Engage Every Generation

"But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'"

2 Timothy 2:19 ESV

I use this book as a text for my graduate-level Evangelism and Church Health class at Anderson University.

It delineates the following illnesses that can kill churches:

1. Slow erosion.
2. The past is hero.
3. The church refused to look like the community.
4. The budget moved inwardly.
5. The Great Commission becomes the Great Omission.
6. The preference-driven church.
7. Pastoral tenure decreases.
8. The church rarely prayed together.
9. The church had no clear purpose.
10. The church obsessed over the facilities.

As a pastor shepherding churches through revitalization, an interim pastor, and a church health consultant, I've seen churches identify and address these illnesses in their congregations. They improved their health and experienced healthy growth.

On the other hand, I've seen churches refuse to accept the fact that they were sick and refuse to make the appropriate changes to become healthy.

It's just like going to the doctor. He or she can tell a patient they have a health issue that needs to be addressed. It's up to the patient to make the appropriate changes in his/her life to become more healthy.

Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive