15/09/2026
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10 THINGS A PASTOR MUST FIX BEFORE ASKING GOD FOR MORE MEMBERS.
Sometimes the problem isn't the HARVEST—it is the BARN!
Every pastor wants GROWTH.
We pray for crowds.
We declare increase.
We organize evangelism.
We ask members to invite people.
But here is a difficult question:
IF GOD ANSWERED YOUR PRAYER AND SENT 100 NEW PEOPLE NEXT SUNDAY, IS YOUR CHURCH PRESENTLY PREPARED TO RECEIVE, SERVE, DISCIPLE AND RETAIN THEM?
Jesus said:
“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” — Matthew 9:37 KJV.
Sometimes God doesn't need to increase the harvest.
WE NEED TO PREPARE THE BARN!
As we pray, prepare and ask God for MORE MEMBERS, let us do these 10 things.
(1) FIX YOUR FIRST-TIMER EXPERIENCE.
Don't pray for visitors while ignoring the ones already coming.
From the parking area to the entrance, ushers, seating, toilets, children's church and closing moments—what does a stranger experience?
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers...” — Hebrews 13:2 KJV.
A visitor should not feel invisible in the house of God.
You may call them “first-timers,” but heaven sees souls!
(2) FIX YOUR FOLLOW-UP SYSTEM.
Getting people through the door is only half the work.
Who contacts them after service?
Who checks on them during the week?
Who answers their questions?
Who helps them take the next step?
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 KJV.
EVANGELISM BRINGS THEM. FOLLOW-UP HELPS ESTABLISH THEM.
Don't celebrate the fish while leaving holes in the net!
(3) FIX YOUR WORKERS.
You cannot build a growing church with workers who must constantly be begged to serve.
Late workers.
Absent workers.
Untrained workers.
Unfriendly workers.
Uncommitted workers.
They can frustrate the very growth you're praying for.
“And he gave... to every man his work.” — Mark 13:34 KJV
Before praying for more members, RAISE STRONGER WORKERS!
Strong churches require strong workers.
(4) FIX YOUR SUNDAY SERVICE EXPERIENCE.
People shouldn't have to endure unnecessary disorder before receiving the Word.
Check:
Starting time.
Sound quality.
Service coordination.
Unnecessary announcements.
Awkward transitions.
Excessive delays.
Overall excellence.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV.
SPIRITUALITY AND EXCELLENCE ARE NOT ENEMIES!
You can have the ANOINTING and still have ORDER!
(5) FIX YOUR CHILDREN'S CHURCH.
Many churches want young families but haven't prepared properly for their children.
Parents notice:
Safety.
Cleanliness.
Teachers.
Organization.
Security.
Learning.
How their children are treated.
“Suffer the little children to come unto me...” — Mark 10:14 KJV.
If parents don't feel comfortable leaving their children with you, don't be surprised when they don't return.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH IS NOT BABYSITTING—IT IS MINISTRY!
(6) FIX YOUR FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT.
Anointing is not an excuse for dirtiness!
Dirty toilets.
Broken chairs.
Poor ventilation.
Untidy surroundings.
Offensive smells.
Disorganized parking.
These things speak to people before the pastor preaches to people.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV.
You don't need a multimillion-dollar building to be excellent.
CLEAN WHAT YOU HAVE.
ARRANGE WHAT YOU HAVE.
MAINTAIN WHAT YOU HAVE.
IMPROVE WHAT YOU HAVE.
Excellence is not always expensive—sometimes it simply requires intentionality.
(7) FIX YOUR DISCIPLESHIP SYSTEM.
Don't just count converts—BUILD DISCIPLES!
What happens after someone gives their life to Christ?
Is there:
New believers' class?
Bible foundation training?
Baptism preparation?
Membership class?
Small groups?
Mentoring?
A pathway into service?
Jesus didn't say only to gather crowds.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...” — Matthew 28:19 KJV.
A GROWING ATTENDANCE WITHOUT GROWING DISCIPLES CAN PRODUCE A BIG CROWD WITH SHALLOW ROOTS.
TURN ATTENDEES INTO DISCIPLES!
(8) FIX YOUR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE.
If every decision must wait for the senior pastor, you don't have a growing organization—you have a BOTTLENECK.
Moses learned this painfully.
“This thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” — Exodus 18:18 KJV.
Delegate.
Train leaders.
Define responsibilities.
Establish accountability.
Empower capable people.
A CHURCH CANNOT SUSTAINABLY GROW BEYOND THE CAPACITY OF ITS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE.
You don't have to carry everything alone!
(9) FIX YOUR ASSIMILATION SYSTEM.
There is a difference between somebody ATTENDING OUR CHURCH and somebody BELONGING TO OUR CHURCH.
People need relationships.
They need to know:
Where do I fit?
Who knows me here?
How do I get involved?
Who can I call when I need help?
What is my next step?
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship...” — Acts 2:42 KJV.
People may come because of the preaching, but relationships often help them develop a sense of belonging.
DON'T JUST WELCOME PEOPLE—CONNECT THEM!
(10) FIX YOUR CAPACITY BEFORE PRAYING FOR MORE.
THIS ONE IS SERIOUS!
Before asking God for 1,000 people, ask:
“CAN WHAT WE PRESENTLY HAVE CARRY 1,000 PEOPLE?”
“Enlarge the place of thy tent...” — Isaiah 54:2 KJV.
INCREASE REQUIRES PREPARATION!
More people require more workers.
More people require stronger systems.
More people require better administration.
More people require more leaders.
More people require greater accountability.
More people require greater stewardship.
DON'T JUST PRAY FOR INCREASE—PREPARE FOR IT!
DEAR PASTOR, BEFORE YOUR NEXT “LORD, SEND US MORE PEOPLE” PRAYER...
Walk around the church.
Look at our systems.
Look at our workers.
Look at our follow-up.
Look at our children's church.
Look at our facilities.
Look at our leadership.
Then ask yourself:
“IF GOD SENDS THEM, ARE WE READY FOR THEM?”
Because sometimes...
THE PROBLEM ISN'T THE HARVEST.
THE BARN ISN'T READY YET!
“Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” — Proverbs 24:27 KJV.
PRAY FOR GROWTH.
PLAN FOR GROWTH.
PREPARE FOR GROWTH.
POSITION FOR GROWTH.
THEN STEWARD THE GROWTH GOD GIVES US!
