The following was adapted from information (located at www.victorious.org/churchbook/chur10.htm) pertaining to a survey conducted by the Institute for American Church Growth.  I thought you might find it interesting and informative.

     There is the frequent misconception that church growth comes as a result of the  preaching and personality of the preacher, or because of the visitation programs, or by conducting Gospel meetings with well-known speakers.  All these things are important and can certainly serve a good purpose.  However statistics show that the reason for increased numbers originates elsewhere. The Institute for American Church Growth interviewed 10,000 church attenders to learn how they became a part of the church that they attend.

The percentage of people shown below attended for the following reasons:

2.0% ..... Due to a special need
3.0% ..... Just walked in
6.0% ..... Because of the preacher’s influence
1.0% ..... In response to visitation from the church
5.0% ..... Due to interest in Sunday school
0.5% ..... In response to a special campaign
3.0% ..... Because of interest in a particular program

79.0% ..... From the influence of a friend or relative

     It may come as a surprise that the most potent agent of church growth is the person in the pew — and the majority of those who will come into the church consist of their own family and/or friends. The church begins to grow when those in Christ's body identify themselves with His great commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature” (Mark 16:15).

     Please remember, it might be your influence that can bring another person to Christ.