The 5 Habits of High-Growth Church Leaders

Growing your church is a challenging and sometimes stressful part of ministry. There are countless church growth strategies to consider, and it can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling with growth, we’ve written a few blogs to help, including this one.

Some churches set an inspiring example, showing us how it’s possible to grow a congregation while staying focused on kingdom values. One such leader is our own Justin Knapp. To understand the habits that contribute to church growth, we interviewed Justin. Here’s what we learned.

Habits of High-Growth Church Leaders

1. Visualization

   Justin shared his approach to preparing for church services: “I take one lap around the entire facility, trying to get a feel for the night. Then I quickly run through the entire evening in my head—thinking about the staff meeting, worship, and who I can connect with before preaching. Finally, I envision how I want the message to resonate. If something doesn’t feel right, I adjust my approach.”

   For Justin, visualization isn’t about imagining an ideal outcome; it’s about mentally rehearsing the night to stay attuned to his intuition.

2. Build a Team Based on Stewardship

   Teamwork is essential in a church environment. Justin emphasized the importance of building a team with a heart for service:

   “Leadership is about washing feet and being the greatest servant. The biggest danger in non-profit work is losing sight of the mission. We intentionally seek team members with a genuine desire to serve. This commitment to culture is vital—your culture will always trump your vision. Creating a safe, selfless environment is key to growing your church.”

3. Be Authentic

   Authenticity fosters trust and connection. Justin explained why being genuine is critical:

   “I strive to be the same person on and off the stage. Faith is about discovering who we were created to be. As a pastor, I’ve learned to flex the muscle of authenticity, and it’s impacted all areas of my life. Being yourself is enough.”

4. Be Willing to Learn

   In a constantly changing world, adaptability is essential. Justin believes in maintaining a learner’s mindset:

   “The best leaders are learners. I seek out other leaders to learn from, adapting what fits our culture. The moment you think you know it all, you’re headed for a slump. Challenge your methods to stay sharp, but also understand the unique culture of your church. Not every trend will work for you.”

5. Know That Growth Isn’t the Only Part of the Job

   While growth is important, it’s not the sole focus of church leadership. Justin shared his perspective:

   “I started in full-time ministry at 19 and thought my job was about attracting as many people as possible. I quickly realized speaking is only a small part of the role. As pastors, we represent hope, faith, and love. Just as people go to a store for milk, those seeking faith will find you if you embody those values.”

Before You Go

Growing your church isn’t the most important part of pastoring, nor is it easy. Adopting these habits can make the process more manageable and impactful. For more ideas, check out this blog.

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