![]() Church growth has been a topic of discussion among pastors for decades. One of the first questions often asked at a pastor’s conference is, “How many members do you have in your church?” Today, this question carries a new weight as clergy across the United States face new challenges to church attendance. Recent studies reveal a decline in church participation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2020 to 2023, the percentage of Americans attending church weekly fell to 20%, while 57% of adults reported attending seldom or never. This marks a significant shift from pre-pandemic patterns, with many churches struggling to regain attendance levels. Meanwhile, the number of “unchurched” individuals continues to rise. While interest in spirituality remains high, especially among younger generations, this has not translated into greater church involvement. Instead, they are turning to alternative forms of spirituality by identifying as Spiritual but not religious. Spiritual interests include New Age practices, Neopaganism, and mixed religious traditions (i.e., mixing Buddhist, Christian, Hinduism, etc.). Millennials and Gen Z tend to have a lower rate of formal religious affiliation than previous generations. A significant portion identifies as "nones" (no religion), with many embracing a fluid and eclectic approach to spirituality. These trends paint a sobering picture for pastors grappling with addressing a growing cultural disengagement from traditional church life. In response, many churches have joined the Church Growth Movement, a collective effort to reverse these trends. Today, resources on church growth abound, ranging from books and seminars to online programs and tools. A simple Google search for “church growth” yields millions of results, underscoring the widespread interest and urgency surrounding this topic. While not all these resources prove effective, they highlight the shared desire among pastors to see their congregations thrive once again. However, while innovative strategies and modern resources can be helpful, true church growth must remain rooted in biblical principles. Today, I want to explore a biblical approach to cultivating a healthy and Spirit-led church. Every pastor dreams of seeing their congregation flourish, perhaps even requiring additional services due to growth. Yet, growth must be healthy, sustainable, and Spirit-driven. We turn to Acts 2:42–47, which provides a timeless model of a thriving and biblically grounded church community. Acts 2:42–47 A Biblical Model for Church Growth Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 demonstrated the power of the Holy Spirit, leading to 3,000 new converts. In the following verses, we see four key characteristics of a healthy church that I hope will inspire and challenge us as a church body and as individuals to live Spirit-filled lives, resulting in a Spirit-filled church. Four Characteristics of a Healthy Church 1. A Church That Values God’s Word Acts 2:42 reveals that the early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching. It is important to note that the early believers did not have a physical Bible like we do today. While the Old Testament Scriptures were recognized as sacred, Jesus' teachings, death, burial, and resurrection were also regarded as divine. The apostles’ words were held in high esteem as they relayed their experiences with Jesus and His teachings. A Spirit-filled church will always prioritize studying the Word of God. If the Spirit of God resides in us, we will naturally be drawn to His Word. Bible study provides the foundation for spiritual growth, equipping believers to live according to God’s will and to share His truth with others. Furthermore, studying Scripture allows us to deepen our understanding of God’s character and His plan for humanity. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Churches today must prioritize sound biblical teaching. This means creating opportunities for members to engage with the Word of God, whether through sermons, Bible study groups, or personal devotional practices. A church's health is directly tied to its commitment to Scripture. 2. A Church That Fellowships The early church also devoted itself to fellowship, as seen in Acts 2:42. The Greek word “Koinonia” conveys the idea of holding something in common. The believers had a shared bond through Jesus Christ, fostering fellowship with Him and with one another. This fellowship included worship and the breaking of bread, as mentioned in verse 42. However, it extended beyond merely gathering together. Verses 44 and 45 illustrate the depth of their fellowship: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This generosity stemmed from their understanding of God’s generosity toward them. Their fellowship was not limited to attending church services but involved meeting each other’s needs and sharing life together. As James Montgomery Boice noted, “If you find yourself out of fellowship with God, you will begin to find yourself out of fellowship with other believers. But if you come close to God, you will inevitably find yourself being drawn to other Christians.” Fellowship is more than socializing; it is about creating a community where believers can support and encourage one another. In today’s fast-paced, individualistic society, the church must strive to build authentic relationships among its members. This might involve organizing small groups, hosting events that foster connection, or simply encouraging members to practice hospitality in their homes. 3. A Church That Prays The early church was also a praying church. It prayed corporately and privately, recognizing its importance and power. Through prayer, believers gained wisdom, received healing, interceded for others, worshiped God, and grew in their relationship with Him. Prayer must remain a central discipline for any healthy church. It is through prayer that the church aligns itself with God’s will and seeks His guidance for its mission and growth. Acts 4:31 provides a powerful example of the early church’s prayer life: “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” This verse highlights the transformative power of prayer, which strengthens individual believers and empowers the church to fulfill its mission. Churches today should prioritize prayer in all aspects of ministry. This could include organizing prayer meetings, encouraging members to form prayer partnerships, or integrating prayer into every church activity. By doing so, the church invites God’s presence and power into its midst. 4. A Church That Evangelizes Although Acts 2:47 does not explicitly state that the early church engaged in evangelism, it does say, “The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This suggests that the believers were sharing the Gospel, as the church’s growth was evident. Peter’s sermon in the chapter resulted in thousands of conversions, which continued throughout the book of Acts. Sharing the Gospel—the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—is critical to church growth. Christ has entrusted us with the responsibility of spreading His message, and through our obedience, He brings people to Himself. Matthew 28:19–20, known as the Great Commission, commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Evangelism can take many forms, from personal conversations to organized outreach events. Regardless of the method, the goal remains the same: to share Christ's love with a world in need. Churches must equip their members to confidently share their faith and create opportunities for them to engage with their communities. Healthy Church Growth: A God-Driven Process These four characteristics provide a biblical model for how the church should operate today. When individuals and congregations embody these traits, they cultivate an environment for healthy growth. However, it is crucial to remember that growth ultimately comes from God. Acts 2:47 emphasizes that “the Lord added to their number daily.” While we are called to share the Gospel and live Spirit-filled lives faithfully, it is God who causes the growth. A healthy church focuses on being spiritually vibrant, trusting that God will use its faithfulness to advance His kingdom. This God-driven process challenges us to shift our focus from numerical growth to spiritual health. While it is natural to desire a growing congregation, true success lies in the spiritual maturity and vitality of its members. By prioritizing biblical teaching, authentic fellowship, committed prayer, and faithful evangelism, we create an environment where God can work powerfully. Conclusion The early church in Acts 2:42–47 provides a timeless model for healthy church growth: devotion to the Word, genuine fellowship, committed prayer, and faithful evangelism. As individuals and as a church, may we strive to embody these characteristics, trusting God to bring growth in His way and in His time. With hearts open to His leading, we can be part of a Spirit-filled movement that impacts the world for Christ. In a world where many are seeking spiritual fulfillment outside the church, it is more important than ever for the church to be a beacon of hope, love, and truth. By following the biblical model for church growth, we can rise to meet this challenge, drawing people to the transformative power of the Gospel. Let us commit ourselves to this mission, trusting that God will do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine
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Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
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