Why churches die

Why do churches die?

Great question.

The great issue facing churches today is not church growth but church health.

The first question a well-established church must ask is not, "is our church growing," but "is our church healthy"? A healthy church is a growing church.

Disease can take hold of a church and snuff the life out of it.

One of the most fatal diseases is spiritual atrophy.

Atrophy is defined as "to waste way or cause to waste away."

"To fail to grow to normal size"

What is spiritual atrophy in terms of church life?

It is when churches, who have had a glorious past, I mean they have walked with god, served God, and seen great things happen, stop seeking him, serving him and reaching out in faith. Buildings are paid off, staff is present to do the work, everyone is "content".

As a result the abilities of the church, the discernment, the faith, the ability to believe God to do the impossible has lessened. The "spiritual muscles" of the people of God are tired and flabby because of a lack of use and exercise.

One writer said it this way, "Spiritual atrophy - the deteriorating of your spiritual muscles from lack of use- - is such an insidious disease and poison that it reflects virtually every Christian at one time or another. Resting on our laurels and rejoicing in victories long since fought is so winsome that entire churches have been built on this disease! They have become mausoleums to yesterday and museums to display revival long ago, rather than sacred places where men and women seek the face of God daily."

Strong stuff.

What's the first and primary way of breaking out of spiritual atrophy? Well, again, there are many reasons, but first of all, EACH PERSON IN THE CHURCH MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HEALTH OF THE CHURCH. Stop blaming.

I must take responsibility. You must take responsibility. It's my right to point fingers and share concerns and make statements like, "I really do wish our church can grow." It's another thing entirely to say, "I am going to be the person of God He has called me to be, and I am going to do the things that he desires me to do."

May we walk the walk and not just talk the talk.