Autopsy of a Deceased Church, part 3

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Notes from the Bible App:

The problems of the "deceased church"
1. Slow erosion
2. The past is the hero
3. The church refused to look like the community
4. The budget moved inwardly

Problem #5: The Great Commission becomes the Great Omission

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

There are four steps to the Great Commission:
1. Go
2. Make Disciples
3. Baptize
4. Teach

Do we want the church to grow?
Are we willing to do the work that is required for growth?
Are we willing to change how we do things to grow?

"Members of the dying churches really didn't want growth unless that growth met their preferences and allowed them to remain comfortable." (Rainer, p. 44)

Problem #6: The Preference-Driven Church

Membership in the United Methodist Church is a covenant relationship. We all agree to support the church by our
Prayers
Presence
Gifts
Service

Supporting the church means that we prioritize others.

Are we interested in making disciples and growing the church, or simply taking care of our own desires?

Problem #7: Pastoral Tenure Decreases

"The church would call a new pastor with the hope that the pastor could lead the church back to health. The pastor comes to the church and leads a few changes. The members don't like the changes and resist. The pastor becomes discouraged and leaves. In some cases the pastor was fired." (Rainer, p. 56)