Chapter One: The Small-Minded Church.

The Comfortable, Non-Sacrificing Church

Too many churches have become places of comfort rather than centers of commission.

We expect the church staff to do the work of the ministry—”That’s what we pay them for, isn’t it?”
We assume missionaries will save the lost—”That’s what God called them to do, isn’t it?”

But church leaders must step beyond the safety of the comfort zone and lead by example, modeling a life of sacrificial discipleship. We were never called to remain within the four walls—we were sent to go into all the world. (John 17:6–19)

Spiritually healthy churches make room for:

• The non-Christian
• The near-Christian
• The immature Christian
• The backslidden Christian

Legalism and rigid membership conformity rob the church of its warmth, making it more a museum of perfection than a hospital for the hurting. Salt loses its savor when it’s locked away.

A thriving church must tithe not just its finances—but its time and attention—beyond the sanctuary and into the streets. Into the community. Into the chaos.

Why don’t we pray?

1. We’re too comfortable—we don’t feel the need.
2. We don’t care deeply enough for others.
3. We think too small.
4. We don’t want to be inconvenienced.
5. We fear God might actually respond—and our routines might be interrupted.

What Church Growth Is Not

Church growth isn’t measured by how many members transfer from one congregation to another. That’s not revival—that’s recycling.

Real growth occurs when a soul is born again and enters the Kingdom. In today’s broken society, most opportunities for true growth come through crisis ministry: divorce, addiction, abuse, unwanted pregnancies, depression, and despair.

That’s the harvest field Jesus labored in—and He said it was white, ready, and waiting. (John 4:35; Matthew 9:37–38)
But make no mistake: crisis ministry isn’t convenient. It’s messy. And many churches simply aren’t willing to get their hands dirty.

People often leave one church for another because “the other guy” has it going on. But the church isn’t about a show—it’s about the saving of souls.

In the World, But Not of It

Middle-class America can be one of the most difficult harvest fields: affluent, self-reliant, and spiritually indifferent. Many churches choose to focus here because these members often come with fewer needs and more money.

But real revival doesn’t often start in comfort. It starts in crisis.

Some churches shy away from the mess because it’s disruptive. It requires time. It requires love. Highly legalistic churches often deem these souls “unworthy” of harvesting. If that’s your view—go read the Gospels again. The disciples were all converts of crisis ministry. (Matthew 9:1–6)

Church growth means becoming all things to all people, that by all means, we might save some. (1 Corinthians 10:33)

Every church has a divine construction site where God is already working. Find it. Join Him there. Church growth doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins with sensitivity to the Spirit.

Discipleship Beyond the Walls

The more a church grows, the more it must disciple.
And the best discipleship? It’s not a classroom—it’s a calling. “On-the-job” training through ministry to the unsaved and the broken.

We must go beyond the walls.
We must meet people where they are.
We must remember: God gave us armor because He intended us to fight in enemy territory. (Ephesians 6:13)

Partner with ministries that are reaching the lost. Don’t just look for ways to stay busy—look for ways to be fruitful.

Not a Business, Not a Show

The church is not a brand. It’s not a corporation. And it is certainly not a place for performance. It’s the body of Christ—His bride.

The goal of leadership is not control, it is empowerment. The Holy Spirit transforms. Leaders serve. Shepherds guide. Cowboys drive herds—but pastors lead flocks from the front.

When church leadership becomes about pressure, guilt, competition, or entertainment, it becomes carnal. But when it’s rooted in prayer, sacrifice, sanctification, and Spirit-led compassion—it becomes powerful.

God’s Measure of Growth

God doesn’t love you more when your attendance is up. He’s not impressed with your branding or budget.

He values obedience.

He has a unique purpose for your church—stop trying to be someone else’s version of success. One soul saved is worth more than a thousand filled seats with unrepentant hearts.

The grass and the trees both matter in the forest. Don’t despise your size—embrace your calling.

Be who God called you to be. Sanctify yourself. And as your church becomes what God intended, growth will follow.