Church Suicide - Staying Alive

Yesterday over lunch, I drove to the East Jordan Church of Christ. I had gotten word that the church building, after being empty for over 5 years, had been sold and the new owner was looking to get rid of the items left in the building before remodeling it into a housing unit.

Two typewriters, an overhead projector, several boxes of hymn books, many pews, and a flannel graph with cut-out characters were among the items that needed to be removed.

I'd saddened to see the remnants of a church that was forced to shut it's doors. The Huffington Post reports that:

somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000 churches close their doors every year. Southern Baptist researcher, Thom Rainer, in a recent article entitled "13 Issues for Churches in 2013" puts the estimate higher. He says between 8,000 and 10,000 churches will likely close this year.

Many online articles speak to the problem of older churches closing their doors. Their solutions are usually the planting of new churches. Why? Because existing churches, such as the East Jordan Church of Christ, struggle with change. Many times without knowing it long-time members resist the very changes that would allow the church to continue.

Churches that remain stagnant - refusing to update, refresh, and improve - find their relevance in society is diminished and their impact fading. Without realizing it, they are committing church suicide - slowing killing themselves and fading into irrelevance.

I serve in a church 127 years old. We could have easily fallen into the "church suicide" trap, but the leadership and membership have all understood we needed to change. As a result of adopting new methods and new strategies to reach people with the Gospel message, we have experienced significant growth over the past 5 years.

Here are some of the changes we have experienced as a church that kept us alive.

Changes in Technology
Free wifi in the church building allows members to read the Bible on tablets and phones. Our website is the new welcome mat. Facebook, twitter, and other social media sites allow us to pray, encourage, and mourn with people. Connecting online is the new "small group."

Changes in Worship
Worship music style has changed from Hymns to contemporary Christian music. The talented musicians and singers in our worship band are becoming younger and younger. Light boards, soundboards, and updated computer software set the mood for worship. The digital screen has replaced stained glass windows.

Changes in Decor
In 2012 we finished a new modern church building. We're using fewer flowers and more creative stage elements. TV screens are replacing paintings and wall hangings. Comfortable chairs have replaced pews. The pulpit is in storage.

Changes in Giving
Right now, how much cash do you have on you? A 2014 study from bankrate.com showed that 80% of Americans carry less than $50 cash in their wallets. Online giving & tithing with Credit and Debit cards will soon be a necessity if a church wishes to stay afloat financially. Newer methods include the lobby giving Kiosk and giving via text.

We could go on with the changes, but I think you see the point. And as always, we'll strive to remain true to the Bible. We'll continue to present the timeless truth of the Gospel in a manner that is timely and culturally relevant.

Paul's words in Corinthians speak to his desire to maintain his leverage for reaching the culture, "...I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Corinthians 9:22

Today, we must stay committed to the Gospel message with no compromise - and yet balance our presentation of that same message in respect to the culture around us. Not an easy task, but one that all Christians must undertake.