Growing Churches of the Northwest District of the Assemblies of God: What are the Common Denominators?

For years, pastors have attended conferences and seminars offered throughout the country, dealing with the subject of "Church growth.' Some of these conferences, for instance, teach that having a small group ministry is the answer; others say specialized ministries is the only way, while others say that the style of worship and music program is the key.

Many pastors and Church leaders have come away from these seminars, implemented the concepts that were taught, and yet have found little or no success. Some Churches have good facilities, are in a desirable location, have a good pastor/preacher, provide a spectrum of ministries and continue to struggle. Other Churches have poor facilities, are in a less than desirable location, have a not-so-great preacher, a handful of people and yet have exploded with new growth.

Is it the community, the personality of the staff and/ or congregation, is it a combination of Church growth principles, or is it a divine move of God, not to be explained or understood by man? What, if any, are the common denominators of Churches that are growing? What, if any, are the common denominators of Churches that are stagnant?

There are three basic assumptions this project is founded upon:
1. God wants His Church to grow.
2. There are common denominators that cause a Church to grow or decrease.
3. When a Church puts into practice the common denominators of Church growth, then growth will occur.