God exhorts church leaders to lead by example, not coercion — “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). That means we do what we’re asking them to do. If we want our churches to grow and be spiritually healthy, then we need to be an example of what it takes for growth and spiritual health.
Questions to Ask to Determine if You’re An Example of What It Takes for Growth and Spiritual Health
This Church Leadership Practicum has laid some groundwork for what it takes to see church growth and spiritual health in the Body. Click on the links below the following questions for a reminder. Then, lead by example.
Does your life demonstrate being compelled by the love of Christ to reach out? (2 Cor. 5:14)
If we want people to have the right motivation for church growth, then extend love and not condemnation to people who don’t know the Lord.
For More: Church Growth Outgrowth of Church Purpose
Do people see you actively inviting people and making them feel welcome?
To expect them to do their part, let them see you doing more than directing them on what to do.
For More: Everybody Has a Part in Church Growth
Can people clearly see that church growth is more than an ego trip in being able to say you have a big church?
We must show how seriously we take the Great Commission’s intent for church growth to lead to fully devoted followers of Jesus, not mere numerical growth, by strategically implementing discipleship efforts.
For More: Church Growth & the Great Commission
Are you able to encourage people, without reservation, to follow your example in the way you pursue church growth and health?
Only when we reflect Christ-like motivations, attitudes, and pursuits, do we have the right to ask people to follow our example (1 Cor. 11:1). That means we go about growing the church with integrity, exercising both grace and truth, not compromising. We put the focus on Christ and not ourselves or what we offer.
Trying to Attract People to Your Church Through Manipulation?
Trying to Attract People to Your Church by What You Offer?
Trying to Attract People to Your Church with Grace?
Trying to Attract People to Your Church by Watering Down the Truth?
Do people see indications that you’re relying on God to bring the growth?
As in any leadership skill or responsibility, all we do needs to be yielded to God. Yes, He will use us, but at the end of the day, it is God “who makes things grow” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). People need leaders who model not just what to do but how to pull on God’s power to be effective. When it’s about God, and not about our leadership position or skills, that makes church growth and health possible, then they’ll be more prone to do their part. The same power at work in and through us is available to all (1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 2:13; Col 1:29).
For More: Church Growth & God’s Power
Leaders who are an example of what it takes for growth and spiritual health, live out God’s purpose, design, and mission in Christ-like ways, relying on His power, to His glory. They don’t just preach or teach it. They steer the church in these directions by what they do, not merely by what they say.