The Church as we Know it is Coming to an End

Around the world the Church, as we know it, is in trouble

 

Most church leaders are unaware that they are in trouble or have chosen to simply ignore the issues that the Church is facing (see Life-Giving Church, Part Fifteen)

 

In some places it is seriously dying - growing smaller every year 

20% decline a year due to deaths, moves, and people leaving

So to remain steady at the same number of people annually need to grow 20%

 

In some places there is decreasing ‘life’ and a focus on format and ritual, tradition and religion

 

2 Timothy 3:5 “… having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

 

In some places the Church has fallen into heresy - teachings that are not biblical. The church grows but it is sliding away from biblical Christian doctrine and becoming a cult / sect

 

2 Timothy 3:7 “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”

 

In some places there are what we call “man-made moves of God” where the churches are growing but it is by programs and hype, charismatic leaders who tickle ears. Then the main charismatic leader dies and the church eventually dies as well.

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

 

In some places the Church is growing quickly and attracting young people but these young people soon recognize that the structures and traditions are, in many ways,  hampering and hindering the flow of the Holy Spirit

 

And so they don’t stay - they look elsewhere or plant a new expression of the Church

 

My point: To continue to be a life-giving church we need to recognized that we are entering a season of change and we need to respond to the direction and moving of the Spirit

Read more at Ralph Howe Ministries