5. You’re focused more on small groups than serving.
“Serving experiences appear to be even more significant to spiritual development than organized small groups.”
6. You’re not challenging people to reflect on Scripture.
“If they could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice would be equally clear. They would inspire, encourage and equip their people to read the Bible—specifically, to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives.”
7. You’re unwilling to admit that more is not better.
“Based on findings from the most effective churches, however, this ‘more is better’ way of thinking is not the best route for people who are new to a church, and it is particularly unsuitable for people who are taking their first steps to explore the Christian faith… Instead of offering a ministry buffet with multiple tempting choices of activities and studies, these churches make one singular pathway a virtual prerequisite for membership and full engagement with the church.”
8. You haven’t raised the bar.
“Too many churches are satisfied to have congregations filled with people who say they ‘belong’ to their church—who attend faithfully and are willing to serve or make a donation now and then. But that belonging bar is not high enough; simply belonging doesn’t get the job done for Jesus.”
9. You’ve created a church staff dependency.
“Taking too much responsibility for others’ spiritual growth fostered an unhealthy dependence of congregants on the church staff.”
