Taking a close look at the church landscape in North America can be a humbling experience. It certainly appears as if the church is dying. Many churches close every week. Attendance is down significantly. We used to say millennials were leaving the church in droves. Some aspects are encouraging, as Gen Z appears to be more interested in spiritual matters than previous generations. But more and more people confess they prefer no religion as the “nones” are on the rise. It seems like a dire situation.
Many people wonder why the church seems to be declining. Is it because the church has sold out to the world? Probably. Is it because the church in North America has become too consumer-driven? Definitely. Is it because the church has not updated the way we gather in decades? Maybe. The list of possible reasons is long.
However, there may be a more significant issue. Maybe the reason the church in North America is in decline is that we have forgotten our calling. Could it be that we have so overcomplicated what the church is to be and do? Here is what I mean.
Who did Jesus say would be the builder of the Church? It’s Him!
In Matthew 16, Jesus gave us those powerful words, “I will build My church.” Jesus gave many commands, but one He never gave us was to build His church. This is what He does.
Now, this does not mean we have no responsibility. He did give one particular command on what we are to do in the building of His church. He told us to “make disciples.”
Jesus builds His church as we make disciples. That is the plan. That has always been the plan. It will always be the plan. Make Disciples.
We all know the Great Commission. We have been told it for generations. Our mission statements are built on it. And yet experience tells us that most people in our churches are not part of it. Think about your church right now. How many “followers of Jesus” would you say are active in making disciples who make disciples?
I have been a witness to hundreds of pastors self-identifying to me that less than 10% of their church members are actively involved in disciple-making. This is the issue. Attractional churches are not building disciple makers. Preaching-centered churches are not building disciple makers. We are failing at reproducing ourselves.
This is why the church is in decline. We are reaching people with the gospel but not helping them make disciples who reproduce others. Our churches are teaching biblical content but not expecting people to take what they learn and teach it to others. We gather people for worship but do not send them out into the world to share the gospel with those who do not know it.
One last thought that has haunted me for the past several years. Are we finished making a disciple if they are not investing in someone else? Let that sit there a minute. Grab your Bible again and read Matthew 28:19–20. Am I content with investing in someone who does not invest in others? Answering that question may help the church return to its original calling of multiplication, as we become disciple makers. If we do, I am confident Jesus will use us in the building of His church.
