They are ready for action, for sacrifice, for a Christians versus lions rematch, if necessary. That focused vitality translates into fervent prayer and earnest effort for the lost. This explains why new Adventist churches grow at ten times the rate of established churches. It is necessary for denominational survival and growth. Every denomination that reports an increase in the total number of congregations reports an increase in members.
Every denomination reporting a decrease in congregations reports a decrease in members.
Many are shocked to realize that Adventist membership in the cities of America is the same today as it was twenty years ago. The only exceptions are the cities in which new churches have been planted during those twenty years. Like the human body, every church eventually plateaus. Its presence and impact are increased only by producing energetic offspring. It develops new leaders, both lay and pastoral.