People ask, How do we know if our church is in decline? My answer is, “At first, decline is so subtle that most people, including pastors, do not recognize the decline.” As Interim Pastor at my home church, I advised the church we were in decline, to which I received stares as if I was weird. To which I replied, our pastor has left along with his wife and four daughters. That is six people we lost with one family leaving this church. Until we replace seven, we are in decline.

The early stages of decline are subtle and often unnoticed. In Reaching the Summit, here are five stages of Decline identified that every church will go through if they do not take action to reverse the declining trends.

Phase one – Loss of Vision – This is the most subtle phase of all. It goes unnoticed because it is one member or one family at a time. In this phase there is often a lack of expectations on members.

Phase Two – Lack of Purpose – As the losses mount decline begins to affect the ministry of the church. Attendance and membership start declining at a higher rate, which also brings lessening financial support. This may bring attention to leaders, but little is done to stop the bleeding.

In phase two we settle for good, ministries suffer, and we see unchecked control in some churches.

Phase Three – Denial of Reality – Evidence of decline becomes obvious. However, the tendency is to discount or explain away negative data. Leaders tend to explain away by passing the blame instead of shouldering responsibility to reverse the declining trends. Churches tend to change or drop their counting practices as if to hide the decline. In some the attitude becomes, we just need “our people” to work harder, do more.

Phase Four – Grasping for Survival – In phase four, the realization that a staggering change is necessary become apparent. There is often a sudden switch to survival mode. Churches begin grasping for anything they have seen or heard from other churches. Grasping for survival.

Phase four churches often enhance the treatment of symptoms, not causes. Treating symptoms will never heal. It is only when you begin treating the causes of decline that you see an effective reversing of decline. Treating symptoms is only hiding the pain, not eradicating it, often bringing a series of injurious decisions.

Unfortunately, most churches will not reach out for help until they are in deep phase four of decline.

Phase Five – Relinquishment of Ministry – Most churches in the first four phases can reverse decline with assistance from a proven and qualified coach or coaching team. However, there are some churches who will reach phase five. These churches no longer have people or financial resources to maintain the facilities much less carry out ministry. The best we can pray for is that the property and assets be used to glorify God. This can come in several forms, each continuing the work of God in the community.

Every church and every leader should always be on the watch, reviewing these phases to ensure the church is not falling into or through these phases. Reviewing these today, where do you identify your church? If you say, “Not on this list” are you certain, or are you in phase three? How will you begin today praying about the spiritual health of your church?

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.