Jesus gave the church a clear mission: Go into all the world and make disciples.
No matter how creative our purpose statements or clever our slogans are, that’s still the heart of the mission. Our job as church leaders is simple: reach people and help them follow Jesus.
But here’s the tough question: How’s business?
Are you actually reaching people—or just maintaining the status quo?
If your church isn’t growing or engaging your community the way you hoped, here are eight common reasons churches struggle to reach people and how you can respond.
1. Too Many Ministries
When churches try to do everything, they often spread themselves too thin. Effective churches focus on the few ministries that align with their mission, serve their unique community, and produce the most fruit.
Ask this question: If we could only do three things to reach our community, what would they be?
2. Lack of Practical Tools for Inviting
Encouraging members to invite friends isn’t enough. People need simple, practical tools.
Examples:
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Share ready-to-post graphics and sample text at
yourchurch.com/invite. -
Hand out invite cards and challenge each member to give three away this week.
Equipping makes inviting easier—and more likely to happen.
3. Services Not Guest-Friendly
You don’t need to change your message, but you should design services with guests in mind.
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Explain traditions or moments that might confuse newcomers.
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Always welcome guests—even if you think everyone in the room is a regular.
This signals to your congregation that new people are expected and wanted.
4. Ministries Don’t Match Community Needs
Communities change. If your ministries don’t evolve too, they may no longer meet real needs.
Don’t assume. Ask questions. Talk with school principals, city leaders, local business owners, and families. Learn what your community truly needs today—not 20 years ago.
5. No Growth Plan
Churches often have clarity of purpose but no plan to act on it. Planning isn’t unspiritual—it’s biblical. Nehemiah planned. Jesus taught about wise stewardship. Proverbs praises planning.
Practical steps:
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Create a clear growth strategy.
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Align resources and leaders with that plan.
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Review and adjust regularly.
6. Leaders Focused on Maintenance
Many people prefer comfort over change. But churches aren’t called to maintain; we’re called to reach the lost.
Leaders must carve out time to work on the church, not just in it.
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Schedule prayer and planning days.
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Develop leaders.
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Evaluate staffing around growth, not just maintenance.
7. No Promotion or Advertising
A great service won’t matter if no one knows about it. Marketing isn’t unspiritual—it’s a tool.
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Use social media ads, community flyers, or local events.
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Recruit skilled volunteers or train staff in basic marketing.
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Dedicate part of your budget to outreach.
8. Leaders Stop Learning
Often, the biggest growth barrier is the leader. When pastors stop learning, churches stop growing.
Shift from a stuck mindset to a growth mindset:
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Instead of “people aren’t committed anymore,” ask “how can I disciple the people God has given me?”
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Instead of “we don’t have enough leaders,” ask “how can I develop leaders from those around me?”
A posture of learning keeps your church adaptable and focused on reaching people.
Final Thought
Your church doesn’t exist to maintain comfort. It exists to make disciples. If you’re struggling to reach people, don’t lose hope—evaluate, plan, and learn. With focus and faithfulness, your church can engage your community and fulfill the mission Jesus gave us.
