I’ve learned a valuable lesson about church growth.

It’s not the branches, it's the roots!

Allow me to explain.

When the going gets tough at your church it isn't the casual attenders or fringe people that steady the ship...

It's the core.

Otherwise known as the disciples.

See, the people who are there for the "message" or the "music" because it happens to suit their preference often leave as quickly as they come.

And when the going gets tough...the weak get up and go!

It broke my heart to see person after person withdraw from church during the pandemic…never to return.

But it also revealed the quality of the work God had done in other people's lives.

The true disciples kept serving, giving, and making disciples.

Disciples and leaders are the "roots" of your church.

Attendance, buildings, finances, and programs are the branches.

Yes, they matter!

Don't get me wrong.

But it's the root system that causes the branches to grow.

What I realized is that if we water the root system the branches grow.

But the opposite isn't necessarily true.

If we focus on attendance or programs without giving attention to discipleship and leadership development the church can appear healthy.

But it might be superficial.

But when we water the "roots" there is tangible and lasting growth both spiritually, relationally, numerically, and financially.

Leaders lead.

Disciples make disciples.

Do we still invite people like crazy and throw several Big Days every year to bring in more guests?

Of course!

We're always "fishing!"

But in the midst of reaching out we also reach in to strengthen the roots.

Alright, that's what I have for you today...

For more great leadership material check out the new 20 Ways To Grow Your Church Bundle - 90% off for a limited time.

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Talk soon,

Pastor Jake

Free Resources

Here’s a couple of cool FREE resources I’ve come across that I wanted to share with you!

1) FREE Book - The Story Grid: How to Write Stories Readers Will Love

Click here to get it. (page might take a few seconds to load)

Telling better stories means being a better communicator and inspiring people to change and grow!

2) The Curiosity Chronicle

Great actionable ideas to help you build a high-performing, healthy, wealthy life. One of my new favorite newsletters!

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3) How to write, publish, and earn $10k from your first book.

Great resource from Nathan Barry (the creator of ConvertKit). I know so many pastors have a book inside them and need some help/encouragement getting it out into the world! Nathan teaches a great method for finishing and releasing your book.

Click here to sign up. (FREE)

Recommended Tools:

Here are some of the best tools I use for business and ministry!

1) Email Newsletter Software - Beehiiv

Want to start your own newsletter? For church communication, leadership development, discipleship, or something else? Beehiiv is my go-to tool. I use it everyday and it works great. Totally FREE up to 2500 subscribers!

Click here to learn more.

2) Group Software - Skool

Skool is hands down the simplest, easiest, and BEST group software available right now. I use it for UpLevel Leader coaching and it’s fantastic. Community. Classroom. Calendar.

Click here to check it out.