I recently talked to the pastor of a small church with a big building decision. His church growth flat-lined years ago and has even shrunk a bit lately. He needs to move the church to a better location, but the new facility might not be available in the exact time slots he wants. Not sure what he will do, but I know what I would do.
However, as important as the location decision is, it is not the only factor to consider. No matter what decision he makes, location is only one of three key factors that will determine his future growth.
1. LEADERSHIP.
Leaders don’t cause church growth; God does. But leaders can hinder growth by getting in God’s way. Lesson: Seek God and stay out of his way.
2. LIFE.
Good leaders can’t create spiritual life; only God can cause the (spiritually) dead to live. But, leaders can create an atmosphere where the life of God is experienced and celebrated. They can also create an atmosphere that kills spiritual life, and nothing kills spiritual life as fast as legalism, except maybe hypocrisy.
3. LOCATION.
As long as #1 and #2 are in place, then I agree with the real estate people: “Location. Location. Location.” No matter how effective the leadership and no matter how high the life level, if no one can find your church, you will not grow. Whether we are renting or buying, there is a reason good locations cost more than bad locations.