I’ve come full circle in my thinking about dying congregations. Disappointing news of the failing American church would often depress me. Established congregations across this nation are losing ground. In fact, 80% of protestant churches are stagnant or declining and 4,000 of them will fold this year. But, I really don’t get depressed about this anymore. Why? Because, there must be death before there can be life; It is a faith principle. The American Christian Church must change, but perhaps only through death will it change.
I’m convinced the viable church will look completely different in the next twenty years. The traditions, organizational structures, roles and participant involvement will not resemble today’s church. People won’t just come to do church, but instead they’ll live sent being the church. The majority of existing churches are irrelevant in their communities. While a few will lament a local congregation’s death, many are ambivalent to its existence. And, when it is gone, it really won’t be missed in community. I know that’s harsh, but a true reality.
A dying congregation needs an intervention. Either we die to self becoming missional or the organization will die while someone else takes our place. Too often a remnant expends all energies and efforts in the perpetuation of the organization as it dwindles below critical mass. Did you know the organization as we know it was never meant to be perpetuated? Only the gospel’s message and mission are intended for perpetuation.
The Kingdom isn’t about wagon circling, but it is being sent in community and living missional every day. We don’t measure success by Sunday mornings, but by the number of Christ followers living sent in community. We can anguish the failing state of the American Church, but in reality it’s not such a sad story. It means God is up to something. When I see a dying congregation, I used to think about the story that could have been. But, instead I think about the new story that God is writing.
I haven’t given this much thought until now but I see the point to all of this. God will remain no matter what else happens. He says I am the I am. I’m the same yeesterday, today and always. I change not.
George, you’re absolutely right. He remains regardless!
I can hardly believe this was noticed by me today! I had been back at school as a volunteer and someone else who is a member of our church doing what I was doing MENTIONED you in our conversation. What were we discussing? This very thing! We are “mature” believers who recognize that things are going to HAVE to change whether to our liking or not so that the church will be able to serve as it was intended. The comment about you was that you were the last pastor to have led us in “working on the work” and I did agree. Comments from others in the church family lead me to believe our concerns are valid and I do believe the answer is prayer. Cry out to God for His leadership and answers. He will send them in His time!
Thanks for these thoughts
Thanks for commenting and the affirmation too. You are so right in recognizing the mission to be in community. Seek Him and He’ll be found!
Wow. Just wow. What a superb piece.
Hi Bob, thanks for the comment!
The “soul” purpose of the church is to spread the gospel. Once the members stop spreading the gospel beyond the brick and mortar, the church is already dead, whether the doors are still open or not. Until someone lovingly shared the gospel message with me, the American church appeared to me as little more than a club, often exclusionary of outsiders. God’s Word is powerful and alive, and groups of believers who gather together to grow in their faith so they can tell others is “the church”. So grateful for a pastor with God’s vision and purpose for the church. Thanks, Brad!
Alison, thanks for the comment. You are so right!
Brad, this resonates. If Paul came to church today, there would be little that he would recognize as the church. I love what you said that the church ‘being sent in community and living missional every day.’
Preach it!
Janet, thanks for commenting. Agreed – little would be recognized.