I recently established the organisation Thriving Churches HQ with the specific aim of equipping leaders to growth healthy churches that make a kingdom difference. As part of this I have been reflecting on, what does the growth of a healthy church look like or, put differently, what is healthy growth?
Church growth is often seen as a measure of success, but not all growth is healthy. After all, even cancer grows. As leaders the focus needs to be on more than growth, it needs to be on healthy growth. Numbers tell a story, but they do not tell the whole story, and they can be a poor guide to fulfilling what Jesus has called the church to do.
Growth is supposed to happen. Jesus himself said, “…I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) and “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19). When his mission is followed, growth will be the byproduct. The real question is not whether growth should happen, but rather what kind of growth is occurring. This raises the critical question, “What is healthy growth?”
What Defines Healthy Growth?
To understand healthy growth, it is useful to look at biology, specifically ecology, where growth constantly occurs in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Healthy growth in nature follows three key principles, it:
- aligns with its design and purpose. Healthy growth is sustainable and benefits all the parts of the organism.
- supports its environment. Healthy growth does not deplete or damage the surrounding environment.
- reproduces itself. The organism continues to grow and continues its existence by reproducing itself.
If we applying these principles to the church, healthy growth can be seen as a church:
- grows in alignment with its purpose, in a way that is healthy and sustainable for its people and systems.
- benefits its community, rather than exhausting it.
- reproduces itself by planting new churches or releasing people to form new Christian communities.
I remember hearing Alan Hirsch once make the insightful observation that an apple tree does not grow to a hundred metres tall. It grows to its intended size and then continues its growth through fruit that contains seeds, which start new apple trees.
Healthy growth occurs as a byproduct of doing what Jesus has called us to do, that is, “making disciples of all nations”. Interestingly, he did not say, “Go into all the world establish Sunday gatherings and teaching everyone to attend, serve, and give.” However, new Sunday gatherings may emerge as we make disciples. The issue here is a critical one of emphasis. In the practicalities of daily church life, the health in our growth comes from the how growth is occurring and what growth is occurring.
The Practicalities of Healthy Growth
The How – Growth from a Healthy Place
The how is about the way growth is occurring. It needs to be coming from a healthy place and healthy people. The two primary areas we need to consider here are the health of the leader and the health of the staff and culture. Healthy growth starts with healthy leaders. Pastors must lead from a place of personal wellbeing, with their identity grounded in Jesus so they bring objectivity to the role. An indicator of this is that they are not taking Sunday attendance numbers personally.
Healthy leaders:
- Have their identity, calling, and role aligned in a healthy order.
- Lead from passion rather than drivenness.
- Maintain spiritual disciplines that keep them centred in Christ.
- Have external support, such as professional supervision or a spiritual director.
Church staff, volunteers, and the culture of the church also need to be healthy and sustainable. This involves them being able to work safely and effectively. They will:
- Understand the church’s mission and how their role contributes to it.
- Operate from a sense of calling, rather than merely completing tasks.
- Work in a sustainable way, with clear expectations.
- Have safe processes by which they can voice concerns or make a complaint.
- Have access to counselling, coaching, or supervision when required.
The What – Growth That Reflects Jesus’ Mission
The what is about the type of growth that is occurring. The two primary areas here are the outcomes the church is aiming for and the continued growth of the people in the church. Healthy growth is focused on Kingdom outcomes over organisational outcomes. This means focusing on the outcomes Jesus wants, with numbers being important but secondary. It will include people who are growing as healthy disciples who are able to make healthy disciples. This means:
- Clarifying the kingdom-outcomes Jesus wants from your church and structuring around these.
- Significant growth coming from conversions rather than transfers from other churches.
- Discipleship integrated into the rhythms of daily life, work, and weekly routines, more than on attendance of Sunday and a small group, serving and giving.
Healthy growth also sees the people who are a part of the church continuing to grow in a holistic way. Healthy church growth is more than numerical expansion; it is growth that reflects the vitality of discipleship, the depth of community, and the authenticity of spiritual transformation. Glenn Packiam, author of, The Resilient Pastor, highlights the importance of holistic health in church life, arguing that growth without health leads to fragility. Churches that prioritise inner personal health and authentic faith development foster environments where people thrive spiritually, relationally, and emotionally. People are experiencing deepening transformation through such things as the ongoing renewal of their mind. Healthy growth is about growing healthy disciples.
Intentionality is Key
Healthy growth is holistic growth and requires intentionality. Churches need to reflect on the key questions of:
- Are we developing mature disciples?
- Are our leaders and staff emotionally and spiritually well?
- Do our organisational practices foster safety and trust?
Addressing these questions ensures growth that is sustainable and Christ-centred.
Conclusion
Healthy church growth is both an outcome and a process. It requires intentional focus on spiritual formation, emotional wellbeing, and authentic faith development, supported by healthy leadership and safe organisational practices. When churches attend to both the how and the what, they create environments where true, lasting growth flourishes.
If you would like a practical checklist of healthy markers for both how and what you are growing, or if you are interested in knowing more about our Coaching for Healthy Growth programme, send me an email and I will get it to you.
Blessings
Richard
