Most churches never break past 50 members. They stall, struggle with volunteer recruitment and watch attendance decline. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Growing a church from 50 to 100 isn’t about wishful thinking, it’s about strategy.
In this guide, you’ll discover proven church growth strategies that fuel congregation expansion, increase member engagement and create faith-based community partnerships that drive sustainable growth. The churches that succeed take action, but the question is, will you?
Table of contents
Laying the Foundation for Growth
Increasing Church Attendance & Engagement
Effective Outreach Strategies for Growth
Strengthening Member Retention & Discipleship
Using Technology & Data for Growth
Laying the Foundation for Growth
What key factors contribute to church growth?
Growing a church from 50 to 100 isn’t just about adding more seats or printing extra bulletins. It’s about creating a faith community where people want to stay, serve and bring others along. That kind of growth doesn’t happen accidentally; it requires a clear vision, strong leadership and an engaged congregation.
Think about it: if people walk into your church and sense a lack of direction, weak leadership or a disengaged community, why would they come back? Church attendance growth is fueled by spiritual health and mission-driven leadership. Your church’s vision should be unmistakable. When someone asks, "What’s your church about?" you should have an answer that excites and inspires.
Statistics reinforce this. Studies show that churches with intense discipleship training and small group ministries grow much faster than those relying solely on Sunday services. Meanwhile, Research Gate points out that member retention techniques are critical because getting people in the door is only half the battle. If they don’t build meaningful relationships, they’ll be gone before you can say, “See you next Sunday.”
What are the most significant barriers to growth?
- Poor leadership
- Passive congregations
- A lack of clear direction
Regardless, growth becomes possible when your church focuses on deepening faith, building connections and inspiring engagement.
How to build a culture of engagement and community
What if your church wasn’t just a place people attended but a community they couldn’t imagine life without? That’s the difference between a passive congregation and an engaged one.
People stay where they feel seen and valued. That's why you need:
- Small group ministries
- Mentorship
- Discipleship training
These aren’t just nice to have; they keep a church together. If your congregation only connects for an hour on Sundays, don’t be surprised if engagement feels low.
Imagine walking into a church where no one talks to you and the only follow-up is a generic email. Now, compare that to a church where members invite you to lunch, introduce you to others and genuinely ask how you're doing. Which one would you return to? That is why faith community building makes all the difference.
Engagement also thrives when people have something to do. Get them involved in community service projects, outreach events or fun fellowship gatherings. The more opportunities people have to contribute, the more invested they become.
Don’t underestimate the power of interactive sermons, meaningful discussions and a solid visitor follow-up process. Growth isn’t about getting more people to attend; it’s about creating a place where they want to belong.
What leadership qualities drive sustainable church growth?
A growing church needs more than a charismatic preacher. It needs leaders who inspire, delegate and build others up. So, what kind of church leadership characteristics truly foster growth?
First, great leaders have a clear vision. How can anyone follow if you don’t know where your church is going? Yet vision alone isn’t enough. You also need adaptability because ministry never always goes as planned. The ability to pivot when challenges arise (without burning out) is a game-changer.
Next is relationships. A leader who isn’t approachable won’t cultivate engagement. People want pastoral care initiatives that feel personal, not transactional. When your congregation sees you investing in their spiritual growth, they’ll do the same for others.
However, here’s the catch: leadership can’t fall on one person. Volunteer recruitment, leadership development and structured mentorship are essential. Training up small group leaders, ministry coordinators and future pastors ensures that growth doesn’t stop when the primary leader gets overwhelmed (or finally takes a well-earned vacation).
Looking for ways to develop your team? Conferences, leadership training and our church leadership guide are great places to start. Check it out now.
Increasing Church Attendance & Engagement
How can I make church services more engaging and impactful?
People have plenty of options on a Sunday morning. If they’re choosing your church, they’re looking for something meaningful, something that speaks to their soul. Your worship experience isn’t just another part of the service; it’s the heartbeat of your church. If it feels flat or disconnected, people won’t stick around.
So, how do you make it compelling? Start with storytelling. Jesus did it; why wouldn’t you?
- Real-life stories
- Biblical narratives
- Even humor (used wisely) can make sermons feel personal and memorable
Ditch the robotic sermon delivery and bring interactive elements like:
- Live Q&As
- Group reflections
- Moments for a quiet personal response
Music matters, too. A well-thought-out worship set can stir hearts before you even start preaching. Plus, don’t underestimate the power of testimonies: people need to hear that faith changes lives. Combine this with strategic church marketing (think sermon clips on social media) and you’re not just growing a church; you’re building a movement.
Checklist: Creating an Unforgettable First-Time Visitor Experience
First-time visitors decide within minutes if they’ll return. No pressure, right? Your church hospitality team is your secret weapon here. A warm handshake, a genuine smile and someone who remembers their name? Game-changer. Learn more about hospitality ministry here.
Set up a church welcome center, but don’t make it a lonely, ignored corner with outdated brochures. It should be inviting, with clear signage and friendly people who can answer questions. Need ideas? We’ve got you covered here.
People love free stuff, so a welcome kit goes a long way. Ours is free and packed with materials to help you make the best impression; grab it while you can!
Also, don’t ghost them after their visit. A visitor follow-up process (within 48 hours) is essential. A quick text, email or even an old-school handwritten note can make them feel valued. If you want congregation expansion, show people they matter from day one.
What are the best ways to follow up with visitors?
Following up shouldn’t feel like a telemarketer call. (No one wants that.) The key? Be quick, be personal and make it clear you care.
Think about the last time you visited a new place and felt truly welcomed. What made the difference? Chances are, someone reached out personally. A timely, thoughtful visitor follow-up process shows guests they weren’t just another face in the crowd.
Best methods? Email is quick and easy, but a personal phone call or text can be more meaningful and yes, handwritten notes still work.
Sample Visitor Follow-Up Call Script:
"Hey [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Church Name]. We loved having you on Sunday! How was your experience? If you have any questions or want to know where to find the best post-church brunch spots, we’d love to chat. Also, we have some amazing faith-based initiatives that might interest you!"
Sample Visitor Follow-Up Email Template:
Subject: We’re So Glad You Visited [Church Name]!
Hi [First Name],
It was great to meet you at [Church Name]! We hope you felt at home and had a chance to connect with some friendly faces. If you’re looking to get involved, we’d love to introduce you to one of our discipleship training groups or invite you to an upcoming church event. Let us know how we can serve you!
I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Blessings,
[Your Name]
[Church Contact Info]
How to develop a welcoming environment that retains new members
Getting people in the door is one thing. Keeping them? That’s where the real work begins.
One of the easiest ways to help new people feel like they belong is through welcome lunches. Nothing breaks the ice like good food and casual conversation. (Jesus knew this; He broke bread all the time.)
Then, there are small group ministries. A Sunday service can feel overwhelming, but a smaller, more personal gathering? That’s where real connections happen. Pair newcomers with mentors, invite them to prayer groups or connect them to faith-based community partnerships that align with their interests.
What are the biggest retention killers? Feeling invisible and not knowing where to plug in. Your church assimilation process should be clear and intentional. People should never have to wonder, “Where do I fit in here?” If you build a culture of belonging, your church won’t just grow from 50 to 100; it will flourish for years to come.
Effective Outreach Strategies for Growth
What community outreach programs work best?
If you want to see your church grow from 50 to 100, you can’t just hope people will show up; you need to create opportunities for connection. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when your church becomes where people feel seen, valued and spiritually nourished. The good news? You don’t need a megachurch budget to make a significant impact.
Outreach isn’t just about attracting new visitors; it’s about meeting real needs and showing your community what the love of Christ looks like in action. The most effective community outreach programs are the ones that feel less like marketing and more like ministry.
Hosting local food drives, free community meals or back-to-school events offers practical help while building relationships. Think about it: people might come for groceries or school supplies but stay because they feel seen and valued.
Holiday-themed outreach, like Christmas concerts or Easter egg hunts, taps into moments when people are already open to spiritual connection.
Partnering with local nonprofits not only expands your reach, but also signals to your community that your church isn’t in competition with other service organizations; it’s here to support and uplift them.
The key is making these efforts missional, not just promotional. If an outreach event is just a photo op for social media, people will sense it. If it’s genuinely about loving people, they’ll feel it. For even more ideas, check out our complete list of church outreach ideas.
How to use SEO and digital marketing for church growth
If your church isn’t showing up on Google when people search for one, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website appear higher in search results, meaning more people find your church online before stepping through the doors.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to improve SEO. Our comprehensive SEO directory, which shows many free and low-cost ways to grow a church through an online presence, can yield all the difference. Simple things like the following can make a big difference:
- Having a website with precise service times
- Using keywords people are searching for (like "friendly church near me")
- Writing blog posts answering faith-related questions
To make this easier, we compiled a comprehensive guide that includes 20 top church marketing strategies to help you grow. Check it out.
How to use social media and digital marketing for church growth
Social media can be a megaphone or a conversation. If you’re only posting announcements, it’s just noise. However, sharing testimonies, behind-the-scenes moments and sermon clips invites people into something tangible.
The key is consistency. A predictable posting schedule keeps your church in people’s feeds and on their minds. Want to go a step further? Facebook and Google ads let you reach people who may have never heard of your church but are actively searching for a faith community.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Our church social media kit includes templates, strategies and practical tips to make your online presence engaging and effective.
Ads for growing a church
Some churches shy away from paid ads, but they work. Imagine reaching thousands of people in your city looking for hope, community or just a place to belong. Churches nationwide use Facebook Ads to increase church attendance growth; the results speak for themselves.
Don’t just take our word for it; see how other churches have successfully used ads to expand their congregations here.
Want a step-by-step guide? Our Facebook advertising resource walks you through both organic and paid strategies here. If budget is an issue, don’t forget that eligible churches can apply for Google Ads Grants for Nonprofits, which offers free ad credits to promote your church. Learn more here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a High-Impact Outreach Event
Hosting an event isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating an experience where people feel welcome, connected and maybe even curious about what makes your church different.
Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Promotion: Use church marketing techniques like social media, email newsletters and word-of-mouth to spread the word. Bonus points if your congregation is so excited about it that they do the inviting for you.
- Execution: Organize volunteer recruitment to ensure every guest is greeted with a warm smile, plan engaging activities and ensure there’s a straightforward way for visitors to connect with your church afterward.
- Follow-up: A single event won’t grow your church unless you nurture those relationships. Send a thank-you email, invite attendees to small group ministries and let them know you want to see them again.
Grab our free church event planning kit now to make your event planning even easier.
Strengthening Member Retention & Discipleship
How can small group ministries contribute to growth?
People don’t stick around a church just because the sermons are great; they stay because they feel connected. Small group ministries create spaces where tangible friendships form, faith deepens and Sunday morning isn’t the only time people talk about Jesus.
For groups to thrive, they need structure, strong leadership and a welcoming atmosphere. Leaders should be trained in discipleship training and pastoral care initiatives to guide discussions and build trust. Want a step-by-step guide? Check this out.
What discipleship programs encourage long-term engagement?
Discipleship isn’t just a class; it’s a lifelong journey. The best discipleship training models include Bible study groups, one-on-one mentoring and leadership development that helps believers grow and serve.
Think of it as a spiritual roadmap: new believers need direction, seasoned members need deeper challenges and everyone benefits from faith-based community partnerships where they can live out their faith.
A solid plan keeps people engaged for the long haul. For a deeper understanding, check out our discipleship training guide.
How to increase volunteer involvement in church activities
Ever notice it’s the same 10 people signing up for everything, whether it’s a Bible camp for kids or church fundraising events? Volunteer recruitment isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about creating a culture where people want to serve.
Start with:
- Personal invitations, not vague sign-up sheets.
- Help members find roles matching their gifts, whether community service projects or behind-the-scenes church event planning.
- Don’t forget appreciation; people stick around when they feel valued. A little thank-you goes a long way.
Using Technology & Data for Growth
How can church management software streamline growth efforts?
Imagine growing a church from 50 to 100 without a system to track new visitors, follow up with potential members or organize volunteers. Chaos, right?
A church management system simplifies everything: member tracking, event scheduling and even volunteer recruitment so that you can focus on people, not paperwork.
Systems like ACS and PowerChurch help streamline church management, while Vanco Events is a powerful tool for event planning, visitor follow-up processes and small group ministries, ensuring no one gets lost.
The right system doesn’t just organize data; it strengthens church growth strategies by helping you nurture deeper relationships and build an engaged faith community.
What role does online ministry play in expanding the impact of a church?
In-person attendance on Sunday morning is no longer the only way people engage with church; many join from their couches. Online ministry expands your reach, letting you connect with people beyond your zip code through:
- Livestreamed services
- Online Bible studies
- Interactive discipleship training
However, here’s the key: online engagement shouldn’t replace in-person connection; it should enhance it.
Blending digital and physical experiences through faith-based community partnerships and spiritual formation efforts ensures that members stay involved, no matter where they are.
If your church isn’t online, you might miss out on some of the most potent church attendance growth opportunities.
How to use church apps to facilitate engagement
Imagine having a church hospitality team, sermon archive, group chat and volunteer sign-up sheet all in one place; that’s the power of a good church app.
Whether keeping prayer groups connected, organizing community service projects or making youth ministry development more accessible, an app makes engagement effortless.
Vanco’s free church app goes further, giving members direct access to sermons, messaging and one-on-one chats with church leaders. Learn more about Vanco’s app here.
Overcoming Growth Barriers
What if my church doesn’t have enough volunteers?
When growing a church from 50 to 100, you quickly realize the same 10 people can’t do everything, nor should they. People often hesitate to volunteer because they don’t see where they fit.
Instead of making a desperate plea from the pulpit, try a personal invitation: “I see you have a gift for hospitality. Would you help us welcome new families?” Small commitments lead to long-term investment.
Rotate roles to prevent burnout and publicly celebrate volunteers. A thriving faith community-building effort starts when people see their service as more than a duty; it’s part of something bigger.
Dealing with resistance to change within the congregation
Change is hard, especially when “we’ve always done it this way” echoes through the church halls. Yet without change, there’s no church attendance growth, just a slow decline.
Instead of forcing new ideas, connect them to your mission. Why does this change matter? How will it help people grow spiritually? Communicate early and often. Share real stories of transformation to build trust.
Also, remember that involving key leaders in decisions makes people feel heard. A smooth church assimilation process can ease transitions. Want a deeper insight into navigating change without starting a church-wide rebellion? Check out this guide.
Free Church Growth Pack: 400+ Tools to Unlock Growth
Imagine a church where every member feels connected, ministries thrive, and engagement isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. That’s exactly what this Free Church Growth Pack can help you achieve. Inside, you’ll find 400+ tools designed to make participation easier, more meaningful, and more impactful.
