Why are so many churches in decline today? What causes decline in churches? If only it were simple to give you a one-sentence answer to those questions. But it is not simple. In Reaching the Summit[i] we attempt to answer not only these two questions; we will also give principles and ideas for avoiding and reversing decline in the church.

First, let me give my view of what constitutes a declining church. If in the current year a church has not added to its membership, attendance, or baptisms, it could be a declining church. If this trend continues for three years, I consider this a declining church. Also, if a church has not sent people out to start a new work and is only maintaining current members and ministry without signs of growth, it is likely a declining church. Many churches look at their numbers and report, “We have not grown, but we have not lost either. We are still the same.” The assumption is that these churches are not in decline. (Numerical growth is a bi-product of spiritual growth.)

My assessment is that these churches are in decline and possibly in denial of decline. The good notice is that churches that are running the same in attendance as previous years are probably adding a few to their membership and attendance. But they are likely losing as many as they are adding.

This attrition is due to people moving out of the area, dropping out of church attendance, or dying. To stay even in attendance, we must add up to ten percent each year. I believe there is more than one cause for decline, and each church has its own causes. Some churches face decline due to apathy within the church. Others suffer from decline because of a lack or loss of vision and purpose.

If I had to list but one cause of decline in churches, I would reach for the words of Jesus to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (NIV). This verse of Scripture is difficult for us to hear and accept about our own church. But we shouldn’t stop reading at this verse. In the next verse Jesus gave us the cure. He said, “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:5 NIV). What a glorious revelation from our Lord and Savior to the people of the church at Ephesus and to you and me as part of today’s Church!

Churches do not intentionally walk away from their purpose (first love). Decline is certainly not in the motives or objectives of any church. Declining trends in most churches can be reversed, but first the church (people) must have a desire to get well and seek guidance for the proper prescription for their church.

For more information contact George Yates for your complimentary copy of Reaching the Summit.

[i] Reaching the Summit: Avoiding and Reversing Decline in the Church, George Yates, Sonlight Publishing 2012, 2017

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.