The Seven Sins of a Dying Church

Why do some churches die, and other churches grow? That is undoubtedly a puzzling question that is asked by anyone who is concerned with the state of the church. Dr. Thom Rainier has written on this topic in his book entitled, "Seven Sins of Dying Churches"” (the following is adapted from a seminar by Dr. Kevin Schaal). Rainier lists the following causes for dying churches:

1. Doctrinal dilution: he found that non-christians were much less likely to attend church that have weak doctrinal beliefs and teaching.

2. Loss of evangelistic zeal: churches and their pastors have lost their evanglistic zeal.

3. Failure to be relevant: many churches are totally unaware of the realities, hopes and pains of those living around us.

4. Few outwardly focused ministries: in a recent survey done in America, 95% of the ministries were for members only, and many churches had no ministries for those outside the congregation.

5. Conflict over personal preferences: conflicts surrounding music styles, the choice of carpet color or the type of pulpit furniture.

6. Priority of Comfort: it is much easier to do things the way that we have always done things than to try and do something different to reach our world for Christ.

7. Biblical illiteracy: only 3% of churches in America have a planned method to instruct their members to learn the Bible in its entirety.

Response to doctrinal concerns: too often the church feels that it has to be like the world in order to reach the world. We need to continue to clearly and boldly teach and preach God's truth.

Response to loss of evangelistic zeal: Rainier says that most often the problem is the pastor (ouch!). We must lead the way for people in talking about spiritual things with non-believers. Rainier also says that some pastors need to leave their positions if they are just sliding toward retirement.

Response to failure to be relevant: we need to be develop ministries that are geared to the needs that people in our communities are facing. After all, we have the Biblical answers to these needs. These include single parents, parenting, abortion and its consequences, financial management, etc. We need to be prepared to disciple new believers that are dealing with these issues. (A word of warning: a lot of compromise has occurred under the guise of being relevant)

Response to few outwardly focused ministries, and conflict over personal preferences: few outwardly focused churches are in conflict over personal preferences, they are too busy trying to reach out. When the focus is on the internal and "being comfortable"” that is when conflict occurs. Perhaps we need to do a ministry inventory to determine how many of our ministries are focused on the internal with the investment of time, and finances. Rainier also points out that ministries with Christian schools really struggle with this problem.

Response to Biblical illiteracy: it is important that we preach doctrinal content rather than to fall into the trap of 20 minutes of fluff which is somewhat similar to trying to get physical nutrition from marshmallows. There is a motto among some churches which declares it takes "“three to thrive."” It takes involvement in three Bible teaching events a week to truly grow. But those times are only effective if the time is being used productively --– in solid Biblical content. Pastors, Sunday School teachers and small group leaders must understand the importance of solid Bible content.

It is true that churches go through life cycles, but it is not necessary for a church to die. The above is some food for thought!

[some other books by Dr. Thom Rainier that might be good to consider: Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them, High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret of Keeping People in Your Church, The Unchurched Next Door, Eating the Elephant: Leading the Established Church]