Church Growth: How to Practically Grow a Church

Many pastors dream of building a large, thriving, and impactful church. They start with great enthusiasm, envisioning packed services, vibrant worship, and a congregation filled with dedicated members.

However, the reality of church growth is often far more challenging than expected. Instead of steady growth, many pastors face stagnation, declining attendance, financial struggles, and the difficulty of mobilizing members for active ministry.

Growing a church is not automatic. It does not happen simply because a church exists or because the pastor preaches good sermons. Many churches remain small for years, not because the pastors are not anointed, but because church growth requires spiritual warfare, strategy, and hard work.

Common Challenges in Growing a Church

Lack of Commitment from Members – Many people want to receive from the church but are not willing to actively contribute to its growth.
Financial Limitations – Churches need financial resources to operate effectively, and many pastors struggle with funding ministry activities.
Spiritual Opposition – The devil resists a church growing because it means more souls being saved and discipled.
Discouragement and Burnout – Many pastors work tirelessly but see little results, leading to frustration and exhaustion.

If you are a pastor struggling with these challenges, you are not alone. Many of the largest churches in the world today—including those led by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Dr. David Yonggi Cho, and Bishop David Oyedepo—started with small congregations and numerous obstacles. What made the difference was their understanding of principles and key strategies that increase church attendance and their determination to apply them.

Growing a Church is Warfare

One of the most important revelations about growing a church is that it is spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 states:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

This means that every effort to grow a church is met with resistance. The devil does not want churches to grow because a growing church means the destruction of his kingdom. This is why pastors face attacks—discouragement, disloyalty, division, and financial struggles.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in The Double Mega Missionary Church, shares how his church started with just a few people in a small classroom. Many times, he preached to an almost empty room.

He could have given up, but he realized that church growth required a fight in prayer, perseverance, and the application of wisdom. Today, his ministry has grown into one of the largest in the world.

It is Possible to have a Large Church

If you are struggling to grow your church, know this: church growth is possible. It requires both spiritual and practical steps. In this article, we will explore nine essential principles that will help you grow your church. These principles are drawn from the teachings of Dag Heward-Mills, a pastor of one of the largest churches in the world.

Let’s get started!

1. Have a Burning Desire for Grow your church

The foundation of church growth is a strong and unshakable desire. Without a burning desire, a pastor will not push through the obstacles that come with church expansion. A lukewarm attitude toward church growth strategies leads to stagnation, but when a pastor passionately desires growth, they will find ways to make it happen.

Dr. Yonggi Cho’s Testimony on Desire

Dr. David Yonggi Cho, the founder of Yoido Full Gospel Church, the largest church in the world, often emphasized the importance of having a burning desire. He repeatedly said:

“You must have a burning desire. You must want the church to grow with all your heart!”

When Dr. Cho started his ministry, he faced extreme poverty and hardship. His first church building was a tent, and he often had to preach while sick and weak. However, he refused to accept smallness.

He constantly visualized a mega church and worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life. Today, his church has over 800,000 members.

Why a Burning Desire is Essential for Church Growth

Proverbs 23:7 says:

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

This scripture shows that what you believe and desire in your heart will manifest in your life. If a pastor sees their church as small and insignificant, it will remain that way. But if they have a strong, unshakable vision of a growing, thriving church, they will take the necessary steps to make it a reality.

A strong desire for a large church:

Creates Persistence – A pastor with a burning desire will keep pushing forward despite opposition.
Inspires Innovation – They will think of creative ways to reach more people.
Attracts Committed Members – Passion is contagious; a fiery pastor produces an enthusiastic congregation.
Defeats Discouragement – Even when growth is slow, the vision remains alive.

How to Develop a Burning Desire

Meditate on Scriptures about Growth – Study verses like Isaiah 54:2-3 and Mark 16:15.
Expose Yourself to Growing Churches – Visit and learn from pastors whose churches are expanding.
Read Books on Church Growth – Church Growth: It Is Possible by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills is a powerful resource. (Free books to help grow your church)
Pray for an Increase in Passion – Ask God to stir up your heart with a deep burden for growth.

A church does not grow by accident. It grows because a leader is consumed with a vision for increase. If you develop a burning desire, it will fuel the hard work, prayers, and growth strategies, needed to grow your church.

2. Utilizing Lay People or Volunteers to Grow Your Church

One of the most powerful yet often overlooked keys to church growth is the involvement of lay people in ministry. Many pastors struggle with growing their churches because they try to do everything themselves—preaching, visiting members, leading prayer meetings, and even handling administrative duties. This approach limits growth and often leads to pastoral burnout.

A church grows faster when lay people are actively involved in ministry. Lay ministry is not a new concept; it has a strong biblical and historical foundation.

The History of Lay People in the Church

Lay ministry has played a critical role in the church’s mission and expansion since biblical times. In the early church, the apostles quickly realized that they could not handle all the responsibilities alone. This led to the appointment of lay leaders in Acts 6:3-4:

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

This decision resulted in explosive growth:

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly” (Acts 6:7).

From that moment, lay people played a key role in church growth. Many of the greatest moves of God in history were led by ordinary believers who took up ministry responsibilities alongside full-time pastors.

How Lay People Help Churches Grow

Lay People Expand the Church’s Reach – A single pastor can only reach a limited number of people, but when lay members engage in ministry, the church can multiply its impact.
They Strengthen the Church’s Foundation – Churches with a strong lay ministry structure are more stable and resilient.
They Create Leadership for Future Expansion – Many great pastors started as lay people serving in their churches.

Why a Pastor Must Share the Burden

Moses tried to lead Israel alone until his father-in-law advised him to delegate responsibilities (Exodus 18:17-18). In the same way, a pastor must share the ministry burden with trained and committed lay leaders.

When lay people are empowered to preach, teach, evangelize, and lead, the church will experience faster, stronger, and more sustainable growth. A growing church is one where every member is involved in the work of the ministry.

3. The Power of Prayer in Growing Your Church

One of the most vital ingredients for growth is prayer. No church can grow without prayer, and no pastor can be truly successful without a strong prayer life. Many small churches remain small, not because of a lack of strategy, but because they lack power—and power comes from prayer.

Prayer is the Engine of a Large Church

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in his book Transform Your Pastoral Ministry, teaches that a prayerful pastor will always have a growing church. The power of prayer breaks strongholds, opens doors, and brings supernatural church growth.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer in growing the church. In Matthew 9:38, He said:

“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

This verse highlights an important principle: Church growth begins in the spirit before it manifests in the physical. If a pastor does not spend time praying for growth, souls, and the expansion of the ministry, the church will remain stagnant.

Prayer is Spiritual Warfare

Growing a church is not just a physical or organizational effort; it is a spiritual battle. The devil does not want churches to grow, because growth means more souls are being saved and discipled. This is why many pastors face attacks such as discouragement, financial struggles, betrayals, and stagnation.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

This means that every pastor must engage in spiritual warfare to see and increase in attendance. Many times, churches stop growing because pastors stop praying. They focus on administration, preaching, and strategy—but neglect the spiritual foundation of prayer.

Keys to Praying for a Big Church

Daily Personal Prayer – Every pastor should spend hours in prayer seeking God for wisdom, direction, and power.
Corporate Prayer Meetings – Organizing church-wide prayer meetings brings spiritual revival and accelerates growth.
Fasting for Growth – Regular fasting (e.g., weekly or monthly) brings supernatural breakthroughs.
Prayer for Souls – Pray specifically for new converts, backsliders, and the lost to come to Christ.
Prayer for Labourers – Ask God to raise committed workers and leaders in the church.

Examples of Prayer and it’s Impact on Large Churches

Many of the largest churches in the world today were built on a foundation of prayer and fasting. Dr. Yonggi Cho’s church in Korea held daily early morning prayer meetings that attracted thousands.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills spent hours daily in prayer during the early days of his ministry, which led to explosive growth.

A prayerless pastor will have a powerless church. But a prayerful pastor will have a growing, thriving church. If you want your church to expand, you must prioritize prayer above all else.

4. The Pastor’s Personal Development (W.A.R: Waiting on God, Anointing, Revelation)

A growing church requires a growing pastor. The spiritual level of a pastor determines the spiritual capacity of the church. If a pastor is weak, untrained, or unspiritual, the church will also be weak. This is why personal development is essential for growth.

W.A.R – Waiting on God, Anointing, Revelation

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills teaches the principle of W.A.R in his book Church Growth: It Is Possible. W.A.R stands for Waiting on God, Anointing, and Revelation. These three elements are essential for a pastor’s own personal growth and development.

1. Waiting on God

Isaiah 40:31 says:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on God means spending time in prayer, fasting, and studying the Word. A pastor who does not wait on God will eventually burn out. Many pastors become physically and spiritually exhausted because they are doing ministry without waiting on God.

2. The Anointing

The anointing is the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Without the anointing, a pastor’s ministry will be dry and ineffective. The anointing is what makes preaching powerful, healing possible, and the growth of a church supernatural.

Acts 10:38 says:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

The anointing is obtained through prayer, fasting, obedience, and the laying on of hands from anointed men of God.

3. Revelation

Revelation is deep insight into the Word of God. Many churches do not grow because the pastors lack fresh revelation. They preach the same messages over and over again without depth or insight.

Matthew 16:17-18 says:

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Jesus built the church on revelation, showing that fresh revelation is the key to a strong and growing church.

How to Develop as a Pastor

Wait on God daily in prayer and fasting.
Seek the anointing through impartation and personal consecration.
Study the Word deeply to receive fresh revelation.
Read books and listen to teachings from experienced ministers.
Attend conferences and connect with other anointed leaders.

A weak, unprepared pastor will never lead a strong church. But a pastor who waits on God, walks in the anointing, and receives revelation will always see growth.

The stronger the pastor, the bigger the church will grow!

5. Hard Work and Growing the Church (PVCI: Prayer, Visitation, Counseling, Interaction)

While prayer and spiritual empowerment are crucial, the church size and growth does not happen without hard work. Many pastors desire a large and thriving church but are unwilling to put in the consistent, intelligent, and strategic effort required to grow one.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills emphasizes this in Church Growth: It Is Possible, teaching that PVCI—Prayer, Visitation, Counseling, and Interaction—is the foundation of practical church work.

A pastor who faithfully engages in PVCI will see continuous and sustainable growth.

1. Prayer – The Foundation of Hard Work

Even though prayer is spiritual, it also requires effort and dedication. Many pastors struggle to grow their churches because they do not invest time in consistent, fervent prayer.

Jesus Himself spent long hours in prayer, waking up early to seek God’s face (Mark 1:35). If Jesus, the Son of God, had to pray for hours, how much more should we?

Prayer is hard work, but it is a non-negotiable requirement for church growth. A pastor should:

Pray for new souls to be added to the church (Acts 2:47).
Pray for laborers and workers in the ministry (Matthew 9:38).
Pray against the attacks of the enemy that hinder growth (Ephesians 6:12).

A church that does not pray will not grow, no matter how well-organized it is.

2. Visitation – Strengthening the Flock

One of the most neglected aspects of pastoral work today is visitation. Many pastors focus only on preaching but do not take time to visit and connect personally with their members.

Acts 20:20 says:

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.”

The early church grew because the apostles visited people in their homes. They did not wait for people to come to church; they went to them.

Visitation accomplishes several things:

It builds strong relationships between the pastor and members.
It provides an opportunity for personal ministry and counseling.
It helps in retaining members who might otherwise stop coming to church.

If a pastor is too busy to visit members, they are too busy to grow their church.

3. Counseling – Guiding the Sheep

Many church members face spiritual, emotional, and personal challenges. A church that offers effective pastoral counseling creates an atmosphere where members feel cared for and supported.

Proverbs 11:14 says:

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

A pastor should schedule regular counseling sessions for church members, providing biblical wisdom and encouragement. A church that counsels its members well will retain them and encourage growth.

4. Interaction – Connecting with Members

A growing church is a relational church. Pastors must interact with their members, engage with them socially, and create a family-like atmosphere.

Ways to improve interaction include:

Greeting and knowing members by name.
Having informal meetings and fellowships.
Being approachable and available.

Growing a church requires hard work. A pastor who diligently practices PVCI—Prayer, Visitation, Counseling, and Interaction—will experience consistent growth. Hard work, when combined with prayer and strategy, leads to a strong, thriving, and impactful church.

6. Industrialization of the Church

One of the secrets of mega churches is their ability to function like industries. Industrialization means having organized systems, departments, and a structured approach to soul-winning and ministry.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in The Mega Church, explains that churches that operate like industries experience massive growth because they are able to mobilize large numbers of people effectively.

What is Industrialization in the Church?

Industrialization means running the church with the same level of organization and efficiency as a well-managed company.

Companies have departments (A growing church should have ministries such as follow-up, outreach, media, and welfare).
Companies have clear leadership structures (A church should have pastors, leaders, and lay workers to oversee different areas).
Companies focus on production (A church should focus on producing more souls for the kingdom).

Why Industrialization Leads to Church Growth

It Prevents Disorder – A disorganized church cannot grow because people get frustrated and leave.
It Increases Soul-Winning Efficiency – A structured approach to evangelism leads to more people coming to Christ.
It Helps Delegate Responsibilities – Pastors can focus on preaching and vision while trained leaders handle administration.

Steps to Industrializing the Church

Create Departments and Ministries
- Evangelism
- Follow-up and Retention
- Prayer Ministry
- Children’s Ministry
- Media and Technical Team
Develop Training Programs for Workers
- Every department should have regular training and mentorship.
- Workers should be trained to function effectively in their roles.
Set Clear Goals and Targets
- Companies set financial targets; churches should set soul-winning targets.
- Define measurable goals for growth and evangelism.
Utilize Technology for Efficiency
- Use social media, websites, and online streaming to reach more people.
- Create databases for follow-up to keep track of new converts.

Examples of Industrialized Churches

Many successful churches worldwide operate like industries. For example:

Yoido Full Gospel Church (Dr. Yonggi Cho) created thousands of home cell groups to grow his church.
Lighthouse Chapel International (Bishop Dag Heward-Mills) established structured training programs for lay pastors.
Winners Chapel (Bishop David Oyedepo) implemented strict organizational structures for ministry growth.

If a church wants to grow beyond small beginnings, it must function like an industry. A well-organized church produces more souls, develops more leaders, and experiences long-term success.

7. Developing Devoted Members

A growing church is built on devoted and committed members. One of the greatest challenges pastors face is keeping members dedicated to the vision of the church.

Many people attend church casually, showing up occasionally and failing to participate in the work of the ministry.

For a church to grow, it needs strong, dependable, and devoted members who actively contribute to its expansion.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in The Mega Church, emphasizes that devoted members form the backbone of a thriving ministry. Without loyalty, commitment, and faithfulness, a church will struggle to grow beyond a certain point.

Why is Member Devotion Important for Church Growth?

Devoted Members Help Carry the Workload – A pastor cannot do everything alone. Committed members assist in ministry work, reducing the burden on the pastor.
They Provide Stability to the Church – Churches with high member turnover struggle to grow. Stable, long-term members create a solid foundation.
They Support the Church Financially – A devoted member tithes and gives generously, helping the church function effectively.
They Invite Others to Church – Committed members are more likely to bring family and friends, leading to organic growth.

How to Develop Devoted Members

1. Preach and Teach Commitment

Many pastors assume that members automatically know they should be committed, but this is not true. Commitment must be taught consistently.

Jesus repeatedly emphasized commitment to His disciples. In Luke 9:62, He said:

“No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Pastors must teach on faithfulness, loyalty, and dedication so that members understand that the church requires commitment.

2. Create a Strong Culture of Belonging

People become devoted to churches where they feel connected and valued. To foster this sense of belonging:

Have a strong follow-up system to check on members who miss church.
Encourage fellowship and interaction through home cell groups and small meetings.
Organize church social events where members can bond outside of Sunday services.

3. Involve Members in Ministry Work

The more involved a member is in church service, the more devoted they become. If people only attend services without participating in ministry, they remain detached and passive.

Every church should have different departments and ministries where younger members can serve, such as:

Ushering
Choir and Worship Team
Evangelism Team
Follow-up and Retention Ministry
Media and Technical Team

When people are actively serving in church, they feel a sense of ownership and belonging, making them more devoted.

4. Appreciate and Recognize Committed Members

People stay in places where they feel valued and appreciated. Simple acts of recognition, such as:

Publicly appreciating volunteers.
Organizing annual appreciation banquets.
Giving awards for long-serving members.

…help to build relationships and motivate members to stay faithful to the church’s vision.

A devoted church membership is essential for church growth. Without committed people, a church will struggle to expand.

By teaching faithfulness, fostering a sense of belonging, involving members in ministry, and appreciating their efforts, a pastor can develop a strong, devoted congregation.

8. Retention and Evangelism

Growing a church is not just about bringing new people in—it is about keeping them. Many churches experience high attendance on special days, but the numbers drop after a few weeks.

This happens because there is no retention strategy in place. A successful church must focus on both evangelism and retention.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in The Mega Church, teaches that evangelism brings people into the church, but retention strategies keep them from leaving. Without retention, increased attendance in a church will always be temporary.

Evangelism: Bringing New Souls In

Jesus gave the Great Commission in Mark 16:15:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

A growing church must actively evangelize and bring in new souls. There are many ways to do this:

Street Evangelism – Preaching in public places and markets.
Crusades and Outreach Programs – Large-scale evangelistic events.
Door-to-Door Evangelism – Visiting homes to share the gospel.
Social Media and Online Evangelism – Using Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms to spread the gospel.

However, evangelism alone is not enough. If a church brings in 50 new souls but loses 40 members at the same time, it is not growing. This is why retention is crucial.

Retention: Keeping Members in the Church

Retention means ensuring that newcomers become long-term, committed members. Many visitors stop coming because they do not feel connected or no one follows up with them.

How to Retain Church Members

Follow-Up System
- New members should receive a call or visit within the first week after attending.
- Assign mature members as “spiritual friends” to guide and encourage them.
New Converts Classes
- Many new Christians leave the church because they do not understand their faith.
- Organize new believer classes to teach foundational Christian doctrines.
Involvement in Church Activities
- Encourage new members to join a department or ministry immediately.
- People stay in churches where they are actively serving.
Create a Family Atmosphere
- A church should feel like a home, not just a religious institution.
- Organize social gatherings, love feasts, and informal meetups.
Consistent Follow-Up for Absentees
- When a regular member misses church for two consecutive Sundays, someone should reach out.
- A simple phone call or visit shows that they are valued and prevents them from leaving.

Evangelism and retention must go hand in hand. If a church focuses only on evangelism, it will experience high turnover. If it only focuses on retention, it will not grow.

The key to church expansion is a balance of soul-winning and member retention strategies.

9. Loyalty and Disloyalty: The Key to Sustainable Church Growth

One of the most critical factors in church growth is loyalty. A church cannot grow if it is constantly experiencing division, rebellion, and betrayal. Many churches struggle, not because the pastor is not anointed or hardworking, but because there is disloyalty among church leaders, workers, and members. Loyalty is the foundation for stability, unity, and long-term church growth.

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, in his book Loyalty and Disloyalty, teaches that no great church or organization can succeed without loyalty.

Churches that suffer from repeated splits, gossip, and strife will never experience consistent, long-term growth. A pastor can pray, evangelize, and work hard, but if disloyalty is not dealt with, the church will not grow beyond a certain level.

Why Loyalty is Crucial for Church Growth

Loyal Leaders Support the Vision
- A church grows when the leaders are aligned with the vision of the pastor. Disloyal people oppose the vision, slow down progress, and create confusion.
- In Numbers 12:1-2, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, questioning his leadership. This kind of rebellion causes division and prevents church growth.
Loyalty Creates Stability
- A stable church is one where members and leaders are committed for the long haul. Churches that experience frequent departures and betrayals never reach their full potential.
- John 6:66-68 describes how some of Jesus’ disciples left Him, but Peter and the other apostles remained loyal. Because of this, they were part of the greatest church growth movement in history.
A Disloyal Team Drains the Pastor’s Energy
- Instead of focusing on winning souls and developing the church, a pastor in a disloyal church spends time fighting division and addressing betrayals.
- Judas Iscariot was among Jesus’ twelve disciples, yet he betrayed Jesus and caused great damage (Matthew 26:14-16). Every church will face Judas-like betrayals, but a culture of loyalty protects the church from destruction.

Signs of Disloyalty in the Church

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills explains that disloyalty does not happen suddenly—it develops in stages:

Independent Spirit – Members or leaders who stop following the vision of the church.
Offense – People who become offended and use it as an excuse to rebel.
Passive Discontent – Leaders who criticize in secret but smile in public.
Open Rebellion – Those who start dividing the church and leading people away.

A pastor must be watchful and deal with these issues before they destroy the church.

How to Build a Culture of Loyalty

Preach and Teach on Loyalty
- Loyalty is not automatic—it must be taught! Pastors must regularly preach and emphasize faithfulness to God, the church, and leadership.
- Jesus taught His disciples about faithfulness and commitment (Luke 16:10-12). If pastors do not teach loyalty, members will not understand its importance.
Identify Disloyal People Early
- Not everyone who joins the church has the right spirit. Pastors must pray for discernment to detect people who carry a rebellious spirit.
- In Acts 20:29-30, Paul warned that grievous wolves would enter the church to destroy it. A wise pastor watches for those who sow division and gossip.
Surround Yourself with Loyal Leaders
- A pastor cannot build a great church alone. Strong, faithful, and dependable leaders are essential for expansion.
- Moses had Joshua. Elijah had Elisha. Paul had Timothy. Every great leader raises loyal and committed people.
Address Disloyalty Firmly and Quickly
- Some pastors ignore disloyalty, hoping it will go away. This is a mistake! Disloyalty must be confronted before it spreads.
- Paul confronted Peter when he started acting hypocritically (Galatians 2:11-14). Pastors must also correct disloyal people with wisdom and boldness.

The Link Between Loyalty and Church Growth

A loyal church experiences supernatural growth because:

People stay longer and become stronger in their faith.
Leaders work in unity, supporting the vision of the pastor.
Church members invite others, knowing they are part of a stable and growing church.

Disloyalty slows down and destroys church growth, but a culture of loyalty builds a strong and thriving church community.

Conclusion

Loyalty is one of the most important keys to church growth. A church that does not address disloyalty will struggle to grow because it will be constantly fighting division, betrayal, and rebellion.

However, when loyalty is taught, emphasized, and maintained, a church will experience peace, stability, and lasting growth.

A wise pastor invests in building loyalty—because a loyal church is a growing church!

Final Thoughts

Church growth is possible! By applying these nine principles—desire, lay ministry, prayer, personal development, hard work, structure, devotion, retention, and loyalty—any church can experience supernatural growth.

Will you take the steps to grow your church today?

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