Aaron Cole: ‘You Can’t Legislate Compassion’

We asked pastors of some of the nation’s largest churches to share their thoughts on church growth, discipleship, outreach and faithful ministry.

Aaron Cole, Senior Pastor
Life Church
Germantown, Wisconsin

Over the past 18 months, we launched two campuses, which is a large reason for our growth and momentum. Beyond the best plans that we make, God sometimes surprises us—reminding us that he is at work. Both campuses we launched were struggling churches that came to us wanting to close their doors and open up as a LC campus. And both were in areas we already wanted to go. It was an answer to prayer.

God is looking for our obedience and hard work. He will bring the increase.

I wish someone had told me in my 20s that nobody expects you to have anything figured out in life until your 30s and 40s.

You cannot legislate compassion. That’s why the church exists—to lead the way in compassion.

Read more candid conversations with Outreach 100 pastors »

Twitter: @AaronColeLC
Website: LifeChurchWI.com
Founded: 2000
Denomination: Assemblies of God
Locations: 4
A 2019 OUTREACH 100 CHURCH
Attendance: 2,191
Fastest-Growing: 17

Lora Schrock
Lora Schrock

Lora Schrock is co-editor of Outreach magazine. She has 30 years of publishing experience and is the author of numerous articles and books.

Passion Church: Doughnuts and Disciples

They got the word out about a Monday-night ministry for kids ages 5 to 12 called DD for JC—Dunkin’ Donuts for Jesus Christ.

When You Take Matters Into Your Own Hands

When we become our own chief advocate, we are once again taking the place of God. Because advocating for us is actually not our job; it’s Jesus’s job.

7 Ways to Build Momentum This Fall

With the change of seasons and school starting back up, fall is a time when so many people reset and create their new schedules. So this is a great opportunity for your church to connect (and reconnect) people with Jesus.