The Church Lobby Ep 119: Pushing Back Against The Lie Of Fast Church Growth, with Jeff Hoglen
Jan 8, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Hoglen, a church planter and CEO of ChurchPlanning.com, debunks the myth that all healthy churches must grow rapidly. He shares insights into how growth mirrors farming instead of fireworks, emphasizing the value of slow, steady development. Jeff encourages pastors to celebrate small wins and remain faithful during discouraging seasons. With practical advice on prioritizing discipleship and healthy church practices, he inspires leaders to focus on depth over spectacle.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Fast-Growth Expectation Is A Trap
- The common claim "if your church is healthy, it will grow" secretly adds the expectation of fast growth.
- Jeff Hoagland warns that assuming speedy growth creates unrealistic pressure and discouragement.
From House Churches To International Plants
- Jeff recounts past pastorates from house churches to international plants and says outcomes vary by context.
- He emphasizes faithful farming practices like building teams and sowing seeds rather than expecting instant harvests.
Growth Feels Like Farming, Not Fireworks
- Real growth often resembles farming: slow, steady, and largely invisible.
- Jeff contrasts that with fireworks-style growth which grabs attention but rarely produces lasting fruit.
