The Most Common Factor in Declining Churches

Thom Rainer's blog is one of many I read regularly; I recommend it. Recently he posted "The Most Common Factor in Declining Churches." Bet you can't guess what it is.

Or maybe you can.

He says he sees "a simple but profound pattern among the declining churches":

Stated simply, the most common factor in declining churches is an inward focus.

The ministries are only for the members. The budgetary funds are used almost exclusively to meet the needs of the members. The times of worship and worship styles are geared primarily for the members. Conflict takes place when members don’t get things their way. You get the picture.

He's right, of course (as he is about most things). He goes on to offer eight symptoms of the declining church, as well as to offer hope for churches and leaders who want to reverse the downward trend.

Read the whole thing here.