For many established churches, that which was considered a vital part of the church’s ministry, an outreach program, no longer existed.
And it was in the abandonment of the program that some fascinating trends developed.
That One Factor
As churches abandoned traditional outreach programs, they took one of two paths.
A few replaced the traditional approach with a more culturally acceptable approach. They found ways to equip and encourage their members to develop relationships with lost and unchurched persons without invading their space or their homes.
These churches tended to continue their patterns of growth.
Unfortunately, most churches abandoned the traditional outreach program and did not replace it with anything.
This one factor may explain the beginning of decline in most of our evangelical churches in America.
Indeed, just today I delved into the records of a few dozen churches that were growing a decade ago, but have been in decline for the past several years.
Almost without exception, the decline started shortly after the traditional outreach program was abandoned, but not replaced with any other intentional outreach ministry.
Understanding Why the Decline Began
Even when the traditional outreach program was not highly effective, its activity sent a message throughout the church.
