Why Do Churches Get Sick and Vanish?

Why Do Churches Get Sick and Vanish?

I remember being shocked to learn that Toys R Us was dead.  Experts diagnosed that stores went without maintenance for too long. Dust collected on the floors and rafters because cleaning services were cut back. Aisles were a chaotic mess.  Employees grappled with expanding work loads. Knowledgeable staff were let go. Key customer satisfaction metrics were fudged by leaders. Their market position in the past made little difference to new parents. In short, they became unattractive and in the “wooing parents” business, that is the kiss of death.  

We undertook the task last month of discussing “How churches die?”  We were reminded that it is an erosion that is slow and lethal.  As promised, I follow this up with some reflections on, “Why?”  What are the presenting issues that cause such terminal erosion in churches? Let’s consider two reasons this month.

First, they are enamored with a preferred past.  Please don’t misunderstand, this is not about historic doctrine or biblical morals, but the “good old days” memories. The temptation to reminisce past victories instead of the consideration of future faithfulness. This is a real danger. It results in the disease of complacency. The goal of God’s people is steadfast faithfulness to the Gospel, not being a museum of the past.  Cherish the past yes, but if you live there, you are not healthy.  The healthy church is always discussing a present opportunity and a preferred future.

Second, they are blind to the mission field.  The ministry formula of death is {Me + My priority=death}. This is another way of saying, if you have no interest in the community or the neighbors around you, only an interest in yourself, it is a huge issue.  The Gospel is a “going” enterprise.  It is not that we don’t gather and take care of each other, but we cannot live faithfully unless we are sharing the good news with others. The ministry formula of vibrancy is {Others + My Priority=Life}. 

So, what does this say to us? Churches vanish when they are worshiping the past and fail to see their mission field.  So, let us never lose focus of our reason for existing.  Let us remain faithful to our generation and the community we serve in His name.  We are about the business of making disciples who are full-fledged partakers of the salvation God in Christ Jesus. His is the one that transforms lives.  The highest quality of life is available and found only in Christ. 

May we Live On! 

Brother Barry

Special thanks to Thom Rainer, Gary McIntosh, the Barna Group.