Introduction:
Contents
When I first started in ministry, I believed church growth was mostly about preaching better sermons or improving Sunday services. But through the years, I’ve come to understand a deeper truth: church growth is a shared responsibility. The mission to grow the church together doesn’t rest on the shoulders of one person but flows through the hands and hearts of many. Every member, not just the pastor, plays a vital role. Growth happens when everyday people say, “I care enough to invite someone,” or “I’m willing to share my faith in simple ways.” That’s how the early church in Acts grew—and that’s how our churches can still grow today.
I’ve learned this not just from reading Scripture, but by walking it out in my own community. I’ve met people who came to church because someone they trusted invited them. I’ve seen a stranger respond to a tract left behind in a laundromat. I’ve heard testimonies from those who first heard about our church through a Facebook post or a flyer left on their door. These are not just outreach methods—they are ministry moments. They remind me that the Holy Spirit often uses our small acts of faithfulness to bring about big change in someone’s life.
This chapter is about those small steps—those doable, practical actions that you can take to help your church grow. Whether it’s sharing with someone you know, stepping out to speak with someone you don’t, posting online, or using printed tools to extend a warm welcome—you can make a difference. You don’t have to be a preacher to be powerful. You don’t need a platform to be effective. You just need a heart for people and a desire to see your church thrive.
Let me show you what I’ve learned—and how, together, we can grow the church together. We are going to deal with the topics discussed here in more detail in the upcoming chapters. As we discuss how to grow the church together under the power of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit our focus becomes clear and we learn that the full potential of the church is unlimited.
Growth is Not a Solo Act:
Growth is not a solo act—it’s a shared journey. The early church in Acts grew through ordinary believers who embraced extraordinary boldness. Today, God still uses everyday people to build His house. Whether we’re speaking face to face or posting online, every voice matters in the mission. Here are four simple, powerful ways we can all participate in growing the church—together.
1. Telling People We Know
The most natural place to start sharing our church is with the people already in our lives—our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. These are the individuals who already trust us, who know our stories, and who see our walk. A simple invitation to church or a conversation about faith can go a long way when it comes from someone they know and respect. Personal testimonies carry weight, and your story could be the key that opens someone’s heart to Jesus. When we tell people we know, we’re planting seeds in fertile soil.
2. Telling People We Don’t Know
Jesus often connected with strangers—whether it was the woman at the well or Zacchaeus in a tree. In the same spirit, we can reach out to people we don’t know through community outreach, intentional conversations in public spaces, and acts of kindness that open doors to deeper dialogue. Though it may take more courage, speaking to someone you’ve never met can make a lasting impact. After all, every member of your church family today was once a stranger. When we step outside our comfort zones, God often steps in with divine appointments.
3. Sharing on Social Media
In today’s digital age, your phone can be a pulpit. Sharing your church’s events, sermons, or a personal testimony on social media allows your message to go beyond local borders. One simple post can inspire, encourage, or reach someone who’s scrolling through their feed in search of hope. Your timeline could be their turning point. The power of social media isn’t in its complexity—it’s in its consistency. When we use our platforms to glorify God, we become digital evangelists, sowing truth into a broken world.
4. Placing Ads on Social Media
While organic posts reach those who follow us, targeted social media ads can reach those who don’t even know we exist yet. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow churches to place affordable ads that show up in the feeds of people in their city—those who may never walk through the doors unless someone points the way. When used wisely, paid ads become a tool of outreach, not just marketing. They help us go where the people are and invite them into something greater than an event—into a family of faith. Growth happens when we invest both spiritually and strategically.
Tools That Have Helped Me Grow the Church
Over the years, I’ve learned that growing the church doesn’t just happen inside the sanctuary—it starts with intentional outreach. While prayer, preaching, and preparation matter deeply, there are also practical tools that can help us connect with people in meaningful ways. These aren’t just ideas from a manual—they’re tools I’ve personally used, and they’ve helped me make real connections with real people. Let me share six that have worked for me.
1. Tri-fold Pamphlets: A Clear Picture of Who We Are
One of the first tools I ever created was a simple Trifold pamphlet. It told people who we are, who I am as their pastor, what we believe, and the ministries we offer. It wasn’t fancy—but it was honest, helpful, and hopeful. People want to know what kind of church you are before they visit. A clear, well-designed pamphlet gives them a glimpse into the heart of the church. I’ve handed these out at grocery stores, gas stations, and community events—and more than once, I’ve had someone show up at church with that same pamphlet in hand.
2. Connect Cards: A Simple Way to Stay in Touch
Connect cards have been a game changer for me. We use them not only for visitors on Sunday mornings but also during outreach efforts throughout the community. They give people a non-intimidating way to leave their contact information, ask for prayer, or express interest in learning more. I’ve learned that follow-up is where the real growth happens, and these cards help me follow up with care and intentionality. When people feel seen and remembered, they’re more likely to return—and more open to what God wants to do in their lives.
3. Door Hangers: Quiet but Powerful
In our fast-paced world, not everyone wants to be interrupted during their personal time—and I respect that. That’s why door hangers have been so helpful. They allow me and my team to leave a kind, thoughtful message at someone’s door without requiring a face-to-face interaction. I always include encouraging words, service times, and a brief introduction to our church. I’ve had people tell me later, “I saw your hanger and just felt like someone cared.” Sometimes the softest approach leaves the deepest impression.
4. Invite Cards: A Clear, Friendly Call to Come
One of the most important things I’ve learned about outreach is that people need a clear and personal invitation. That’s why we created cards that simply say, “You Are Invited.” No guesswork, no pressure—just a warm, welcoming message. Whether I’m knocking on doors or chatting with someone at a restaurant, handing them that invite card lets them know they’re welcome. It’s not just about handing out a piece of paper—it’s about extending an open hand and an open heart.
5. Bible Tracts: Planting Seeds of Truth
Sometimes you meet someone who isn’t ready to attend church—but they are open to truth. That’s where Bible tracts come in. Over the years, I’ve carried tracts that clearly explain the Gospel in simple terms. Some people have never heard the message of salvation. Others are confused by religion and need clarity about Jesus. These tracts have opened doors to conversations, changed hearts, and even brought people to salvation. It’s not just paper—it’s the living Word in someone’s hands.
6. Church T-Shirts: Wear Your Witness
Conclusion:
I’ve come to realize something over the years of doing ministry—it’s not just the sermons, the services, or the Sunday routines that grow a church. It’s the people. It’s the everyday believers who decide to care enough, love enough, and show up enough to make a difference. Growing the church isn’t just the job of the pastor in the pulpit—it’s the calling of every member in the pew. And I’ve seen that when ordinary people use the tools available to them, God does extraordinary things through them.
You don’t need to be a gifted speaker, a social media expert, or a full-time evangelist to make an impact. All you really need is a heart that loves people and a desire to see others experience the goodness of God like you have. That’s what makes your conversations with friends and family so important. That’s what gives power to a short talk with a stranger, a Facebook share, or even a five-second invitation at the gas pump. Every effort matters.
Over time, I’ve found that practical tools help us take those steps with confidence. A bifold pamphlet helps people understand who we are. A connect card gives us a way to follow up and build a relationship. Door hangers let folks know we stopped by even when we couldn’t speak face to face. Invite cards make sure our message is clear. Bible tracts help plant gospel seeds in hearts that may be searching. Even something as simple as a church t-shirt can let the community know, “We’re here. We care. And you’re welcome here.”
This one might surprise you, but custom church t-shirts have been one of the best conversation starters I’ve ever used. When our outreach team wears matching shirts with our church’s name, logo, and a personal touch like “Ask me about my church,” it sends a message: we’re united, we care, and we’re excited about our worship. It lets people know we’re not just strangers knocking on doors—we’re part of a family, and we love our church. That visible unity can break down walls before we even say a word.
Each of these tools has helped me, not just as a pastor, but as a person who wants to see the Kingdom of God grow in real neighborhoods, with real people, through real love. And the best part? You can use them too. Anyone can. So whether you’re handing out a card, making a post, wearing a shirt, or just living your faith out loud—you are helping grow the church. One invite, one post, one gesture of kindness at a time, we can expand the reach of God’s love. Together, we can make sure that no one in our community misses their chance to hear the good news. Let’s grow the church together—because every soul matters, and every member makes a difference.
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