One Overlooked Action to Break Through Stagnant Church Growth

Church growth can feel like a mystery—one moment, you’re riding high with momentum, and the next, you’re scratching your head wondering why attendance is inconsistent and energy is low.

If you’ve poured your heart into ministry only to see little return, it’s easy to feel frustrated and defeated. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to stick.

Let me share the best, most profitable action you can take right now to move the needle. It’s simple, but it requires focus and intentionality:

Prioritize Building Strong Relationships With Your Core Team.

Why This Works

Churches thrive on relationships—not programs, not strategies, and not even great preaching (though those all have their place). At the heart of every growing, vibrant church is a core team of leaders who feel inspired, equipped, and empowered. When you invest deeply in these relationships, their enthusiasm and buy-in will ripple through the congregation, creating an environment where growth happens naturally.

But if your core team feels disconnected, undervalued, or unclear about the vision, that disconnection will mirror itself in your church.

The Action Plan

Here’s a simple, step-by-step approach to prioritize your core team:

1. Schedule a One-on-One Meeting With Each Team Member This Month
   Take the time to meet with each member of your core leadership team personally. Use this time to:
   • Listen to their concerns and challenges.
   • Affirm their contributions.
   • Share your gratitude for their service.
   • Ask how you can better support them.

   These meetings should be more about them than about the church. Let them feel seen, heard, and valued.

2. Cast a Renewed Vision
   Once you’ve met with your team individually, bring everyone together for a vision-casting session. Use this time to:
   • Reignite their passion for the church’s mission.
   • Clarify your goals for the next 90 days.
   • Invite them to share their ideas and concerns.
   • Pray together for unity and direction.
3. Create a Culture of Encouragement
   Begin consistently pouring encouragement into your team. Whether it’s a quick text message, a handwritten note, or a public acknowledgment of their efforts, let them know you see their hard work and appreciate them.
4. Empower Them With Responsibility
   One of the best ways to energize your core team is to empower them to lead. Give them ownership of specific areas and trust them to execute. When leaders feel trusted and empowered, they’re more invested and engaged.

The Results

When you focus on your core team, you’re planting seeds for sustainable growth. Energized and unified leaders naturally attract others, both in the church and in your community. Your congregation will feel the difference as your team’s passion and vision ripple outward.

Over time, you’ll see a deeper sense of unity and purpose in your church that results in growth. And it all starts with this one simple action: prioritize building strong relationships with your core team.

God never called you to grow your church alone. By leaning into the strength and support of the team He’s placed around you, you’ll unlock the potential for the kind of growth that reflects His glory and changes lives.