I have had the privilege over the last five years to work with an individual who has not made a name for himself in the publishing world or even tried to capitalize on his talents. However, this is the only individual I know of in the church world who has taken two churches from under 600 to over 3,000. When he came to Harvester Christian Church 15 plus years ago they were only running about 150 at best, he had just turned 65 years old and was starting over again in ministry.

Needless to say that after 15 plus years here at Harvester the church now runs over 3,400 and includes two satellite churches. Ben Merold has faithfully followed the calling of God in his life and has been know in the quite world of publishers and researchers as the “Church Growth Expert.” At 82 Ben continues to travel all over the US sharing with small churches and consulting them in their desire to grow and become the church that God desires them to be.

I have chosen to share the “11 Principles of Church Growth” according to Ben Merold a servant of God who has done this not just once but twice.

1. Biblical preaching

2. Evangelism

3. quality teaching – children

4. Biblical structure of leadership

5. Prayer

6. Adding to staff

7. Creation of positive attitude (have fun as a church)

8. variety in church services

9. Teaching in stewardship

10. number of services

11. Benevolence

While I know that some of these will not translate into a growing student ministry I do feel that they are great principles that we can incorporate and share with our leadership.

When it comes to Student Ministry are there any growth principles that you would add or take away? Share them in a comment.

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