With nine out of ten churches plateaued or declining, we need to move our churches to a position of greater health. These eight suggestions are not silver bullets, but if practiced, they will help you move to a heightened expectation of growth:

1. Be expectant.

The church will have a heightened expectation of growth if the pastor and leadership lead the way.  

2. Be accountable. 

Leadership should hold each other accountable for weekly witnessing encounters and prospect invites to church. Again, people follow by example. If the pastor and staff do it, others often follow if encouraged. 

3. Be equippers. 

Communicate that your church expects every member to be involved in some type of ministry. Then, equip your congregation to be involved in ministry. Especially equip them to share Christ with this lost and dying world.

4. Be excellent.

Bring in outside eyes to examine everything from your facilities and the flow of your service to even your sermons. Commit to change what is needed in order to move toward a position of excellence. Your congregation will more readily invite others when things are done excellently. Moreover, the guests will more likely come back. Have a teachable spirit.

5. Be encouraging. 

Tell your church over and over again His promises. Speak positively. Remind them that God is sovereign and has a plan for your church.

6. Be celebratory. 

Brag on what God is doing. Regularly celebrate both large and small victories in the worship services. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, one victory builds momentum for more victories.

7. Be missional. 

Look for ways to get the church involved in the community. Celebrate our cooperation with other Alabama Baptist churches in our joint mission endeavors all around the world.

8. Be prayerful. 

Last but certainly not least, pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers to help you reach others for the glory of His Son. 
 
As always, feel free to contact us to help. God has called us, in part, to assist you as you move to an expectation of growth.

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.