Signs of a Dying Church: Lack of Spiritual Growth, Unity, and Outreach

Signs of a Dying Church

“I knew the patient before she died. It was ten years ago. She was very sick at the time, but she did not want to admit it. . . . She never got better. She slowly and painfully deteriorated. And then she died. . . . She, of course, is a church” (Thom Rainer).

It is heartbreaking to see a church slowly dying, but it's even more devastating when the congregation fails to realize it. The church is not just a building, but it is a community of believers who come together to worship, pray, and serve. It is a place where people should feel loved, encouraged, and equipped to live out their faith. However, when a church is dying, the opposite can happen, leaving people feeling disconnected, discouraged, and disillusioned.

So how can we tell if a church is dying? What are the signs we should look out for? In this article, we will explore three symptoms of a dying church and what we can do to prevent it from happening.

1. Lack of Spiritual Growth

A church that is dying often lacks spiritual growth. The people who attend the church may be going through the motions of worship, but they are not growing in their faith. The Bible says, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).

Just as a newborn baby needs milk to grow physically, a believer needs spiritual nourishment to grow spiritually. A dying church may have a lack of Bible teaching, discipleship, and mentoring. The members may not be encouraged to read and study the Bible on their own or to pray regularly. There may be a lack of accountability and spiritual support.

The apostle Paul reminded the Ephesians to “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14). A church that is not growing spiritually is vulnerable to false teachings and doctrines. The members may be easily swayed by popular culture and worldly ideologies, which can lead them away from the truth.

What can we do to prevent spiritual stagnation in our churches? We can prioritize Bible teaching, discipleship, and mentoring. We can encourage members to read and study the Bible on their own and to pray regularly. We can also create accountability groups and provide spiritual support for one another.

2. Lack of Unity

A dying church often lacks unity. The members may be divided over various issues such as worship styles, leadership, and ministry direction. The Bible says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Unity is essential for a healthy church. When there is unity, the members can work together to accomplish the mission of the church. However, when there is division, the church becomes ineffective and unable to fulfill its purpose. The apostle Paul urged the Philippians to “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

What can we do to promote unity in our churches? We can focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. We can pray for one another and seek to understand each other's perspectives. We can practice forgiveness and reconciliation when there is conflict. We can also prioritize the mission of the church and work together to fulfill it.

3. Lack of Outreach

A dying church often lacks outreach. The members may be more concerned with maintaining the status quo and preserving traditions than reaching out to the community. The Bible says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, which is to go and make disciples of all nations. This command is not just for the disciples but for all believers. A dying church may focus more on internal affairs and neglect the Great Commission. The members may be more concerned with their own needs and preferences than the needs of the community.

What can we do to promote outreach in our churches? We can prioritize the Great Commission and seek to reach out to the community. We can look for ways to serve the community and share the gospel. We can also pray for opportunities to share our faith and invite others to church.

Conclusion

These are just three symptoms of a dying church, but there may be other signs as well. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and take action to prevent them from happening. We can prioritize spiritual growth, unity, and outreach in our churches, which will help us to fulfill the mission that God has given us. Let us pray for our churches and seek to be faithful to the calling that God has given us.