Some ministers, by passion and personality and giftedness, will never be anything more than a shepherd. They enjoy doing the hands-on ministry to people. History says they can grow a church only to what they can handle--about 100-150 people. So when that church grows to 150 and stagnates, the best thing we can do is put him back into a church of 75 and not see that as a demotion, but as how he can shine and be fruitful. 

It's not about numbers. It's about recognizing who he is, and not making it something negative. It's how God wired him--his passions, his abilities. Then bring in somebody who can delegate to lead that church of 150.