Sick Church Continued

      My last article partially summarized the book by Thom Rainer called Autopsy of a Deceased Church. It gives interesting insights as to whether a church is healthy, sick, or near death. In 2014, over 3500 churches closed their doors. There are stats that show this to be the yearly average, while others record twice this amount! Of course, some are willing to point out the claim that yearly there are slightly more new church plants in America than there are church closings. However, the questions still remain as to why so many churches close and how a congregation can remedy this.

     Sadly, some church members write off their declining attendance by affirming that people are more wicked and the younger generation just wants to be entertained. Though on the surface it may appear this way to an average church goer, this kind of cynical attitude is just a cop-out. People say this when they don’t want to take responsibility for their lack of witness and influence in the community. Instead of honestly evaluating what impact they have made to those they know personally, they sink in self-conceit and deception by telling themselves that the world is too far gone.

      For those who are truly concerned with the condition of their church and are humbly willing to do something about it, keep reading. Now, in no way do I claim to be an expert in church growth. In fact, I would be completely wrong to say that I have never doubted my ability as a pastor. I look at myself at times and still see that shy, unlearned, and unrefined church bus kid. But I praise God that, even in the midst of my frail efforts, it is He who “gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7). When it comes to church revitalization, I am simply relaying what scripture has already stated.

     Again, in my last article I wrote about the need for confession within the church as stated in James 5:16. It is more than just privately going down to an altar on occasions. We need to confess to each other our bitter thoughts, our prideful ambitions, and our complacent attitudes. Not to learn about the latest gossip, but to lovingly pray for and bear each others burdens. Oh that American churches would live out 2 Chronicles 7:14! Confession is the first step. The second step to a healthy congregation is dedication. Paul urged believers in Romans 12 “...to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Vs. 1-2 / ESV) Once we have confessed our faults in heartfelt repentance and relinquished our pride to the Lord, we can come to the place where we freely commit ourselves to Him. Where we realize that we are just common clay pots, but within us, there is a priceless treasure that must shine forth to this lost world (2 Corinthians 4)!

      How sad it is that pastors sometimes hear from church members, “Well preacher, witnessing in this community and praying with people at the altar is your job. That’s what we pay you for.” What a narrow and sad mentality to have! We are all part of the body of Christ and all of us are called to commit ourselves to furthering the gospel wherever God has placed us. If your tithes come with strings attached or are given out of some strange notion that you will have more of a “say so” as to how the church operates, then keep your money! God doesn’t need your money, but He does want your life. He calls you to die to yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. Come to the altar of commitment. Become a living sacrifice, where your selfish ambitions are tossed aside and all that matters is the spread of the gospel and the glory of God. When a congregation can come to the place of genuine confession and holy dedication, then it can begin to thrive once more.