36 Trends I See In Healthy, Growing Churches

I’ve been in and around growing churches for more than fifteen years now. Here are some consistent trends I’ve noticed in churches that experience health and growth:

1. Priority in pointing people to a relationship with Jesus
2. Bible-centered teaching that addresses real life topics
3. Empowering leadership cultures
4. Big, clear vision for the future
5. Intentional strategy to reach people outside the faith
6. Artists released to leverage their creative gifts
7. Focused discipleship strategy with clearly-defined next steps
8. Staff-driven leadership with lay leader advice and accountability
9. Welcoming, friendly environment for first-time guests
10. Healthy systems around core next steps
11. Unity
12. Disciplines to plan for the future
13. Willingness to change
14. Simplicity rather than complexity in ministry programming
15. Ability to capture and share stories of life change
16. Disdain for mediocrity
17. Path for new believers to take their first steps
18. Distinctives from other churches
19. Written and well-executed communications strategy
20. Children’s environments and programming that attracts young families
21. Routinely say “no” to initiatives that would divert focus
22. Generosity is valued and modeled
23. Balance doing ministry and maintaining healthy souls
24. Volunteers empowered to lead and use their gifts
25. Strong senior leadership teams
26. Grace prevails allowing people to come as they are
27. Appropriate conflict and biblical conflict resolution
28. Culture that encourages people to invite their friends
29. Clear next steps at the conclusion of every message
30. An aversion to religion and religious people
31. Intentional focus to encourage healthy marriages and relationships
32. Missions and evangelism aren’t programs–it’s a lifestyle
33. Metrics to measure impact
34. Expect the ministry to reproduce itself through multi-site and/or church planting
35. Boundaries are established to protect corporate and individual integrity
36. Execute on their plans

There are certainly other trends, but these were the first that came to mind.

What I will add, though, is that there’s a lot written and discussed on how church should be done. Some of that is based on one person’s philosophy or one church’s experience. I tend to be biased to trends I’ve seen over many churches and many years. This list reflects that.

What’s your experience? What would you add to this list?

Photo Credit: Môsieur J. [version 9.1] via Compfight cc