Seven Obstacles to Healthy Church Growth

In over 30 years of ministry, I have been part of fast growing churches, slow growing churches and even churches that have declined in growth. In every situation I have paid close attention to the causes for such things. Although there are circumstantial situations that can play a part, I have observed some basic things that can be obstacles to real, tangible growth.

Obstacle Number One: The Absence of Faith

For fear of failure, some leaders will begin making excuses before they even begin. The lack of belief in the concept of growth has picked up more steam in recent years. Yet faith is a major component to all we do for God. Leaders should not just believe that their church will grow but they should have expectations for growth and behave as if it were a given.

Obstacle Number Two: The Absence of Knowledge

There are many church leaders that live by trial and error even refusing to seek out those that can teach them something. People perish because of a lack of knowledge according to Hosea. So, it is true that what you don’t know can kill you!

Obstacle Number Three: An Entitlement Mentality

Some leaders feel that they are entitled to growth simply because they entered into ministry. It is as if they have made the ultimate sacrifice and therefore something is owed to them. However, the laws of growth equally apply to everyone. Prayer, fasting, labor and patience are vital in order to see a healthy product. Of course, our trust is in God to bring the results, but faithfulness and work are essential. You are not entitled just because you have leader or pastor before your name.

Obstacle Number Four: Avoiding Growth as a Goal

The New Testament church was about growth! The Scriptures record the story of growth even giving us an account of numbers. It has become popular today to downplay numbers because it seems so insensitive to the real heart of ministry. But we must not be afraid to count people, God does!

Obstacle Number Five: A Lack of Confidence in the Leader or Leaders

Proverbs says, “Where there is no vision, people perish!” Many leaders are unsure of what to do because they have no vision. They have no vision because they have not gained the heart of God for their people. So activity is random, direction is unclear and confusion abounds. Be certain by knowing the heart of God for your people and community. Have a plan and be decisive with it. Otherwise, people will find another path to follow.

Obstacle Number Six: A Lack of Corporate Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting opens the hearts of those who participate to hear clearly what God is saying and doing. When prayer and fasting are centered on what we believe is God’s direction, then we will begin to be united on the strategies and plans necessary to get the job done. A lack of prayer and fasting by the congregation will keep things vague and volatile never leading to positive results.

Obstacle Number Seven: Improper Motives for Growth

It is sad when a church takes on a corporate mindset that more people provide more funds to keep the machinery running. This mentality is too common and though it may lead to more people, it really doesn’t produce spiritual or healthy growth. Behind every number is a human soul in need of a holy Savior! Our motives (if based upon the Word) are for souls to be saved, sanctified and serving the Lord Jesus. Making disciples and creating community leads to building the Kingdom of God.

While these are not the only obstacles, these are some that will stand in the way of effective growth. Perhaps we will point out other obstacles in the months ahead, but for now, pay close attention to your own situation and make sure these obstacles are overcome in your life and ministry!