4. Your growth is mostly transfer growth.
You’re missing your mission. Enough said.
5. The number of baptisms has slowed.
Signs like this are the canary in the coal mine.
6. You see more obstacles than opportunities when you look at the future.
Leaders who are afraid of change only see the downside of the future.
This kind of thinking breeds a culture of fear. Decline is right around the corner, if not already present.
7. Your volunteer turnover is too high.
Something needs to change in your volunteer culture or structure.
If you wonder why you’re losing volunteers, this post might help you.
8. Your volunteer turnover is too low.
Surprise. I just said the opposite, but turnover that’s too low is as much a danger sign as turnover that’s too high.
If your volunteer turnover is exceptionally low, something needs to change because you have no room for new people. Many dying churches have the same people serving in the same role for decades.
9. You’re not hearing stories of life change.
Stories are the currency of missional effectiveness.
10. You haven’t done anything exciting in the last six months.
The Gospel is anything but boring, so why is your church boring?
Stagnation starts subtly. Keep an eye on it.
11. You’re not offending people.
Organizations that make a difference always anger someone. If you’re not upsetting someone, you’re likely doing nothing significant.
Just make sure you’re offending the right people.
12. Your average age is creeping higher.
A sure sign you’re missing the next generation.
13. People are afraid to suggest new ideas.
Your leadership culture may have become more about preservation than innovation.
14. People are content with the status quo.
Thinking you’ve arrived is a sign that your vision has departed.
