The Gospel-Driven Church: Uniting Church Growth Dreams With the Metrics of Grace

A forthcoming 2025 release from Zondervan by pastor and author Jared C. Wilson that offers a fresh framework for evaluating church health based on spiritual growth and gospel-centered metrics rather than traditional numerical success markers.

The Gospel-Driven Church: Uniting Church Growth Dreams with the Metrics of Grace challenges leaders and congregations to rethink what “success” looks like in the local church by shifting emphasis from attendance, decisions, and dollars toward the work of the gospel in people’s lives. Drawing on diagnostic questions and practical plans, Wilson encourages a “grace shift” that prioritizes Christ-centered discipleship, biblical authority, a growing love for God and neighbor, and authentic spiritual transformation. The book addresses common challenges such as the “open back door” of attrition and discipleship deficits, providing leaders with tools to measure and cultivate genuine spiritual health, not just external numbers. Through careful analysis and pastoral insight, Wilson shows how a gospel-driven approach can shape worship, ministry, and church culture toward lasting growth in faith.