Is there a doctor in the house?

Updated Monday, June 16, 2008

Is there a doctor in the house?

What makes a church die? Many recent articles have been written about the demise of so many of our good, strong churches. Theirs was often a rich history of growth and meaningful ministry. What happened?

The answer is not simple nor is there a singular cause. It is scary to think that as many as half of our formally strong churches may be gone by 2030. Weren't there any symptoms? Couldn't anyone see a problem?

Churches, like people, can catch and suffer from a number of illnesses. But churches, like people, often deny symptoms or limp along with their pain, hoping they will get better.

The world may not end tomorrow but we are in perilous times (2 Tim. 3:1). Churches are suffering from economic downturn, changing communities and aging congregations. Many churches once relevant and cutting edge, cling to their memories and fail to adjust methods to remain relevant (1 Cor. 9:22).

Good churches, just like good people, can catch many illnesses that, if left untreated, could bring a slow death. Treatment involves recognition of symptoms followed by massive doses of prayer, biblical direction and clear vision.

I agree with Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (May 24 issue). It is premature to write the obituary for the Southern Baptist Convention and its churches. But, I do think we need to recognize that we are ill.