Why is the Church in North America Plateauing or Declining?

In a recent Pastor’s Weekly Briefing, H.B. London asked the question: "Why is the church in North America plateauing or declining?" Here are some samples of what pastors said.

* One reason for the decline is much of the "church" has become more concerned with growth in numbers than growth of spiritual maturity. In trying to be politically correct, much of the church has become irrelevant. What causes true growth is a refocusing on Christ as the only way of salvation, loving God, loving others, and remembering we are here to advance the kingdom, not "cleanup" the world. -- G.K.

* Church has become a place where people sit once a week and say, "What is in it for me?" The Corinthian church faced this -- they were being invaded by the culture instead of invading their culture with the Gospel. ... Sometimes, I get discouraged over the lack of involvement in the church I pastor and then my wife reminds me that Jesus only needed 12 people to turn the world upside down. ... Once people realize that it isn't about the programs, but it's about praying for a lost and dying world, we'll see the church growing healthier again! -- M.W.

* We Americans, overall, are so busy and fill ourselves up with so much that is not from the Lord that we are never hungry for Him. Our schedules would not even allow a move of God in many of our lives! -- A.V.

* A clarion call of return to sanctification is needed today like no other. Until we return, we can be slick and professional, but we will be powerless. -- L.B.

* We (ministers) too often try to do the work of the Spirit in the energy of the flesh -- we are wearing ourselves out in record numbers. Until we truly humble ourselves and pray and seek God's face, repent and turn from our wicked ways, we will not see the move of God's Holy Spirit among us that, in my view, is our only hope. Genuine repentance and a pure-hearted pursuit of God, it seems to me, is the only thing that will help us. Church growth is now a science -- but it is "not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts." "Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." -- T.L.