Genuine church growth involves adding new members through the process of people hearing the gospel, repenting of sins, believing in Jesus, and being baptized. Spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit are essential to both the initial growth of new members and the ongoing growth and prevention of existing members from falling away. When church members use the spiritual gifts given to them, such as discernment, speaking, and helping others, the body of the church is able to experience genuine growth in membership and spiritual maturity.