4. A Strong Communicating Leader (cultural architect)
The early church had Peter and Paul (among others). Contrary to popular belief in church-world; teaching on the weekends is not the most important thing we’re doing. The most important thing we’re doing is building culture, and we’re using the Bible to reinforce and build this movement called the church. The primary purpose of the pulpit is not teaching, it’s leading.
5. Generous, Consistent Giving
When I first started giving I was nervous to do it; now I’m nervous not to do it. Two common barriers that hold back the movement of the church are leaders and money. It is the leaders’ responsibility to not just develop leaders but also develop generosity in the heart of the church to fuel the vision.
6. Passionate and Proficient Next Step Leaders
Growing churches must have people on the team who are great at helping people take their next step with Jesus. The ministry of Jesus can be broken down into four categories:
- Come & See: The woman at the well (John 4)…”Come and see a man who knew all about me, could He be the Messiah?”
- Follow Me: This is a line in the sand (John 6)…you’re either going to follow Jesus or you’re not.
- Be With Me: Up close and over time…this is Jesus and the disciples.
- Remain in Me: This person knows the Bible, can read it and apply it on his or her own and lead others (John 15).
Preaching can only do the first two. Next Steps are the next two. The first two are message and mission. The last two are relationship and responsibility.
7. Unapologetic Focus on Evangelism
At the end of the day, the church is all about helping people meet Jesus. Growing churches make decisions based on who they are trying to reach, not who they are trying to keep.
This article on growing churches originally appeared here.
