Have you notice lately, how many church closings and Church buildings being put up for sale. My hope is that they outgrew the building and moved to a larger one. But the reality is, they can’t exist because of lack of support and growth. These churches were once a hospital for the spiritual sick and dying, but now a lot of them, have become a nursing home for the dying saints. This week I would like to speak a little about the Dying Christian Church.
The Christian church, once a thriving source of spiritual nourishment and life, finds itself at a critical crossroads in modern times. The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” We see the forces of darkness (Satan) gaining ground as church attendance declines and places of worship close their doors.
The signs of a weakening church are evident: Even Christians are accepting the decline as an inevitable reality, apathy (the lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern) is settling in. To the outside world the perception is that the church is unattractive and spiritually lifeless.
However, this is not a time for despair, but an opportunity for revival – a chance to administer CPR (Church Progression and Revitalization) to the faltering heart of Christianity and the Church.
Okay we know what the problem is… What should we be doing? Well, the first thing we should do is PRAY. Make prayer a priority. Asking God to lead and guide you and then listen and follow His directions.
Attitude – One of the first challenge for us to address is the perception of defeat. That is many Christians have resigned themselves to the idea that a shrinking church is an inevitable fate in today’s secular world. This is no more than giving up and letting Satan win the battle. Acceptance of defeat must be replaced with a mindset of hope and a determination to win the battle with God’s help.
Excitement – Another key issue is the lack of excitement within the church. I’ve attended Sunday morning Church service that seem more like a funeral than worshiping God. The congregation looked unhappy and sad. There was no excitement at all. Think about this… As a first-time visitor, would you want to come back? On the other hand, If the Church is excited about worshiping the Lord, the excitement might rub off on the visitors. It makes the visitor want to be a part of the excitement and come back to partake of it again. You know… they may even talk to others about how good the worship was.
The decline in enthusiasm for congregational gatherings and worship services is partly due to a lack of engagement. The church needs to reconnect with its core purpose: to be a spiritual hospital for the wounded and ailing souls. The teachings should emphasize God’s love, compassion, and forgiveness, while also upholding the consequences of being unfaithful.
In this quest for revival, churches must embrace modernity while preserving their timeless core values. To make the church attractive again, it should not compromise any of the principles found in the Bible, but rather present them in a relevant and relatable manner. Maybe incorporating some contemporary music, interactive sermons, and creative outreach and programs and activities that engage the younger generations. Such as, movie night, corn hole, team sports, and games while focusing on Bible principals. Remember that as a church, we are competing against all the worldly things that attracts people away from the Church.
Furthermore, the digital age presents an excellent opportunity for the church’s revival. Utilizing technology to spread the message of love and hope can expand the church’s reach beyond geographical boundaries. Livestreamed services, online Bible studies, and interactive prayer groups can connect believers globally and inspire a renewed sense of purpose.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the Christian church are not insurmountable. The decline can be reversed, and the faith can be revitalized by acknowledging the issues, seeking solutions, and embracing change. Reviving the church will require a collective effort from clergy and members alike, along with a dedication to core Christian principles and an innovative, inclusive approach. By administering CPR – Church Progression and Revitalization – we can breathe new life into the Christian church and ensure that its light continues to shine brightly in a world that sorely needs it.
In closing, we are accountable to God for our actions on this earth. Not just what you do but also what you don’t do. If you are in a church that’s Dying, it’s time to administer CPR (Church Progression and Revitalization).
This all starts with Prayer and a relationship with our Lord. So, here’s the Final Question, how’s your relationship with God? Maybe you never had a relationship with Jesus, or maybe you have lost your fellowship with Him. There’s no better time than the present to get a relationship with God or to renew your relationship with Him. Remember, none of us is guaranteed another second on this earth.
Please just take a moment right now and dedicate yourself to Christ Our Savior. All you need to do is ask the Lord to come into your life. Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I pray that God will truly Help and Bless you. If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com. May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
