Challenges Facing the Church in America

The church in America is stagnating and in decline.  The data is compelling...  Leadership magazine states that 85 percent of American churches have plateaued or declining attendance.  The Barna Group states that no more than 10 percent of American churches can be described as highly effective; and two-thirds of pastors strongly agree that spiritual revival is the most pressing issue facing the church today.  World magazine has recently highlighted the high number of churches closing or about to close their doors.  One author states that more than 3500 churches die each year in this country.

The challenges facing individual congregations are often multi-dimensional,  entangled, and daunting:  no sense of direction, ineffective ministries, division and discord within the body, disunity among leadership, and others. Yet these struggles are only symptoms of deeper root causes.  In twenty years of serving side-by-side with local churches, we consistently see four root causes that plague our churches.

We have abandoned our purpose & forgotten the war that is before us.  The truth is that we are in a very real war:  a spiritual struggle against a committed, zealous Enemy.  This war has real casualties with eternal ramification.  The effects of it are churches struggling with conflict, stagnation and immorality.  Our enemy, the Evil One, is wholehearted in his efforts to distract, deceive and destroy.  But too many of our leaders have forgotten that they are the generals in this war of wars; and they have failed to develop a vision and plan for victory.  (Eph 6:12; Pr 29:18;
Ps 33:11)

We have departed from biblical principles & forsaken the power available to us.  In many churches, the preeminence of God's Word has been supplanted by man's ideas about life and leadership.  Non-biblical concepts are presented in our pulpits and in our leadership meetings.  Too often our prayers are few, misdirected and ineffective.  And we depend upon man's skills and expertise instead of upon the Word of God and leading of the Holy Spirit.  We are in a supernatural war and must depend upon the supernatural power God has given us to fight our battles.  (Heb 4:12;
Jas 1:5-7; 1 Cor 2)

We have insufficient skills and training & failed to prepare for the battles we face.  Pastors often tell us, "I've never been taught how to deal with the day-in/day-out issues of being a pastor."  Or, "I've always wanted someone to mentor me as a pastor."  Seminaries do an excellent job of teaching doctrine and preparing men to preach.  But these necessary skills are not sufficient to prepare men to lead their people.  Just as important is a thorough understanding of practical, biblical leadership (visioning, team building, managing conflict, facilitation, and many others).  What is needed is in-the-trenches training and counseling regarding the practical issues faced by ministry leaders.  (Ecc 10:10; Lk 14:31; Ex 18:13-23) 

We have allowed sin to take root & have fled the field of battle.  In many churches sin has taken root and stands unopposed.  Too often, leaders shrink from the tough task of confronting sin within the body of Christ.  It seems easier to remain silent or to depart quietly rather than taking a firm stand for righteousness.  Sometimes it is the leaders themselves who have fallen into harmful patterns of immorality.  All of these are cases of disobedience— rebellion against our Savior—and must be dealt with firmly, lovingly, and biblically, with a goal of reconciliation and restoration.  (Jos 7; Rev 2:20-23) 

Leadership to Meet the Challenges

God is searching for leaders ready to face the great challenges before us... leaders who understand and exhibit biblical leadership... leaders who simultaneously pursue God's call for the church (Prov 29:18; Psalm 33:11) and also faithfully address the pressing needs of the flock (1Tim 6:20a; 2Tim 4:2,5)...  leaders who exhibit wisdom, integrity, strength, and humility... and leaders who are visionaries, communicators, team builders, and examples in their life witness.

God will bless the service of these leaders because in them He will be glorified; and the church will be revitalized under their watch.

IBL serves side-by-side with leaders who are burdened to be all that God desires.  Through our ministries of Bible-based Counsel, Ministry Revitalization, and Leadership Development, we use God's Word to provide insight for leaders facing today's trials and equip leaders for tomorrow's challenges.

In Revelation, Jesus Christ speaks to seven local churches, admonishing and exhorting them to be faithful to their purposes...

“...you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead…”

“wake up… for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God”

 “...you have left your first love”

“...remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent”

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer…”

 “...you have there some who hold… (to false teaching) to put a stumbling block…”

“...you tolerate…
(those who) teach
and lead My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality”

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches"