Built to Grow: Understanding and Advancing the Mission of the Church

FrontLine Volume 36 • Number 4

The church is not merely an institution we attend—it is a living body we belong to. It is an organization in the sense that it must be biblically ordered for the purposes of worship, edification, and evangelism. Yet it is also an organism—a living body made up of many members, alive in Christ and growing toward maturity. This means the church is truly built to grow.

Too often, growth is measured almost exclusively by numerical expansion. However, Scripture makes it clear that true growth begins with the equipping of the saints for maturity and ministry (Eph. 4:11–16). Numerical increase is ultimately God’s work. Our responsibility is faithfulness.

For many years, the song “Deep and Wide” has been a familiar favorite in children’s ministries—though not without its critics! Still, its title captures an important principle of church growth: depth and breadth must be pursued in the proper order. Both matter, but depth must come first. When a church prioritizes spiritual depth, it shifts from a pragmatic mindset to a theological one. As someone has wisely said, “If we concern ourselves with the depth of our ministry, God will see to the breadth of it.”

This issue of FrontLine magazine has been thoughtfully developed with that balance in mind. Dr. David Huffstutler opens by articulating the features of growth in the New Testament church. Pastors must be faithful in these areas, or no true growth is taking place. Pastor Will Cover, a church planter in Houston, shares his experience of establishing a church with an intentional disciple-making focus. His testimony demonstrates that churches can grow both spiritually and numerically when built on the right foundation.

But what about numerical goals? Every faithful pastor desires to see more sheep gathered into the flock—but is that desire biblical? In the core article of this issue, Dr. Greg Stiekes provides a clear and compelling answer. The book of Acts does seem to affirm numerical growth as a worthy aim. Yet the danger remains: elevating a biblical goal into an unhealthy, pragmatic priority.

When numerical growth does come, how should a church respond? Dr. Matt Walker addresses this question by presenting the strategic concept of multiplying through dividing—planting new churches out of existing ones. As he memorably states, “Success is sending, not seating.”

And how are people drawn into the life of a church in the first place? Dr. Jonathan Johnson explores this question through the often-overlooked ministry of hospitality. His emphasis on welcoming without worry highlights how thoughtful structure and genuine care are means God uses to bring people in and establish them for meaningful service.

Finally, Dr. Ryan Martin brings a historical perspective that returns us to a foundational truth: while man is responsible to be faithful, it is God who builds His church. History reminds us that when this order is reversed, the results are both predictable and troubling.

These themes are intended to relieve the tension many feel when considering church growth. On the one hand, some may hesitate to pursue numerical growth at all. On the other, some may pursue numbers at the expense of spiritual maturity. Both extremes miss the mark. Large attendance may reflect opportunity, but transformed lives reflect true ministry success.

As you read Built to Grow and reflect on these truths, may God shape your perspective, align your priorities, and guide your efforts—so that your ministry reflects His design and brings Him glory.

Mark Herbster, Associate Editor

Features:

Four Features of Church Growth in Acts: Rediscovering The New Testament Pattern
David Huffstutler

Is there a secret to learn from the early church that we can use to repeat its success today?

Shaping the Church from the Ground Up: Rediscovering Growth through Intentional Disciple-Making

Will Cover

Jesus modeled for us what it looks like to make disciples and showed us three simple keys to disciple-making.

The Case for Numerical Growth in Acts: Rediscovering Biblical Increase
Greg Stiekes

Three factors of numerical growth were always present as the disciples committed themselves obediently to the work of the ministry.

Multiplication through Division: Rediscovering Reproduction through Church Planting
Matthew Walker

The success of a church should be measured not by how many it seats, but by how many churches it sends

Welcome without Worry: Rediscovering Warmth without Compromise
Jonathan Johnson

How does openness in welcome and carefulness in standards result in a church that is ready to grow?

Edwards and Brainerd on Church Growth: Rediscovering Historical Insight
Ryan J. Martin

How did an earlier generation of conservative, Bible-believing American evangelicals think about a topic like “church growth”?

Sound Words: Inspiration for the Pastor’s Study:

First Partaker:
Fellowship, Not in Word Only – Mark Minnick

Bring … the Books:
John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace – Jordan Smith

Straight Cuts:
God’s Means of Awakening Nineveh – Eric Newton

Windows:
Promoting Exemplary Ministry – Steve Kindstedt

Departments:

ON THE HOME FRONT

BEST OF PROCLAIM AND DEFEND

REGIONAL REPORTS

HEART TO HEART: Not Unto Death, but for the Glory of God
Stephanie Smith

AT A GLANCE: Human Forgiveness
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Essential Elements in Building a Church
Jim Tillotson

STEWARDSHIP MATTERS: Church Building Projects
Corey Pfaffe

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: CAPT Tavis Long Assumes Command at Naval Chaplaincy School
Mike Ascher

FrontLine • July/August 2026. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)