Church Health & Growth

FBC Hereford utilizes Pave principle to focus on Christ’s mission, reports 36 baptisms

Dec 16, 2024

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.” 

North Texas pastor employs Pave principle to build coalition aimed at community revitalization

Nov 6, 2024

“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.”

“Connecting all generations in Christ”: Longbranch Community Baptist Church in Midlothian sees multigenerational community form from Pave rebuilding strategy

Sep 17, 2024

“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.

First baptism in seven years sparks excitement and growth in Mathis church

Mar 28, 2024

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.

Pave helping San Antonio church build momentum

Dec 7, 2023

Despite being a vibrant part of the San Antonio community for 102 years, Saint Luke Baptist Church appeared to some to be dying.

FBC Buffalo uses Pave strategies to grow attendance and baptisms

Aug 7, 2023

When Alan Grisham reached out to Texas Baptists almost two years ago, he understood changes were necessary. 

Revitalizing churches requires truth-telling, community engagement

Jul 18, 2023

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.

Young man’s baptism showcases great joy and love

Apr 17, 2023

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

First Baptist Devine sees new baptisms, focuses on celebrating salvations

Feb 21, 2023

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

Church revitalization takes time, refocus on the basics, Smith says during Annual Meeting workshop

Nov 15, 2022

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.

From surviving to thriving: one church’s story of revitalization

Feb 24, 2022

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

Multi-generational revitalization reflects one church’s mission

Jan 27, 2022

“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."

Manteniendo el momento: Creciendo una iglesia en crecimiento

Oct 26, 2021

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.

Keeping the momentum: Growing a growing church

Oct 26, 2021

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.

Tending to your church’s garden: A guide to revitalization and replanting

Oct 26, 2021

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.

A Reflection from a chaplain at Ground Zero following 9/11

Sep 10, 2021

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.

Reconstituted Mud

Sep 9, 2021

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

The Secret Church Growth Practice You Desperately “Kneed”

Aug 5, 2021

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