ROOT CAUSE FOR THE CHURCH'S DECLINE & ITS PATH TO REVITALIZATION

"Any organization not focused on its customers, or focused on the wrong customers, cannot succeed."

Jesus Cares More about Addiction than Your Church Does

America is turning to substances to mask the disillusionment of a society without substance.  Campaigns by politicians, professors, and publications to eradicate Christian influence from America’s history are having exactly the effect we would expect.  Rooting identity in self and happiness in materialism is leading to record levels of depression and dependence.  Not surprisingly, of the 46.3 million people with a substance use disorder in 2021, the highest percentage falls between 18-25 years of age.

Jesus Cares More about Single Moms than Your Church Does

Nearly 30% of single moms live in poverty, five times the rate of married couple families.  Whether through divorce, death, or desertion, they confront the challenge of raising children and maintaining a household alone.  Broken or “stolen” relationships leave many single mothers with nowhere to turn in a crisis, which seem to arise daily…

1. Michelle grew up in a Christian family but against her parents’ wishes married a non-believer she prayed would come to faith. 

Revitalization of a Dying Church

In this final chapter of Pastor Daniel’s story, he faces the decision that will determine how it is written.  Will he continue to succumb to the temptations of a growing church or recognize the signs of a stagnating congregation and discover hope in the midst of its (spiritual) decline?  Daniel’s story is not uncommon – in fact, it’s retold whenever a church plant committed to life and community transformation compromises that external focus due to mounting internal pressures once there’s much more to lose.

Hope for a Church in Decline

When idealistic church planters like Daniel succumb to the inevitable temptations confronting pastors of a growing congregation, it typically takes more than stagnation to convince them to take a stand and reclaim their original God-given vision.  By that time, all stakeholders (leadership, staff, and members) and fixed costs (buildings, salaries, and programs) are heavily invested in the status quo.  A readily observable, possibly precipitous, decline in consumer-driven KPIs like attendance and giving may be required to reach rock bottom,

Signs of a Stagnating Congregation

In mankind’s fallen state, success (in the world’s eyes) always breeds temptations – even for resolute church leaders like Daniel.  His extraordinary commitment to GC3 (the Great Commandment, Great Commission, and Great Calling) led to rapid membership and member (in Christ) growth by positioning everyone as Kingdom employees trained to become “pastors” of their families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. 

Temptations of a Growing Church

With the blessing and support of church leadership, Daniel felt empowered and excited about launching the new campus.  All were aware of the risks of Daniel’s radical vision, principles, and plan, which were heavily influenced by his experiences growing up in a missionary family.  The concern wasn’t whether a strong emphasis on discipleship, compassion, and evangelism was biblical but whether adopting Jesus’ prayer/care/share lifestyle was too demanding for contemporary American churchgoers.