Sick Church Final

     In my last two articles, I explained two imperative steps that are needed for a diminishing church to thrive once more. First, genuine confession as revealed in James 5:16. Second, renewed dedication as revealed in Romans 12:1-2. As I stated before, I am in no way claiming to be some grand expert in the field of church growth. I am simply magnifying what has already been established in the scriptures. Also, I would encourage you to read the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer. It is an easy read, but very informative to what a dying church really looks like and what can be done about it.

     You must understand that all of us has to be careful when it comes to relying on steps, formulas, and principles. Because, Christians tend to employ more devotion and care in following a “do good” checklist rather than in simply walking with God. Throughout my life, I have heard preachers say, “If you love God, then you’ll do more for Him!” Instead of conveying the wonderful truths that our love for Him is only deepened when we see the depths of His love for us and our efforts for Him only matter when He is working through us, they distort the beauty of the gospel and disguise self righteous activity as humble availability.

If church members would understand how essential daily communion with the Lord really is, I suppose there would be no need to write about church revitalization, but this is not the case. So, I give you the last point in church growth which is edification. Before His ascension, Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

    For many years, the American church has lost sight of the call of discipleship. Many crusades and church revivals were and are geared towards getting scores of people to profess salvation, but after the tents come down and the stadium seats are emptied out, following up on new converts is entirely lacking. In similar fashion, when a new visitor enters a church, members are quick to greet them with a smile and press them to come back again. They may even send them a card, invite them out to eat, or bake them something to let them know how much their presence was appreciated.

     But what if this same individual comes back? What if they continue for a year? What would the attitude of church members be then? Would they still visit him from time to time? Would they fellowship with him outside of the church? Probably not. Now that they are in the family, they are subtly forgotten.

    Paul reminded the believers in Rome that they were called to “...follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” (Romans 14:19) and that they were to seek to “...please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:2). It thrills my heart to hear of some Christians, who on top of attending church services, have in-home Bible studies together. Praise the Lord! They get it! Some of the most spiritually memorable and edifying times that I have had was not when I was sitting in a church pew among many professed believers, but when I was in a home discussing the bible and praising God with just a few. 

    Now, I am not discrediting regular church services, but I am simply reminding you that what has been missing is the understanding that we are to daily walk in this life with a desire to encourage and edify fellow believers in the Word of God. Don’t think the job is done when they come to church. Get to know them throughout the week. Open your home to them and be hospitable with the intent to spiritually strengthen them. Not in some pomp, self-conceited attitude but in humility and love, wanting them to be molded in the image of Christ (Galatians 4:19) When a church comes back to heartfelt confession, holy dedication, and humble edification, then it will being to thrive in this world and glorify the Father.