What's Killing The Church? (Part 1)

What's Killing The Church? (Part 1)

I found this article the other day that intrigued to my spiritual core. I hope when you read it you will stop and think closely about what the author is saying. I heavily endorse this material and I challenge every believer to receive its message as I did.

   What is causing so many churches to decline and close their doors? Here are seven reasons why many fellowships will soon be closing their doors.

-A majority of churches want to stay small.  This fact is shown in how they conduct their ministry.  There is no plan or design for growth, so the only other option is decline.  There is no neutral grown in church growth.  Either a congregation is growing or dying.

-Few congregations can keep their pastors for an extended period.  Quick turnover of pastors and pastoral staff are fueling the decline of many churches.  A lacking of trust for pastoral leadership is also encouraging this type of behavior.  Those churches that are growing and doing well are those churches that have an extended stay of their pastors.

-The above action leads many congregations to evolve into a fellowship that is ruled by a minority of church members.  This behavior will destroy any church growth.  When one or two people or families within a church dominate and rule the fellowship, church growth will not take place.

-The reason many churches are unable to grow and are in decline is due to a lack of a plan or strategy for the growth of the church.  A church without a growth plan will not grow.  It is like growing a plant with no water.

-Spiritual illness is another reason that is leading to the closing of churches.  Simply stated, “They are sick.”  An unhealthy fellowship cannot grow a healthy church. 

-The physical plant of any church tells the world around them what is important or not important to them.  Disrepair of its buildings and the neglect of its appearance will not draw anyone into the fellowship.

-Last, a declining church continues to die when there is no prayer taking place concerning the health of the church.  No prayer leads to spiritual death.

Does your church fit into this category? If it does then evaluate what you can do to facilitate change. God has you there for a reason. Now is a good time to find out why more than any other.