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What’s Up:
Most churches were declining long before the pandemic hit and before you got there, pastor.
So What:
You may not be the one who broke it, but you’re the one called to fix it. If your church is stuck in decline, it’s because there aren’t effective church growth processes in place – and you’re responsible for turning that around.
The Point Is:
You Inherited the Decline
Most pastors are dealing with decline that started long before they arrived. The pandemic didn’t cause it – it just exposed and accelerated the rot.
Responsibility Is Yours Now
Like Truman said, the buck stops here. You may not have caused the mess, but you’re on the hook for what happens next. Leadership means owning the outcomes.
Growth Demands Process
Wishing for growth is a waste of time. Every healthy church implements clear processes tied to four non-negotiable strategies.
Four Strategies, Zero Excuses
You need processes for outreach, connection, discipleship, and missional engagement. Miss even one and you’re just spinning your wheels.
And … ?
Let me be blunt. You don’t get credit for trying hard. You only get results by doing the right things consistently. That means systems. Processes. Strategies that are replicable and measurable. Hoping your church will grow because you’re a good preacher or because your people love potlucks is fantasy. Real growth happens when real leaders install real processes that deliver real results. Period.
Here are the four strategy zones that separate stagnant churches from growing ones. First, you must get more unchurched people into the building. That requires three specific outreach systems, minimum. Second, once they visit, you must connect them relationally. Fellowship dinners aren’t enough. You need structured pathways that ensure every guest becomes known and cared for. Third, discipleship isn’t about stuffing heads with Bible trivia. It’s training, accountability, mentoring, and modeling. No process, no discipleship. Finally, you have to equip and deploy your people as neighborhood missionaries. If all they do is invite people to church, then you’re failing. They need to know how to share their faith and open doors to Jesus.
Action! Register now for this Thursday’s Catalytic Conversation to discover how to turn members into missionaries—or schedule a Get Growing Conversation today to get your church’s growth processes into place.
