in unity, and witness lives being lived out in a manner worthy of their calling, will naturally be drawn to your church. However, remember your faithfulness does not mean church numbers are in your control: The pleasing aroma of Christ that attracts some may not attract others (2 Cor 2:15-16). As those who desire to see the Church grow and flourish, we should remember that ownership is key. If someone feels like a visitor to your church, they will most likely not take the time to join your church, serve your church, one another, nor grow in relationships with others in the church. By inviting members to serve in different ministries of your church, whether that’s welcoming, hospitality, or children’s ministry (and the list goes on!), they will truly be invested in being a part of the Body (1 Cor 12:20). Remind your congregation that each member is a vital part of the Body and that we need one another (1 Cor 12:27)!

STAND: How is Your Church Standing Against the Patterns of This World? (Eph 6:13)…And How Does that Grow Church Attendance?

So, what are the next steps for you and your church? Don’t be like those who are focused on making themselves known and building up their own kingdom. And definitely don’t compare your church to the church across the street that’s maxing out their parking lot every Sunday. If God has called you, He will never fail you (Heb 12:2). He definitely won’t fail His Church, either (Mt 16:18). God keeps every promise He’s uttered, and He will protect His Church (Is 55:11).

With that said, how can you apply it to your church, in your context? Start by asking the right questions.

First, theological: Do you care for those who are without the Gospel?

Second, moral and spiritual: Do you love those who are lost?

Next, recognize which aspect of your church’s growth and attendance is in your realm. While you cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting hearts and leading others to repent, God’s words must be boldly preached, church ordinances (Lord’s Supper, baptisms) must be faithfully carried out and must embrace discipline. You can embody the body of Christ by worshiping in Spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24), through fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42), and prayer (Rom 10:1).

Even though we are unable to visibly see your efforts and prayers, remember and be encouraged that the Lord sees, including what’s on your heart. With what heart posture are you reading this? Are you frustrated over uncertainty about how to grow church attendance? Are you discouraged from the lack of participation from your congregation? Are you dejected from the failed efforts to grow church attendance? If so, take heart! Don’t forget that we have the privilege of inviting others to join the family of Christ. What an honor and joy it is to usher in others into the presence of God! Your hard work and toil are seen by God, and they matter. Continue to honor the Lord in every area that He has called you to be faithful in, and trust Him to do the rest.

We hope that you feel excited by the opportunity in front of you and your church. If you’re interested in talking about practical ways you might encourage your congregation, contact us!