“Ten Warning Signs for Churches” from Thom Ranier

President and C.E.O. of LifeWay has posted a blog article about “Ten Warning Signs for Churches” at his blog.  Here is an excerpt:

Church leaders should be concerned  . . .

• If the pastor does not have adequate time to be in the Word or if he chooses not to do so.
• If the members are spending time arguing about how money should be spent.
• If none or only a few of the key leaders are actively sharing their faith.
• If there is no clear process of discipleship in place, just a plethora of programs and activities.
• If corporate prayer is not a major emphasis in the church.
• If church members are arguing about worship style or worship times.
• If church members expect the paid staff to do most of the ministry, instead of the staff equipping the members to do the work of ministry (“Why didn’t he visit me in the hospital?”)
• If there are ongoing disagreements about matters of the church facilities.
• If the church has more meetings than new disciples.
• If the leadership of the church does not have a coherent plan for what is taught in small groups and Sunday school classes.

Later, he talks about the pattern leading to these warning signs.  Do you experience any of these warning signs at your church?  Any advice for going through any of these signs?  Comment on our post and then check out the entire article here.