Why churches fail

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 | No Comments

Conrad posted an entry on 4 reasons why churches FAIL (using the acronym).

• Fear
• Apathy
• Indifference
• Laziness

Here were my comments.

Thanks for your article, Conrad. When we had to take a module on Church Growth in SBC, I was initially worried that we’d end up reading stuff from Warren’s Saddleback or Hybel’s Willow Creek. I was thoroughly refreshed by our lecturer Rev Peter Poon’s selection of Mark Dever’s Nine Marks of a Healthy Church instead. For one, it focused on church or spiritual health, rather than just church or spiritual growth. Also, it was theologically and doctrinally grounded in God’s Word, focusing on the theological basis and meanings of key concepts such as biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, etc.

I tend to lean more towards a balanced focus on growth and health, as well as discipleship and service/outreach. Most who complain or end up backbenchers, pew-warmers, would probably fall into the category of getters or receivers, rather than givers. Yet at the same time, the spiritual needs and growth/health are important for them to serve, reach out from a deep relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And of course, small groups, ministries and churches need to be healthy enough environments for newcomers, seekers, and pre-believers to be integrated and welcomed into.