Church Health & Growth

When Nathan Adams joined First Baptist Church Hereford as their senior pastor in Nov. 2022, every area of the church was on a downhill trajectory. Adams was determined to get the church “thinking differently and on an uphill trajectory.” 

“I love seeing from the Pastor’s Coalition more of these churches get involved because it's not all about our church and what we're doing; it's about seeing the kingdom of God is growing and going forth into a community, and Jesus' name being known.”

“We’re no longer a 60 and older church, we’re actually a four-generation church, which is exciting but challenging that I’m preaching to the five-year-old in the room and I’m preaching to the 90-year-old,” said McNeal.

Pastor Felix Treviño knew the metric stating a healthy church should have one baptism for every 15 people in average worship attendance per year, but the First Baptist Church of Mathis simply was not seeing God move in that way.

If your church is declining in attendance or plateauing for several years, there is good news: You are not alone. But the better news is you don’t have to stay that way, said Dr. Jonathan Smith, Director of Church Health Strategy for Texas Baptists.

A special baptism evokes feelings of joy and a celebration of love for pastor, church and God.

“If God moves,...their water bill is going to go up – and that’s not a problem.”

On Tuesday morning, Jonathan Smith, director of Church Health Strategy at Texas Baptists, led a workshop focused on church revitalization at the 2022 Annual Meeting. The workshop looked at ways churches can kickstart revitalization in their own, unique contexts.

Read how Canyon Creek Baptist Church is working with Jonathan Smith, director of Church Health Strategy, to grow their congregation and foster intergenerational worship.

“We wanted to care for the people here, solidify relationships, and really help them dream again as a church and be excited about the work of God."

La Primera de Arcadia ya era una iglesia dinámica y en crecimiento. Jonathan Smith pudo caminar con ellos y asegurarse de que continúen creciendo al darles las herramientas necesarias para tener éxito en el futuro venidero. 

See how Arcadia First Baptist is growing and read how Pastor Joshua McDonald and Church Health Strategy Director Jonathan Smith have teamed up to bolster their ministry. 

Director of Church Health Strategy Jonathan Smith and Associate Director of Missions Tom Howe explain the differences between revitalizing and replanting a church and how they can lead to new life. 

I was in New York City in June of 2001 with my wife Heather for my first visit to New York City. When I returned for a last-minute mission trip in December of 2001, I found an entirely different city. 

"We are called to "reconstitute" his grace for those around us...."

You will not need a bridge with children if you get down on their level, literally.