Why Churches Die

A recent article (A Time to Die: How do -- and should -- churches die?) explores the all too common phenomenon of churches closing their doors. The article points to a lack of effective leadership as the key factor. A series of bad decisions will mark the decline and death of a church.

Quite often a church’s unwillingness to change is identified as the problem, but I have seen churches that have tried every gimmick they could find and, still, failed to grow. Few churches are so resistant to change that they will die.

At a certain point a church will call in a denominational consultant who lead them through some sort of study and make appropriate recommendations. However, once the consultant leaves, the church is still left with the same leadership.

Churches in decline need to seek a pastor with strong leadership skills and a track record for improving situations. Pastors who want to help churches transition need to develop leadership skills. The kinds of skills that help you diffuse tense situations, manage resources well, motivate people to act, and make wise choices.

These skills are best acquired in the military or the marketplace. You can’t get them in seminary because they require practice and experience. Seminars and books will provide technique and a good mentor and/or peer group can serve as a substitute for experience.

Living Springs Church of San Antonio will host a conference for leaders of churches in transition and new church starts on March 26-28. I will be speaking on the first night,

Click here for more information about the “It’s Time” conference.

Extreme Love

Here are the first three messages from the Xtreme Love series at Baptist Temple



Message from Sunday, Feb 14:

The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:30-31)

God requires total devotion from His followers and that includes that we love each other and those outside our faith.


Message from Sunday, Feb 21:

Loving God with all your heart (Mark 12:30)

Loving God with all your heart means setting your priorities around Him.


Message from Sunday, Feb 28:

Loving God with all your soul (Matthew 6:19-34)

Loving God with all your soul requires a single-minded devotion.

Overcoming obstacles to help the poor

Michael Pimpo began a ministry in Far North Chicagoland to help people overcome poverty by providing for immediate physical needs, training and education to develop better habits, and Biblical counsel to address the spiritual issues that lead many to poverty. Michael had to overcome some obstacles of his own.

First there is always the struggle to find food, clothes, furniture, appliances and school supplies to distribute to his clients. Then there is the need to raise funds to pay rent and utilities. Generous donations from both Christian and non-Christian sources have kept the ministry flowing.

Most disheartening has been the opposition from some who profess Christ on Sunday but work against the Kingdom of God during the business week. Some have tried to shut the ministry down because it is perceived to be bad for nearby businesses. The power of the Holy Spirit has been greater than the power of gossip and backroom maneuvers.

PLAN, as the ministry is called is open for a few hours every day and serves nearly 3000 people a month. Michael works at PLAN every day, packing boxes of food, handing out clothes and praying with clients. When PLAN is closed he is out picking up food, raising money and recruiting volunteers. Sundays he preaches at the church he pastors, Life of Faith Christian Church.

Here is a recent Lake County Journal article about Mike and the PLAN ministry.