Is Church Growth Biblical?
When you think about church growth, what comes to mind? For many pastors, including Pastor John, it’s about more people attending, more involvement in ministry, and a stronger sense of community. However, a big question often lingers in church leaders' minds: Is church growth biblical?
Let’s break this down, explore the scriptures, and look at how modern church marketing strategies can align with biblical principles. By the end of this article, you might find peace of mind in growing your church in a way that honors God and reaches new people.
What Does the Bible Say About Church Growth?
Before discussing marketing strategies and digital platforms, let’s examine the Bible. After all, we want to ensure that church growth isn't just about numbers—it's about fulfilling the mission of spreading the Gospel. So, is it okay to use modern marketing methods for church growth?
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
This clear directive is the cornerstone of the church's mission. Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples, teaching them His commands. The goal? To spread the word, reach people, and grow the kingdom of God. But what does that look like today, especially with so many technological advancements available?
The book of Acts provides another clue. In Acts 2:47, the early church is described:
"And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47)
Here, we see that God Himself is the one who grows the church. People were being saved and added to the community of believers daily. The church wasn't just growing in numbers and spiritually, too. This shows us that while we can certainly use tools and strategies to engage with people, ultimately, it is God who provides the increase.
What does this mean for Pastor John and other church leaders? Growing the church through outreach or marketing fulfills the biblical mandate of spreading the Gospel. However, actual growth requires reliance on God’s power and timing.
Pastor John's Church Struggles With Growth
Like many church leaders, Pastor John often finds himself overwhelmed with the dual responsibilities of ministry and administration. His church has been facing a decline in attendance, especially among younger generations, and he knows that the digital age has changed the way people connect with their communities.
He's tried putting up flyers in the local coffee shop, relying on word of mouth, and hosting events. But none of these efforts consistently bring in new faces.
One Sunday, Pastor John felt discouraged. He opened his Bible and prayed for guidance. The words from Matthew 28 and Acts 2 came to mind—*make disciples, spread the word, and trust God for the increase*. That was his calling. But as he closed his Bible, he wondered: How can I do this in the digital age?
That's when Pastor John realized that church growth shouldn’t be a struggle. While God brings the increase, Pastor John has been entrusted with a powerful tool—the internet.
By using a strategic church marketing approach, Pastor John could not only share the message of Jesus but also reach people where they are online.
The Church is Like a Garden
Think of your church as a garden. You plant seeds of faith, water them with care, and tend to them as they grow. You know that growth doesn’t happen overnight—sometimes, it takes time, patience, and the right conditions for things to flourish.
In the same way, church growth is a process. You can plant the seeds of the Gospel, water them through teaching and engagement, and tend to your church community through meaningful relationships. But, just like a garden, it also requires proper tools, good soil, and sometimes some help from outside sources.
A church marketing strategy is like a gardening tool—helping you nurture and grow your church more effectively. Just as you wouldn’t expect to grow a healthy garden without the right tools, you also shouldn’t expect to grow your church without the right marketing tools in today’s world.
Example: Imagine a garden with a fence around it, keeping the plants safe. Imagine if that fence was built with beautiful gates and signs inviting people in. Your church's website, social media platforms, and digital outreach are those gates—welcoming people into the garden of faith you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.
Church Marketing: A Biblical Approach
So, how does digital marketing for churches fit into the picture? Pastor John doesn’t need to feel like he’s compromising his faith or the integrity of his ministry by using tools like websites, social media, or email marketing. These are modern-day ways of communicating the timeless message of the Gospel.
Here are a few biblical principles that align with effective church marketing:
1. Be a Light to the World
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
This verse speaks to the importance of shining God’s light in a world that needs it. When done right, church marketing strategies are a way to shine that light and invite people into your community. Whether through social media, digital marketing, or a website, you offer a platform for others to see God’s work in action.
2. Building Relationships
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Engaging with your community—both in person and online—builds relationships. Effective church marketing should never be about mere numbers. It should be about nurturing relationships, encouraging people to engage, and fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Use Resources Wisely
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Pastor John knows that wise use of his church’s resources is key to good stewardship. If done right, digital marketing can be a cost-effective and efficient way for churches to allocate resources and reach more people without overextending the church’s budget.
4. Go Into All the World
"And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” (Mark 16:15)
The Gospel is meant to go to the world. Through the internet, you can reach people beyond your local community—across the nation and even globally. Digital marketing is an extension of this mission.
Growing Your Church in a Digital World
Church growth is not just about filling seats—it’s about fulfilling the Great Commission. While God provides the development, it’s your job to cast the net far and wide. Using church marketing strategies, such as digital marketing for churches, can help you reach new people, build relationships, and spread the Gospel more effectively.
Remember, church growth is like tending to a garden—planting seeds, watering them, and allowing them to grow in God’s timing. But, just like any gardener needs tools, you need the right strategies and platforms to nurture and grow your church in today’s world.
Get Your Free Church Marketing Audit!
Pastors, we understand that marketing might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to help. We'd love to offer you a FREE church marketing audit report if you want to take the first step towards growing your church with a proven marketing strategy.
This audit will help you identify areas for improvement in your online presence, reach more people, and make your church a beacon of hope in your community.
