The 4 Types of Church Growth—"Transfer, Organic, Merge… "and the One That Makes Heaven Rejoice"

When pastors and ministry leaders talk about church growth, they often focus on numbers or attendance, giving, volunteers, programs. While these metrics are useful, they don’t tell the whole story. Growth in a church can happen in many ways, and not all growth is created equal.

I teach that there are four distinct types of church growth: Organic Growth, Transfer Growth, Conversion Growth, and Merge Growth.

Understanding each type helps church leaders assess not only how their churches are growing, but why and what kind of impact that growth is making for the Kingdom of God.

Let’s walk through each one:

1. Organic Growth

This type of growth occurs when a couple has a child, and that child is eventually added to the church—first through the nursery, then children's ministry, and so on.

Why It Matters: Organic growth is a beautiful sign of generational continuity. It reflects family stability, faith transmission, and long-term commitment to the local church. These children grow up with a deep-rooted understanding of church culture and doctrine.

But…It is also can be the slowest form of growth. It can take years before these new members are active participants in the life and mission of the church. While essential, organic growth alone cannot sustain or expand a church’s mission.

2. Transfer Growth

Transfer growth happens when individuals or families move their membership from one church to another. This could be due to relocation, conflict, doctrinal alignment, personal preference, or simply seeking a new experience.

Why It Matters: Transfer growth can bring mature believers, fresh energy, and even new leadership into your congregation. Many churches today grow initially through transfer growth.

But... Transfer growth expands a congregation, but it doesn't expand the Kingdom. It’s lateral movement; what one church gains, another loses. If our focus is solely on attracting believers from other churches, we risk missing the heart of the Great Commission: reaching the lost, not just reshuffling the found.

3. Conversion Growth (The Most Important One)

This growth occurs when unbelievers encounter the Gospel, repent, put their faith in Jesus Christ, and are baptized into the life of the local church. Alan and Billy McMahan, in Outreach Magazine, suggests that only 3-5% of all U.S. churches are growing primarily through conversion growth.

Why It Matters Most: Conversion growth is rare in some churches in America today, but it is the most essential. It represents true Kingdom advancement. According to Luke 15:10, angels rejoice in the presence of God when a person moves from spiritual death to life. And when a church becomes known for consistent, Spirit-empowered evangelism, it becomes a beacon of hope in the community.

Churches that prioritize conversion growth have to be outward-focused. They must be willing to create space for the unchurched, engage culture with relevance, and lovingly proclaim truth in an age of skepticism.

Every church should aspire to grow this way. Not because it’s the fastest. Not because it’s the most visible. But because it’s the most eternal.

4. Merge Growth

Merge growth happens when two or more churches combine to form a new church. Typically, they do so under a new name, new leadership, or a refreshed vision.

Why It Matters: Church mergers can be strategic and redemptive. A struggling church can gain new life by joining a healthier one. A new community can be reached more effectively when churches unite around a shared mission. Mergers can bring increased resources, diversity, and unity.

Yes… Merge growth can boost attendance and visibility, and it often creates fresh opportunities for discipleship (an essential form of growth not covered in this blog: spiritual growth). However, I believe the foremost priority of every church should be to lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ thereby bringing new members into the Kingdom of God.

Why Messaging Matters: Conversion vs. Transfer

One of the most important implications of understanding these types of growth is recognizing that your messaging should change depending on whom you're trying to reach.

For the Unchurched or Unsaved (Conversion Growth)

When your goal is conversion growth, your messaging and ministry strategy must be shaped around reaching the unsaved. These individuals are not necessarily looking for a church but they may be looking for hope, healing, and help in real life.

Messaging Tips:

• Focus on hope, healing, and purpose. Speak to deep human needs—identity, belonging, forgiveness, and peace.

• Answer real-life questions. Address issues like anxiety, depression, financial strain, loneliness, parenting, and purpose.

• Avoid insider language. Keep communication clear and relatable. Assume zero church background.

• Tell transformation stories. Showcase how lives have been changed by Jesus—not just beliefs, but marriages, families, mental health, and more.

• Think invitation, not expectation. Welcome people into the journey of faith. Don’t expect them to understand or adopt everything up front.

Example Message:"You are not alone. Discover how faith in Jesus can bring purpose and peace to your life."

For the Church-Experienced (Transfer Growth)

• These individuals are often looking for theological clarity, strong leadership, and a sense of belonging or mission.

• Your messaging can be more direct about doctrine, church culture, or leadership vision.

• Offer clear pathways for involvement and leadership.

Example:"Looking for a church that values biblical teaching, community, and meaningful mission? We’d love to meet you."

Final Thought: Growth That Changes Eternity

All four types of growth have a place. Organic growth fosters generational legacy. Transfer growth can strengthen a congregation. Merge growth can bring unity and revitalization. But only conversion growth expands the Kingdom of God.

As leaders, our ultimate calling is to make disciples. If your church isn’t seeing people come to faith, it’s time to ask hard questions, adjust your strategy, and refocus your mission.

The Gospel still works. People are still hungry for truth. And your church can be a place where Heaven gets more crowded one life at a time.

📅 Let's discuss your church's growth strategy and how we can help. Schedule your free strategy call today.

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