Unleashing Church Potential: Insights from "Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing"

The desire to see our churches grow and be healthy is at the heart of pastoral ministry. Yet, there are often obstacles that hinder these desires, some of which may not be immediately apparent. In the book "Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing: How Leaders Can Overcome Costly Mistakes" by Geoff Surratt, we find valuable insights that can help pastors of small churches navigate these challenges and foster growth within their congregations. In this post, we'll explore some key takeaways from the book and discuss how they can be applied in the context of small church leadership.

  1. 1. Leadership Blind Spots: Surratt's book sheds light on common leadership blind spots that can hinder church growth. These blind spots often include resistance to change, failure to adapt to new trends, and a reluctance to delegate responsibilities. As pastors of small churches, it's essential to identify and address these blind spots to create an environment where growth can flourish.


  3. 2. The Power of Delegation: One of the central themes of the book is the importance of delegation. Surratt emphasizes that pastors cannot and should not do everything themselves. In small churches, this is especially pertinent. Delegating tasks and responsibilities not only relieves the pastor's burden but also empowers others in the congregation to use their gifts and talents for the church's growth.


  5. 3. Effective Communication: Communication is another key aspect explored in the book. Clear and effective communication with the congregation is vital for conveying the church's vision, fostering unity, and engaging members. Small church pastors can apply these principles by ensuring that their vision and goals are well-communicated and understood by all.


  7. 4. Prioritizing Outreach: Surratt encourages churches to prioritize outreach and engagement with the community. In small churches, this can involve building strong relationships with neighbors, hosting community events, and finding innovative ways to meet the needs of the local population. Small churches can become centers of positive change within their communities.


  9. 5. Embracing Change: Change can be challenging, but it is often necessary for growth. Small church pastors should be open to embracing change, whether it's adopting new technologies, altering service formats, or adjusting ministries to better meet the congregation's needs.


  11. 6. Fostering a Culture of Growth: Ultimately, the book underscores the importance of fostering a culture of growth within the church. Small churches can apply this concept by creating an environment where members are encouraged to grow spiritually, where new ideas are welcomed, and where everyone is actively engaged in the mission of the church.

"Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing" by Geoff Surratt offers valuable insights for pastors of small churches seeking to overcome obstacles to health. By addressing leadership blind spots, embracing delegation, improving communication, prioritizing outreach, embracing change, and fostering a culture of growth, pastors can lead their small churches toward a brighter future. As we apply these principles, we can create vibrant and thriving congregations that reflect the love and transformative power of Christ in our communities.



We would be happy to send you a free copy of Geoff's book... Just send us a message and we will ship you a copy...

Small Church Guys exists to serve you and your congregation, and we are committed to empower small churches to make a difference in their communities. We believe that no church is too small to have an impact, and we're here to help you fulfill your mission. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support you please give us a call or visit our website we hope to hear from you...



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