What an honor to be a part of such a great ministry. VOSD has experienced some phenomenal growth in these last 16 months. Our church has more than doubled since January 2008. I wanted to take sometime to share with you some valuable lessons I have learned about growth. If you are a pastor or senior leader in your church, leave a comment and share what has helped your church grow.
1. Prayer is the only thing that will change the trajectory of peoples minds for real, lasting change.
2. “Above the line” leaders are more than soldiers. They attract people to the church. “Below the line” leaders manage people. The more the “above the line” leaders the more growth. The more “below the line” leaders equals less numerical growth.
3. Set the tone from the top. The pastor’s responsibility is to let people know what is important by being at the center of the move. Leading, modeling, inspiring through physical example.
4. Spend money on the things that will give the church growth.
5. The finance person who managed your income well at one level will not necessarily do well at a whole new level. Never keep someone on staff longer than they should be. Loyalty counts but so does accuracy and effectiveness.
6. It will always require faith. No matter what your budget is or isn’t. Faith is required. I have found that when we step out on what God says to do, he always provides. It’s his vision not ours.
7. Team ministry is more effective than personality-driven ministry. One man cannot disciple every single person effectively from the pulpit. People need leaders who will impart and inspire up close. To break 200 share the ministry.
8. Multiple services work. It takes work because it works.
9. Structures create behaviors. Behaviors create language. Language creates culture. Culture is the difference between life and death. People have a tendency to do what we reward. They tend to quit on the things that we don’t even mention.
10. A church with a strong self-esteem, attracts attractive people.
How has your church grown? What kind of things are you doing? Leave a comment.
Pastor Al
Tags: Church, church growth, Evangelism
May 7, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Great stuff!
May 11, 2009 at 2:33 am
Pastor Al, your blogs always speak to me and inspire me greatly!