| The central research questions, "What are the perceptions of lead ministers of Assembly of God churches concerning church attendance growth and decline rates?" and "What are the perceptions of lead ministers of Assembly of God churches concerning factors that affect church attendance growth and decline rates?" served as the foundation of this qualitative phenomenological study. The perceptions, lived experiences, and possible factors that affect church attendance growth and decline, of lead ministers of Assembly of God churches was the foundation of this qualitative phenomenological study. The data collection procedure was semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 13 lead ministers of Assemblies of God churches across the United States. The purpose of the interviews was to ascertain the lived experiences of lead ministers. The results of this study revealed five core themes: Vision, Alignment, Centrality, Change, and Flexibility. Based upon the data analysis, these five core themes are essential to establishing a strong effective local church within the community. The results of this study also revealed that church governance and structure could limit growth and leadership of the church. Recommendations of this study include a shift from follower-focused to leader-focused governance, transition to appointment of leaders, broad and flexible governance for new church plants, and governance and structural focus in church revitalization projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on how governance and structure are foundational to the success of the local church. Without leader-focused governance and structure, the local church's potential to be effective in the community is diminished. |
