You might struggle to believe this.

The culture of your local church is the greatest predictor of potential growth. Culture is sometimes a hard and abstract concept.

I’ll try to explain.

Culture is a general noun that we use to describe the thought patterns and accompanying behaviors of humanity. It broadly encompasses their attitudes, beliefs, and values within a specific region and time period. Culture is fluid, as it is often changing.

In some local churches, an unhealthy and toxic culture has developed over the course of time. When that is the situation, it will take an abrupt and abrasive set of changes to bring genuine Christ-life back into the cultural DNA of that local church.

I want to share 5 positive marks of culture that I see in growing congregations.

1. Regular invitations are normal.

Healthy churches are made up of people who intentionally invite others. They regularly extend invitations to friends, relatives, associates from work and school, and neighbors to “come to service with me this Sunday.” They understand the power of a simple invitation.

That invitation often leads to a conversation, which becomes a witness. That witness is an invitation for the unchurched person to come to Christ. In growing churches, the pastoral staff keeps plenty of reasons in front of members, so they want to invite others in. During a worship service, the pastor of a growing church will extend an invitation to commit to Christ for His salvation.

2. Relative change is acceptable.

You should use the word change sparingly. But you know very well that growing organisms are consistently changing. Even if slight changes aren’t quickly perceived, change is constant and necessary for growth. The same is true for your local church.

Observe any growing congregation in your town and ask an insider about their church. You’ll soon learn that there is a steady flux of change, which brings more people in to hear the Gospel. Those who are against any and all change must remember that Christ is always changing His Church. Christianity is all about change!

3. Real fun is okay.

All fun is not sinful. Healthy churches look for reasons to celebrate God’s goodness. They’re okay with an occasional clean joke from the pulpit. Smiles and laughter abound. Their joy-filled lives make them fun to be around.

Lost and backslidden people are not attracted to a joyless version of Christianity that looks like anything but fun. No biblical mandate says Christians or their worship services have to be boring, stale, or lifeless. While you can’t be holy and haughty, you can be holy and fun to be around. If real fun is okay in your church, there is potential for growth.

4. Reaching children is a priority.

Jesus loves children. Any local church that loves Jesus should also love children. If children’s ministry is a priority, it will be reflected in your church’s staff and financial statements. When this priority is practiced, children will be brought to Jesus, and your church will have God’s favor.

Some exceptions exist, but any church that does not prioritize children has a limited shelf life. I don’t want to be part of a local congregation with no little ones running around, making smudges where they shouldn’t, and dropping crumbs on the floors. Give me those good problems, and I’ll show you a church with a bright future.

5. Racial diversity is notable.

In most growing churches, diversity is celebrated. The blood of Christ knows no color lines! The love of God has no boundaries!

Diversity must take place naturally and cannot be contrived. So, my point is not whether a congregation precisely reflects its community; each race in your community should know that your church loves them and that they are welcome at your services.

When I see various shades of pigmentation in the pews and padded seats, I know these are my people. It’s a true reflection of the Body of Christ. In eternity, we will see that God has redeemed people of all nations, tribes, and tongues. We love people of all different colors in His Church.

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This list could be expanded. But, at least I’ve got you thinking about the culture of the local church and how God wants to use yours.

Growth is not automatic, even with the above and more positive characteristics in your local church. But if these are in place, it can take place with much less effort than if they are missing.

Why do I believe this? These cultural marks make for a healthy church, which is more likely to reach and assimilate more people than an unhealthy church.