Pastors Shift Church Focus from Big to Reproductive

More than 1,800 church planting beginners and veterans are gathered in Orlando, Fla., at a time when church growth is not just about being big.

More than 1,800 church planting beginners and veterans are gathered in Orlando, Fla., at a time when church growth is not just about being big.

"It seems like there's a shift that's happening on how churches 'keep score,'" said Dave Ferguson, lead pastor of Community Christian Church in Naperville, Ill. "It's not just about being big ... but it's also about how do we continue to reproduce (new sites, churches, networks)."

The National New Church Conference had first drawn 250 people in Baltimore two years ago. Last year's conference grew to over 800 church planters and this year, the attendance has more than doubled.

And next year, conference organizers plan to call next year's conference "Exponential" to reach beyond the United States. "Exponential: Moving Beyond Addition" is this year's theme.

"God is doing a new thing!" said Ferguson, who also heads New Thing Network.

Participants of the Apr. 23-27 conference have come from various states and church groups, including the emerging church and mainline denominations, to learn the growing number of church models that have been developed, gain a new vision for church planting, and learn the how-to's of starting a new church.

And these are some of the most cutting edge pastors on what's happening in God's kingdom, Ferguson noted.

Church Planters on Brink of Failure

For church planters who are in their initial stages of setting up a church and wondering if they're going to make it next week, Ferguson advises: don't give up.

"If there's a dream that God has really given you, you just need to be unstoppable," he said.

A recent study by the North American Mission Board's Center for Missional Research found that 99 percent of church plants survive the first year, 92 percent the second year, 81 percent the third year, and 68 percent the fourth year.

Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., reminded church planters who are struggling to enjoy the journey and that church growth is in God's hands.

"All we do is plant water, we can't control the growth," he said.

Batterson tried starting a church in Chicago and it failed. He moved his family to the nation's capital where it took five years to grow from 19 to 250. Soon attendance in a theater jumped to 750 and then remained stagnant for another 18 months. And 10 years later, the church is a successful multi-site making impact in unique ways.

"Failure is not final ... but some of the greatest things that can happen to us," Batterson said.

At National Community, Batterson focuses on preaching the best message every week whether there's a crowd of three or over 1,000. Service evangelism is also a major thrust for the church's growth.

"We've got to focus on input and not worry about outcome."

"God gives the increase," says Batterson. "Just hang in there."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.