10 Keys to Growing a Small Church

Working in a small church is a special privilege. It’s intimate, personal, and often deeply fulfilling. However, small churches with 70 people or less, often face unique challenges when it comes to growth. Whether your goal is numerical growth, deeper discipleship, or both, here are some proven strategies to help your church thrive.

1. Develop a Clear Vision

The starting point for any growth is clarity. As a leadership team, prayerfully discern and articulate what God is calling your church to be and do in your community. This vision should be:

• Biblical: Rooted in Scripture.
• Contextual: Specific to the needs of your local area.
• Actionable: Provide clear steps for members to engage.

Once the vision is clear, communicate it often—from the pulpit, in small groups, and through everyday conversations.

2. Focus on Prayer and Spiritual Vitality

Church growth begins with a deep reliance on God. Encourage your church to become a praying church. This could include:

• Hosting regular prayer meetings.
• Teaching on prayer in sermons and Bible studies.
• Encouraging individual and corporate fasting for growth and revival.

Spiritual vitality also grows as leaders and members commit to living out their faith authentically. People are drawn to a community where God is visibly at work.

3. Strengthen Your Children’s Ministry

Investing in children is one of the most effective ways to grow your church. Parents are often drawn to churches where their kids are valued and nurtured spiritually. Here are practical steps:

• Create a welcoming environment: Make sure your children’s spaces are safe, clean, and fun.
• Teach the Bible creatively: Use storytelling, crafts, and games to bring Scripture to life.
• Engage families: Host family-friendly events and encourage parents to participate in their children’s spiritual growth.

When kids love coming to church, they often bring their parents along, creating opportunities for family-wide transformation.

4. Make Worship Engaging and Spirit-Filled

Worship is one of the first things visitors experience, and it sets the tone for the service. To make worship a magnet for your church:

• Choose songs that resonate with your congregation but also challenge them to grow.
• Involve your congregation by encouraging participation (e.g., clapping, reading Scripture together, etc.).
• Train your team to minister skillfully and spiritually.

Visitors often decide within the first 10 minutes whether they’ll return. An engaging worship experience that points to Jesus can leave a lasting impact.

5. Invest in Relationships

Small churches have the advantage of being personal. Leverage that! Create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and included. Here are practical steps:

• Greet warmly: Make the welcome experience genuine and memorable.
• Follow up: Reach out to visitors within 24-48 hours.
• Build community: Host regular meals, small groups, or events to foster relationships.

When people feel connected, they’re more likely to stay and invite others.

6. Identify and Meet Community Needs

Ask yourself: What are the pressing needs in our community, and how can we meet them? For example:

• Host food drives or partner with local shelters.
• Offer free workshops or classes (e.g., parenting, finances, or ESL).
• Organize family-friendly events like picnics or sports tournaments.

When your church becomes known for loving its community, people will be drawn to the source of that love.

7. Equip and Empower Members to Serve

Growth is sustainable when everyone takes ownership of the mission. Equip your members to:

• Invite others: Teach them how to share their faith naturally.
• Serve: Provide opportunities to use their gifts in ministry.
• Disciple: Encourage one-on-one mentoring relationships.

A church that empowers its members becomes a vibrant, multiplying community.

8. Excellence in Preaching and Teaching

The Word of God is the foundation of any growing church. Ensure your teaching and preaching are:

• Biblically sound: Rooted in Scripture.
• Relevant: Address topics meaningful to people’s lives.
• Engaging: Use stories and illustrations to make the message memorable.

When people are fed spiritually, they’ll be eager to come back and invite others.

9. Embrace Change Wisely

Growth often requires change. This could mean:

• Updating your facilities or signage.
• Trying a new service time or format.
• Introducing technology for live streaming or digital outreach.

While change can be uncomfortable, it’s often necessary for reaching new people. Ensure changes align with your vision and involve the congregation in the process.

10. Be Patient and Faithful

Growth takes time. Celebrate small wins, like a new family joining or a meaningful worship moment. Remain faithful to God’s calling, and trust Him for the increase. Remember, the goal isn’t just to fill seats but to see lives transformed by the gospel.

Final Thoughts

Growing a small church requires a combination of spiritual focus, relational investment, and intentional strategy. Whether you’re leading worship, teaching, or serving behind the scenes, lean into the unique opportunities of a small church setting. When children’s ministry thrives, relationships are nurtured, and worship and preaching are impactful, families and individuals alike will be drawn to your community. With God’s guidance and your congregation’s commitment, you can see your church flourish in ways you never imagined.