WHY DOESN’T MY CHURCH GROW?
 
Some observations/thoughts gleaned from ministering to local churches in Singapore:

Churches at different sizes face a natural barrier to growth which must be overcome to "break through" to growing to the next size. While all factors for church growth are important at all times, some key critical factors observed are noted below
 

OBSERVATIONS & THOUGHTS ON CHURCH-SIZE & GROWTH-BLOCKS

CHURCH-SIZE	KEY-GROWTH FACTOR / POTENTIAL BLOCK
CHURCH SIZED 1-200 Goal: To create new ways to reach unchurched people and retain them	Competent key-leader as champion Strategically linked programs
Transition Phase 200-400 - unwillingness to be organized - too family-relational - disagreement about structure
CHURCH SIZED 400-800 Goal: To organize ministry so that ministry is “delivered” to all people	Ministry Organization Reasonably-run programs, discipleship process, pastoral leadership
Transition Phase 800-1000 - unwilling, unmotivated leaders - unmotivated teams - lack of vision & structure for each ministry/department
CHURCH SIZED 1000-1800 Goal: To develop leadership & teams for all departments so that all areas are coordinated, effective and impact-ful	Formal Leadership & Team Development Intensifying Structure Dynamics
Transition Phase (?) - inflexible structures - traditional box-thinking - lack of motivation to reach community
CHURCH SIZED ABOVE 1800 Goal: To discover the niche in community or nation and leverage resources in a massive way	Apostolic Mandate Outreach & Community Arms Innovative integration with the outside community

*note that size-ranges are estimations due to multiple avenues & factors of growth. The degree of deviation is greater the larger the church.