Is It Wrong for Churches to Want Growth? (REACHRIGHT Mailbag Episode)

In this edition of ReachRight Mailbag, we’re digging into one of the most debated questions in ministry today:

Should churches really want to grow? Is growth biblical—or are we just chasing numbers?

Plus, we’ll tackle some other great listener questions—from generational gaps in online giving to small church websites, managing the Google Ad Grant, and whether Spotify is secretly your next best social media platform.

Let’s get into it.

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Is It Wrong for Churches to Want Growth?

Let’s start with the big one.

A listener wrote in and asked, “Is it wrong for churches to want growth?”

It’s a fair question—and one that taps into deeper issues of mission, marketing, and biblical priorities.

Here’s the truth: Wanting your church to grow isn’t wrong. But why you want it to grow? That matters a lot.

If you want growth so you can build a platform, stroke your ego, or compete with the church down the street—yeah, that’s a problem. But if your heart is to see more people hear the Gospel, find community, and grow in Christ? Then growth is a natural and healthy goal.

Let’s be real: The early church exploded with growth. In Acts 2, we’re told that “the Lord added to their number daily.” Jesus’ command was to “go and make disciples of all nations”—not just maintain a faithful few.

That means it’s not just okay to grow—it’s part of the mission.

Here’s where digital outreach and church marketing come in. These tools aren’t about manipulation. They’re about helping people find your church and hear the message of Jesus in a noisy world.

So no, it’s not wrong to want growth. What’s wrong is ignoring the opportunities God has given us to reach more people.

How Should Churches Bridge the Age Gap in Online Giving?

This is a question we get a lot: “Older people don’t want to give online. Young people don’t carry cash. What are we supposed to do?”

It’s the great generational divide—and yes, it shows up in the offering plate too.

Here’s the key: It’s not about forcing everyone into the same giving method. It’s about offering options so everyone can participate.

Older generations often prefer checks, envelopes, and in-person giving. And that’s totally valid. But don’t assume they’ll never go digital. With a little education and some easy tools, many older members can and do adapt.

Younger generations? They live on their phones. Venmo, Apple Pay, text-to-give—this is how they operate.

So here’s what we recommend:

• Keep physical giving options available
• Offer secure and simple digital giving platforms
• Create tutorials or host a “giving tech day” to walk older members through the process
• Remind your church that how you give is secondary to why you give

The goal isn’t to drag everyone into the digital age. It’s to remove barriers to generosity for every generation.

What Does a Small Church Really Need on Its Website?

Another great question came in from a small church leader: “We don’t have a lot of time or money—what do we actually need on our website?”

First off, we love that you’re asking. Because even the smallest churches deserve a solid digital front door.

Here’s the deal: You don’t need a fancy, 20-page mega-site. But you do need a website that’s:

• Simple
• Clear
• Focused on the visitor

If we had to boil it down to the essentials, your website should include:

• A clean homepage that clearly says who you are and what you’re about
• Clear service times and location info
• A friendly “Plan Your Visit” page
• A way to watch sermons or listen to messages
• An easy-to-find giving page
• Basic contact info (email, phone, maybe a contact form)
• A place to highlight your next big event or sermon series

That’s it. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Even a simple, mobile-friendly site can make a huge difference.

Think of your website like your church sign in 2025. If it’s not visible and clear, people won’t come in.

Should Churches Manage the Google Ad Grant or Hire Help?

Let’s talk strategy.

A listener asked, “Should we try to manage the Google Ad Grant ourselves, or hire someone to do it?”

Short answer: It depends on your time, your team, and your tech comfort level.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Google Ad Grant gives churches up to $10,000/month in free advertising on Google. That’s a big opportunity—but also a bit of a beast to manage. There are strict rules, and getting your ads to actually perform can take some serious trial and error.

Managing it yourself means:

• You save money
• You stay hands-on
• But you need to learn Google Ads pretty well

Hiring someone means:

• You pay a fee
• You get expert help
• You free up time to focus on ministry

If you’re a small team with limited marketing experience, outsourcing can be worth it—as long as the agency actually understands how churches work.

If you’ve got someone on staff who loves analytics and can learn the ropes, DIY can work, too. Either way, don’t let this free resource go unused.

Does Spotify Count as a Church Social Media Platform?

This one caught us by surprise—and we love it.

One listener asked, “Does Spotify count as social media for churches?”

Great question. Technically, Spotify isn’t a social platform in the same way as Instagram or Facebook. But in terms of engaging people where they already are and sharing your message? Absolutely, it counts.

Think of Spotify as part of your church’s digital discipleship strategy. People are listening to content on the go—while driving, working out, cooking dinner. If you’re not on Spotify, you’re missing a major opportunity.

Here are some ideas for churches on Spotify:

• Post your weekly sermon as a podcast
• Create themed playlists (worship, prayer, Bible study music)
• Upload short devotional episodes
• Share testimonies or stories from your church family

And here’s a bonus: Spotify can also improve your visibility on Google search when someone’s looking for your church.

No, it’s not a traditional “social media platform.” But in 2025, it’s absolutely a place where ministry happens—and where your church can have a voice.

Wrapping It Up

We covered a lot of ground in this ReachRight Mailbag—everything from biblical growth and digital giving to Spotify and Google Ads.

Here’s the common thread through it all: Church growth isn’t the enemy of faithfulness. In fact, done right, it’s a reflection of it.

It’s not wrong to want growth. It’s wrong to ignore the tools God has put in front of us to help make that growth possible.

Whether it’s making online giving easier, building a better website, or using Spotify to disciple someone in their car—every strategy is just a vehicle for the Gospel.

Thanks again for sending in your questions. If you’ve got one you want us to tackle in the next episode, drop it in the comments or message us on social.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

More Resources on Church Marketing

• Six Ways Your Church Should Be Using Spotify
• 6 Marketing Mistakes That Give People The Wrong Impression Of Your Church
• The Shocking Reality of Church Meltdowns (And How to Fix Them)
• Why Churches Fail At Creating Leaders
• Google Grant Results – Cypress Meadows Church

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