Increasing Church Capacity Primer: Learn to Think in Systems

by Steve Smith

What if there was a way to enlarge the front door of your church and close the back door at the same time? This introduction to the concept of church systems will show you the way. Pastors and church leaders who are finally convinced that they need more than a hotter worship band, a better marketing plan or more exciting programs will discover the real nuts and bolts of church systems which can make the difference between growing healthily and not growing at all. Are you leading an attractional model church? A theologically driven model church? A traditional model church? Not sure? No approach works any better than any other model without systems! Regardless of style, size, denomination or age, your church has the same eighteen systems that every other church has. Learn what those systems are and how to use them to grow the church that glorifies God and brings increasing numbers into His Kingdom. Dr. Steve Smith puts the cookies on the shelf where you can reach them. He speaks to leaders of all size churches and gives practical help without fluff or wordiness. This book is packed with penetrating wisdom, thought-provoking questions and useful material for hard-working pastors and leaders. You will gain real hope for renewing your church. Includes an in-depth system evaluation tool to help you discover where you need to focus your attention in your own church in order to fix what's broken or build what's needed. Dr. Steve Smith will also point you to the next steps you need to take.

132 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2014

About the author

Steve Smith is a pastor, church planter, author, and ministry leader with a passion for helping people grow in their faith and helping churches fulfill their mission.

In 2000, Steve and his family moved to White Plains, New York, where they planted Westchester Apostolic Church. After years of church planting and pastoral ministry, he returned to the Memphis area, where he now serves as pastor of Faith Apostolic Church in Cordova, Tennessee.

Steve also serves as the Missions America Director for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, where he works to promote church planting and partner with church planters across North America through relationships, training, and financial support.

His first book, Apostolic Church Planting: Changing the World One Church at a Time, grew out of more than two decades of firsthand ministry experience. His writing combines biblical principles, practical ministry insight, personal stories, and a conviction that the local church remains one of God's primary instruments for reaching and transforming communities.

Steve's broader writing focuses on Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, prayer, faith, leadership, and the life and mission of the church. At the heart of his ministry and writing is a simple desire: to help people follow Jesus wholeheartedly and equip others to make a difference in their world.

Steve and his wife, Lorrie, have been married for more than 35 years and have three sons. They make their home in the Memphis, Tennessee, area.

Reviews

[Jon Morrissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource!

This is a thorough analysis of what is needed to help a church grow. The chapters are concise, practical, and include evaluative questions. I highly recommend this book.