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The X Factor in Declining Churches

It reminded the members the church was not all about the self-serving needs of themselves, but it was about reaching beyond the doors of the church.

It was about them as well as us.

But when there was nothing to replace the admittedly ineffective approach, the message changed. The emphasis moved from outreach to inward focus.

As a result of the inward obsession in many churches, conflict arose among the members as they now competed for how the church can best meet “my” needs.

For many churches, it was that one simple factor. Traditional outreach ministries were not replaced with any other outward focus.

But, in a few of the churches, the outward focus continued unabated. Though they were no longer making unexpected cold calls, they did find ways to connect their members with lost and unchurched persons.

Most of these churches continued to grow.

So what did these other churches do to continue growing?

There is no single answer or approach. I can, however, share some clear examples about what specific churches did to maintain their outward focus in future posts. I hope you can join me then.