“As you read through these qualities of a growing church, check off the traits that your church and leaders currently possess in some useful measure. Circle those that are lacking. Then realize, none of these are “natural” traits. Great churches, as well as great men of God are not born, they are made.”
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The Qualities of a Growing Church
By T. W. Massengale.
Success leaves clues. As I have studied growing churches, I find certain qualities that appear over and again. Each growing church applies them in their own way. Some are stronger in one area than others. Few churches have all of them. Yet of the following seven, the growing church will usually manifest five or six.
As I have said before: the growth of a church will rise or fall upon it’s leadership. A growing church has a growing pastor. No church will ever rise above it’s leadership. A pastor must strive to improve himself in body, mind, and spirit.
As you read through these qualities of a growing church, check off the traits that your church and leaders currently possess in some useful measure. Circle those that are lacking. Then realize, none of these are “natural” traits. Great churches, as well as great men of God are not born, they are made. Qualities such as these are purposefully developed and strengthened. The Spirit can transform a church and it’s leadership if they are willing to subject themselves to the wheel of the Master Potter. If a church will fast and pray, feed their mind and spirit with what they desire to become, the Holy Ghost will do the rest.
1. The growing church possesses great humility. They know their greatness is only the result of the hand and providence of God. In the Word of God, great men were not boasting men. They knew they were nothing in themselves and great only because of their God. David said, “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” Paul said, “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle.” Jacob said, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies.” Solomon said, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.”
2. The growing churches possess personal discipline. The leader who exercises oversight of others must first learn to supervise himself. Growing church leaders are disciplined in prayer, study, soul winning, and managing their time. They nether burn out nor coast along. They have achieved a spiritual balance in their lives. They know that they must feed the whole man – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. They insure that each of these needs are being met.
3. The growing church is a church of vision. They are people possessed with a dream, not of their own making, but a dream given to them by God. They, like Abraham, are willing to step out into the unknown and be led by the Spirit. They know that “without a vision, the people parish,” and they apply the word ‘people’ both to their church, as well as the lost.
