Why do some churches thrive while others die?

Answer

The authentic church is one where Christ is recognized as its Head, the Bible is proclaimed and taught, and salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is followed in leadership and among the congregation, and the Great Commission is being fulfilled. Churches lacking these traits are spiritually lifeless because they lack the Holy Spirit working through faith in Jesus Christ. Today, there are numerous such churches, both small and large, that regrettably function merely as social clubs. The true Christ is not revered in these places, and despite appearances, they lack substance. Their fellowship is devoid of the supernatural. Some churches, which once preached the gospel, have veered off course over time, leading to their spiritual demise.

Then there are churches that honor Christ and preach the Bible, yet they are complacent with their current state. They are stagnant. Similar to the church of Ephesus in the Book of Revelation (2:1-7), they have forsaken their initial love. While they uphold sound doctrine, they have lost their zeal to share Christ with those in need of salvation. In this regard, they are spiritually dead. They are satisfied with being believers, but there is no evidence of God’s work in their midst. Sometimes a church declines due to internal conflicts causing members to depart, resulting in the church’s inability to sustain itself. This too is a lamentable situation that dishonors God. Certain churches cease to exist due to demographic shifts in their locality. In regions where smaller churches with similar beliefs coexist, they have united to form a larger congregation.

The church’s size is not the primary concern. What truly matters is what is happening within the fellowship.Fellowship is crucial. The qualities of a vibrant and thriving church are outlined in Acts 2:42-47 where the believers “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They were serving one another, reaching out to those in need of knowing the Lord, and the Lord was “adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” This indicates that the church has five purposes:

1) Worship/Prayer – We were created to offer God praise and to cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer “And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: Prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.”, (Psalm 72:15).

2) Learning – We were intended to grow in Christ-likeness by seeking Him daily in His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3) Fellowship – We were meant to be part of God’s family (Acts 2:44-45).

4) Service – We were designed to have a ministry within the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

5) Mission – We are instructed to share God’s love and the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

These five areas delineate what the authentic church of Jesus Christ should focus on today. The Holy Spirit must be followed in the local church by both the leadership and the congregation. Prayer should be a vital component of the church, as without it, a church merely functions in the flesh. Individuals should recognize and utilize their spiritual gifts. There should be a mutual ministry within the fellowship, characterized by care and sharing. Additionally, there should be a fervor to reach out to those in need of the Savior, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Omission of Matthew 28:18-20. Yes, the church must understand why it exists and its purpose.

Any church, regardless of size, that honors Christ, preaches and teaches the Bible, is sensitive to the Holy Spirit to serve the congregation and to impact the community and the world, will be a dynamic church for Jesus Christ. A genuine disciple of Christ cannot be a passive observer. Christ came not to be served but to serve. We should follow His example.