Why Are American Churches Not Growing Compared with Churches in Other Countries

sermonindex Aug 11, 2013

Samuel Lee, an Iranian, converted to Christianity from Islam. His church in Amsterdam is predominantly Nigerian and Ghanaian, and he is training immigrants from Africa, Asia and the Middle East to reach the nations of Western Europe:

WHY ARE AMERICAN CHURCHES NOT GROWING COMPARED WITH CHURCHES IN OTHER COUNTRIES? As I have traveled all over the world I have come to the following conclusions.

1. We must embrace the miraculous. Because America has so many comforts, people don’t seem to need miracles. In Africa and other places where there are few hospitals, churches become hospitals for healing.

But the truth is that we need the Holy Spirit like never before. We can have great buildings and wonderful social gatherings and yet miss the Holy Spirit’s agenda.

We must be careful, lest we become like the unwise virgins who had their lamps yet forgot to bring oil–and the door was shut for them. A church without the Holy Spirit’s power will not attract people to church.

2. We must reject Hollywood tendencies. Some churches in the United States look like they are sponsoring fashion shows or TV programs. This is a bad example to churches in other nations, and I know that some foreign churches are now copying this flashy American style.

In some African countries, some pastors have started imitating this Hollywood style by manipulating people to get money. I was shocked to hear that one pastor in a developing country recently began dealing in stolen luxury cars so he could make lots of money in order to appear “successful.” Eventually he was arrested and jailed.

3. We must forsake pride. Outsiders do not read our doctrines or our bulletins; they read our character and integrity. When people see that we live a dual life, why will they bother to come to church?

I wish that my American brothers realized how hurtful it is to the cause of Christ when they focus so much on material things. I am not against wealth or beautiful things, but why does a preacher need a limousine instead of a normal car? Must preachers have a huge entourage in order to enter conferences and churches? God is fed up with all these things!

The church should teach the world how to be rich and yet remain humble. We cannot transform others if we ourselves are not transformed.

- brother Kevin

from: http://gospelfellowships.net/2013/08/10/why-are-american-churches-not-growing-compared-with-churches-in-other-countries/

turn Aug 12, 2013

American churches are not growing for at least six reasons:

1)\tThe message of repentance AND forgiveness of sins has been supressed. – Falsely, forgiveness of sins and assurance of salvation has been taught without a message of repentance. Forgiveness of sins has been promised to those who have not repented of their sins. Jesus taught “repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:18). Jesus taught that “repentance and forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47) should be proclaimed (together). If forgiveness is obtained easily and without much cost or discomfort, then there is little appreciation for gathering among the saints in churches. Repentance is not comfortable but it is necessary.

2)\tOnly good soil bears fruit. - When the seed falls on stony ground or thorny ground, then it bears no fruit. When seed is trampled on the pathway, then it bears no fruit. Fallow ground needs to be broken up (Jeremiah 4:3; Hosea 10:12) before the seed will grow well and bear fruit. When the soil is not prepared well, the seed of the Word will not grow well.

3)\tLaborers are not in the fields (Luke 10:2); Lights are under bushel baskets (Matthew 5:15, Mark 4:21, Luke 11:33). – Harvest of the crop is done in the fields and not in the barn. The laborers are not working the fields where a harvest is there to be gathered. Most church planting efforts are aimed at gathering those who already have a Christian profession rather than at calling unbelievers to repentance from sins and to belief in the gospel. Transferring Christian professors from one church assembly to another will not sustain overall growth of the churches. Jesus said: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16).

4)\tLove and good works have been discouraged in Christian gatherings by theology, doctrine and practice. - This has been contrary to the very purpose of Christian assemblies (Hebrews 10:24-25).

5)\tEvery Christian has gifts (Ephesians 4:7) and is intended to do ministry (Ephesians 4:12). - Paid, Christian professionals have dominated church meetings with their gifts. The high level of command and control by these paid workers has effectively mandated pervasive passivity among the others. Many people would rather stay home than to be so controlled. In order for the Church Body to be coordinated and healthy, everyone needs to be expressing their gifts and graces with the opportunities that they have.

6) There is too little love for God. - There is too little contending for the pure, original faith of the early church. Keep yourselves in the love of God. (Jude 1:3, 21).

sermonindex Aug 12, 2013

I would say that not everything you see is the real "Church" and the word "growing" as in "Why Are American Churches Not Growing", should be clearly defined.

The title could be, "Why Aren't American Churches Like Us?"

"The Lord knows them that are His".

Don't focus too much on the counterfeit or even that which you see is lacking in your brethren, it causes you to compare yourself with others which will only feed your pride.

2Co_10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.