Healthy Things Grow
It is so easy to take for granted what the Lord is doing at the church I love.
When people visit a Life Church location, they assume this is the norm across America.
Sadly, it is not.
Startling Stats
Last week a fresh new study was released at the Exponential Conference via LifeWay Research:
6 in 10 Protestant churches are plateaued or declining in attendance
57% have less than 100 in worship attendance
21% average around 50 people in weekly attendance
More than 50% saw fewer than 10 people become new Christians in the past 12 months
Only the top 10% of churches nationwide average 250+ in weekly attendance
In 2018, only 32% of churches helped start a new church or campus
The Church Growth Gap
This blows my mind.
The norm in America — the status quo of churches — is never scraping past 100 people.
The by-product of American seminaries is having 90% of churches never breaking 250 in attendance.
That’s NOT what I see in the Scriptures:
Peter preached to them and warned them with these words: “Be rescued from the wayward and perverse culture of this world!”
Those who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the church.
Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer.
A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.
All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had.
Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them.
Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility.
They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life.
(Acts 2:40-47, TPT)
Making a Holy Shift
We are supposed to be a movement of changed lives, unleashed by the Carpenter-King.
The greatest message in the world brimming with hope, forgiveness, destiny and life is being smothered out.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Jesus promised He would build His church.
The potential of the gospel is always on the horizon.
I do not believe God has called church leaders to hold the fort but to storm the heights!
Jesus did not die on the cross so that we could become comfortable, engage in silly debates with other Christians, and hold our ground. We are called to fearlessly DOUBLE DOWN and TAKE SOME GROUND!
Are You Willing to Be Made Willing?
Jesus was not crucified on the cross so that I could go online and crucify others.
My platform exists to speak life, truth, and hope over people’s lives!
My words, my actions, my influence… all of it is HIS and I want to leverage all of it to help make Heaven crowded!
The good news is that it is NEVER TOO LATE TO BECOME who you MIGHT HAVE been!
While our Lifers continue to dream bigger dreams and attempt larger jumps of faith, I want to encourage and equip other church leaders and church planters.
You have what it takes.
I believe in you.
Join me for our next Fearless Leadership Coaching Livestream this Wednesday at 8:30am EST.
No ego’s.
No Comparison Games.
No Sales Gimmicks.
Just raw enthusiasm and insanely-practical leadership coaching for leaders and church planters.
Normally our coaching costs $179.
But I’m so fired up about these new sinking stats that we’re offering you FREE ACCESS this Wednesday.
That’s right, it’s on the house.
Sign up now and we’ll send you the private link:
This Wednesday, 8:30am EST
Join other church leaders and planters from across the country this Wednesday at 8:30am EST.
Become fearless and receive proven training from the best.
Together, let’s see what God can do through you!
