Characteristics of Church Growth in Two Growing Coastal Georgia Churches 2010-2019

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHURCH GROWTH IN TWO
GROWING COASTAL GEORGIA CHURCHES
2010-2019

Barry S. Giddens

The purpose of this doctoral project was to study characteristics of church growth
in two Coastal Georgia churches from 2010-2019. As a whole, the church in North
America has been in decline for many years. All branches of American Christianity have
experienced losses . . . some great and others small. In the midst of the decline, there is
hope. Hope comes from getting back to the basics of faith, especially as they relate to
sharing salvation in Jesus Christ with the world.

This study surveyed Compassion Christian Church in Savannah, Georgia, and The
Chapel in Brunswick, Georgia. Twelve people from each church (twenty-four total), a
mixture of clergy and laity, were qualitatively surveyed using four questions related to
church growth to determine characteristics of growth. From these twelve interviews and
surveys at each church, characteristics of why these churches grew were identified. Each
survey participant attended worship almost weekly and was active in at least one other
weekly activity besides worship during the years of 2010-2019.

Many characteristics of church growth were identified. Among the factors leading
to church growth were an enduring focus on the Great Commission, robust prayer and
Bible study (both corporately and individually), a spiritual leader who had a passion for
growing the church, engaging worship combined with quality small group opportunities,
ongoing measurement of key metrics, outreach into the community, and strong children's
and youth ministry programs.