Sermon Notes
Thousands of churches shut down every year. But not without cause. Dying churches have signs. Investigate the status of your spiritual life and make sure you’re not dying.
Key Scriptures:
Revelation 3:1-6; Romans 10:15; Numbers 21:7-9
Key Points:
- Slow erosion. Many churches explode when they start — full of excitement and a willingness to take risks. But that momentum can shift. No church dies overnight. A lack of worship, prayer, and passion leads to death.
- Worshipping the past as a hero. Don’t let yourself only talk about the good ‘ole days and how God used to move. God didn’t just move back then; He’s moving right now. Don’t worship anything but Jesus!
- Refusing to look like the community. The church should look like the entire community: black, white, Hispanic, young, and old should be celebrated, not tolerated. Where there is grace, there is no race. Keep dreaming of saving your city. Have a soul focus and a “one lost sheep” mentality. Your greatest parties and shouts should be reserved for the lost being found.
- The lessening of prayer. When prayer is not the priority, churches begin to die. But when you pray, there is power behind what you do. Prayer keeps the church alive.
- The focus of money moving from the church to something else. Your money should reflect gratitude for God. When you build God’s house, He will build your house. Don’t let your finances be like the Dead Sea, with no life and no river flowing out. Be like the Sea of Galilee, full of life with a river flowing out of it.
- The lack of longevity of pastors. When people give their lives to ministry, it comes at a cost. So, pray and fast for your pastors and their families.
Final Thoughts:
Ministry is about people. Do everything you can to keep your church alive and keep reaching the lost.
