When Growth Isn't Just About Getting More People In The Door 

In 2026 a lot of church leaders are starting to feel like they're “preaching into a vacuum”, even with a steady attendance figure the vibe just isn't there. The world's changing and people are too, digital communities are popping up, cultural shifts are happening and our social challenges are evolving, all of which are changing how people experience faith. 

Real growth is about more than just numbers, its about seeing people's lives get transformed and their hearts get connected to what God wants to do in the world. Churches that just focus on getting more butts in seats are going to miss the deeper spiritual and relational needs of their community, because they're not paying attention to how people are actually growing in their faith. If church leaders tune in and listen to how people are doing they'll have a much better idea of where the Spirit is moving and where people need some support - and that means they'll be able to make a real lasting difference. 

Taking Your Church's Pulse 

Ask yourself:

• Are people deepening their faith and walking closer with God? 

• Are relationships within the church authentic and supportive? 

• Are emerging leaders being equipped and empowered to serve? 

• Do all members feel seen, heard, and valued in the church family? 

We need to be listening not just to what people say, but to what they do - its not just about Sunday services either, its about what happens in the week in between. Small groups, one-on-one mentoring, and all the different teams that make up your church are all opportunities for people to really connect. If you're paying attention to how people are participating and interacting you'll be able to see where the gaps are, where you're getting it right and where you need to make some changes. Listening like that means that your decisions will actually be driven by what's really going on in the hearts and lives of the people in your church. 

Measuring Impact, Not Just Getting More People in the Seats 

Numbers are part of the story, but its the spiritual growth that tells the whole story. Look for evidence of: 

• Real Transformation: People's lives being healed, people finding hope and renewed purpose.

• Community impact : Ministries, outreach, and partnerships making a real difference in the world.

• Spiritual growth : People getting into prayer, Bible study, and small groups.

• Leadership growth :  Emerging leaders and stepping into God’s calling with confidence.

Tracking all of those signs means you'll be able to celebrate when you're getting it right, and figure out where to plug the gaps when things are going wrong. It means you'll be able to create an environment where faith and service really thrive. 

Mission Over Trends

When church leaders are paying attention to real growth they can see where God is working in their church and community. That awareness keeps their ministries focused on the heart of the matter rather than getting distracted by what's in fashion or what the pressure is. Here's what that might look like in practice: 

• Creating opportunities for people to mentor each other.

• Forming ministry teams that can make a real difference.

• Finding ways to give people ownership of projects. 

Building a church that's going to be healthy and strong over the long haul means empowering new leaders and building systems that will last - not just for this season but for the next one after that too. 

The 2026 Trend-Cast: A data-driven projection of 2026 community needs and ministry shifts.

January 27 | 11:00 a.m. CST 

In this empowering session, you’ll learn: 

• Learn how to reconnect with your community in some really meaningful ways.

• Get some practical strategies for growing leaders and building stronger relationships.

• Figure out how to balance being traditional with being innovative while staying true to what the Spirit is saying. 

Walk into 2026 with a sense of clarity, faith and hope. 

#BlackChurchesThrive #UnleashExponentialGrowth #BlackMillennialCafe #BMC #ChurchTradition #ChurchInnovation