Signs of an Inwardly Focused Church

Thom Rainer:

The signs of inward drift in an established church are clear even though the members don’t often recognize them:

1. Most of the ministries and programs are focused on meeting the desires and needs of the members.
2. The budget of the congregation is directed primarily at funding the projects and even comforts of the members.
3. Conflict in the congregation is not uncommon since members are more concerned about getting their perceived needs and desires met.
4. There is little to no focus on evangelism, reaching out to the community, and getting the gospel to the nations.
5. Leadership is weak and reticent to address the problems, because that leadership emphasis could disrupt the status quo.

Read the rest.


 Books by Thom Rainer:

• Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them
• The Millennials
• Breakout Churches: Discover How to Make the Leap
• Essential Church?: Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts
• Simple Church