Overcoming growth strangulation and small church negative stereotypes through intentional biblical steps

The purpose of this paper is to provide encouragement to small churches so they may nurture spiritual growth while working to overcome space restrictions that prohibit sustained numerical growth. Through intentional biblical steps, small church negative stereotypes can also be diagnosed and eliminated, thus bringing forth growth. By addressing spiritual problems and space restrictions, congregations can be rejuvenated and community perceptions can be improved by making God's people and facility meet His standard of excellence. The research tools include surveying twenty-five pastors to ascertain strengths and weaknesses of their church growth strategies and twenty-five large church attenders to identify small church perceptions and provide correction to any misperceptions that may hinder growth. The goal of this project focuses on small churches becoming spiritually healthy with vision and unity that scripturally reveals God's power to attract people into His Kingdom, while building His church to the size and effectiveness He desires.