God’s will & your church
One of the most common questions I’ve heard as a pastor is: What is God’s will for my life?
It’s a question that carries weight. Church leaders, maybe you’ve asked it, too—not just personally, but for your congregation:
What does God want for our church?
What direction should we take?
What programs should we invest in?
How do we steward our resources well?
In the same way individuals wrestle with God’s will, churches do, too. The decisions you make today shape the stories your church will tell tomorrow.
The Problem: We Often Confuse God’s Will with Ours
Here’s the challenge: we are all prone to confusing our will with God’s will. We assume that because we have good intentions, our plans must be His plans. But churches that thrive long-term prioritize transformation over strategy.
A study by Barna Group found that churches that emphasize discipleship and spiritual formation see healthier long-term growth than those that focus primarily on attendance numbers (Barna, 2020). It turns out that who a church is becoming matters more than what it is doing.
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” That word—sanctification—means to be made holy, to be set apart for God’s purposes.
What This Means for Your Church
The best research on church health confirms what Scripture consistently teaches:
A deep commitment to spiritual formation
(Are the people being shaped into the image of Jesus?)
A culture of discipleship and mission
(Are the people actively growing and reaching others?)
A willingness to adapt and surrender
(Are we holding onto our plans or seeking God’s?)
Instead of asking, "What does God want us to do?" ask, "Who is God forming us to be?"
Take the Next Step
If you’re wrestling with what’s next for your church, our church consultations can help you clarify vision, align with biblical priorities, and take practical next steps toward health and growth.
Click here to schedule a consultation. Let’s discern how God is uniquely equipped you and your church for kingdom work together.
Grace & Peace,
Mike Wrigglesworth
