Planting a church is one thing, but keeping it outward-focused as it grows is another. As ministries expand, it’s easy for the demands of running a church to gradually compete with the mission that helped establish it in the first place. So how can church leaders keep evangelism at the heart of church life?
The answer may be simpler than launching another program: be intentional about what you help your people focus on.
The Power of Focus
The key to sustaining growth after establishing a church lies in focus. Most churches don’t struggle with evangelism; they grapple with maintaining a clear focus. As church leaders, we need to direct our members’ attention towards the mission, rather than getting lost in internal matters like budgets and rosters.
People naturally move toward whatever occupies their attention. Your church plant is going to move to wherever you cause the occupation of people’s attention.
If church discussions revolve around outreach and sharing faith, the congregation will naturally shift their focus and behaviors towards those priorities.
Reflective Practices
Creating space for reflective practices is vital. This allows the Holy Spirit to guide our teams, helping them realize where they are currently at and where they need to go. It’s about asking powerful questions that prompt reflection and action.
What occupies the attention of your people most often during a normal month? This question serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing what is truly valued in the church community.
Recognising Opportunities
Many Christians miss evangelistic opportunities not because they don’t care, but because they haven’t been trained to look for them. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to help our members notice these opportunities. Through consistent questioning, we can direct their focus outward, helping them see where God is already working.
For example, ask your team: “Who are you praying for? Who has God placed in your life?” When we shift the conversation to these types of questions, we open their eyes to the possibilities around them.
Setting Clear Goals
Clear, measurable goals are essential for engaging our congregation. Rather than vague objectives like “share your faith,” we can set specific actions such as:
– Pray daily for three people.
– Invite one person to a church event this month.
What gets measured gets done. By tracking and celebrating these actions, we reinforce their importance and encourage ongoing engagement.
Conclusion
In summary, the secret to growing a church post-planting lies in intentional focus, reflective practices, and clear, measurable goals. By guiding your congregation’s attention towards evangelism and community engagement, you can foster a thriving church environment.
Reflect on your own church’s focus and consider what steps you can take to ensure your community is oriented towards growth and outreach. For more insights, listen to the full episode and explore these concepts further!
Listen to our episode The Secret to Church Growth After You Plant
The Secret to Church Growth After You Plant with Tina Waldrom
