James Meeks, founder and senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, built his church up from 200 people to a church of over 22,000 now, baptizing thousands of new believers every year. He plainly says, “Everyone can have a growing church,” and warns church leaders about the enemies of a growing church:
ENEMY #1: Lack of Faith. Leaders need to not just believe their church will grow; they need to expect it to grow and act like it will.
ENEMY #2: Lack of Knowledge. In Hosea, the people perished because of a lack of knowledge. What you don’t know can kill you!
ENEMY #3: Expecting God to Treat You Differently Than Everyone Else. All the laws of growth apply equally to everyone. He can do a great work through you just as easily as He does through Billy Graham or Rick Warren.
ENEMY #4: Thinking that Growth is Not a Goal. Growth is ALWAYS the goal of the New Testament church. Don’t be afraid to count people; God does.
ENEMY #5: An Unsure Pastor. The speed of the leader suggests the speed of the team. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and know Me.” Do not lead ambiguously.
ENEMY #6: Failure to Build on Small Victories. Use every victory to win the next one.
ENEMY #7: Failure to Preach the Announcements. Don’t just tell people about what’s happening after your message; give an invitation to involvement!
ENEMY #8: Lack of Corporate Fasting and Prayer. “If there was a check for $5 million taped to the ceiling, you’d skip lunch to try to reach it, wouldn’t you?” Meeks says. Some things are never possible without fasting and prayer.
ENEMY #9: Failure to Get Started. Don’t wait for everyone to “get it.” Do your best at research, pray, then just do it.
ENEMY #10: Poor Motive. Ask your team, “Why do you want to grow?” Discuss your answers with grace, and move forward with a unified, godly drive.
James Meeks,”Enemies of a Growing Church”, Leadership Summit, Willow Creek Association, 2006.
Posted by holyman 
Posted by holyman 