CHURCH GROWTH (10)

Why Churches Die (3)

A Failure to Evangelize

Mike Johnson

There are many external factors, which can contribute to a congregation’s demise.  Such factors as the location of the building, wicked times in which we are living, an inability to attract Christians who move into the area, and a lack of young people in a congregation can all be factors in the decline in membership of a church.  Other factors may exist, which pertain more directly to the spirituality of the members who make up a congregation and which, over time, will cause a congregation to die.  For example, some groups may eventually die because they do not receive sound preaching and teaching; others may die because they have a leadership problem.  Another reason for the demise of congregations is fundamental; it is the failure to evangelize.

God’s Word emphasizes the importance of teaching throughout. The Great Commission requires us to teach others (Mt. 28:18-20).  Further, Paul told Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2).

Clearly, the early church grew a great deal (Acts 2:41, 4:4, 5:14, 6:1).  Why did local churches quickly multiply?  Acts 5:42 reveals the secret:  “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”  It was daily teaching on the part of the early Christians, which resulted in daily growth.  Even persecutions did not stop them (Acts 8:1-4).

There are many methods a church can use to spread God’s Word.  In many cases (with good results), congregations have mailed teaching bulletins to their community, used newcomer mailings or visitation programs, and canvassed neighborhoods passing out literature.  Churches have also successfully used newspaper articles, Gospel Meetings designed for non-Christians, and radio programs.  More recently, churches and individuals use the internet and to spread God’s Word.  Churches use web sites with teaching material and online correspondence courses.  Various forms of social media are also employed.  There are many methods used in teaching the lost.  However, we must remember that a technique, which may work at one time, may not work at a different time.  Furthermore, what works in one place may not work somewhere else.  For that reason, brethren must keep an open mind about the methods employed.  Although we must learn from history, simply because an approach did not work a given number of years ago does not mean it will be ineffective now.

What is the best method to employ in teaching?  The above techniques can be beneficial and, and we should try them.  But ultimately, the best way to convert people is to have individual Christians (which includes elders and preachers) talking to others about God’s Word in the course of their daily life so they can set up Bible classes that can either be taught by themselves or by someone else.  Influence among people we know, such as friends, relatives, and co-workers, can be much more significant than we realize.

Many years ago, a gospel preacher, W.R. Jones, wrote in a bulletin as he looked back over his many years of preaching.  He said, “When all the members, or even a sizable number of the members become interested in soul-saving, in taking the truth to others, in bringing them to hear the truth preached and were fully enthused about the truth themselves, we had conversions.  When brethren were too wrapped up in material things, too busy to be concerned about others, and too indifferent to be enthused about the work of the church . . . we stood still.”

Some churches may grow without the above enthusiasm existing.  A church may increase, for example, due to a good location for their meetinghouse, because they are the only “sound” church in town, or because the other churches in the area are fussing and fighting.  However, usually when a church is enthusiastic about the gospel, eventually, growth will occur.  Sadly, many Christians are content with “housekeeping” for the Lord, being content with merely maintaining a building.  Some demand growth, but are not willing to do what it takes to achieve it.

There are several factors, which can be counted on over time, which will adversely affect the size of a congregation.  Some people, for example, are going to die; some will move away; a few may get mad about something and leave; some will quit attending, and there may even be a “split” (friendly or otherwise).

There are many other factors, which cannot be counted on to increase numbers.  We cannot rely on such methods of growth as Christians moving into the community, people coming from other congregations, or people who “walk in off of the street” expressing an interest in studying.  The effort we put into personal work is a factor, which we can control.  It is true that effort, by itself, will not necessarily result in conversions; people with whom we study will not always obey the gospel, but if enough people are busy enough teaching enough classes, growth will most likely occur.