Your Church’s Future
There’s a story about a young couple on a European tour. Their guide gave them one simple instruction: Stay close so you can hear my voice.
But the husband was distracted—taking photos, marveling at the architecture. Slowly, he drifted further away. He didn’t notice until it was too late. The guide was still speaking, but he could no longer hear the voice.
This is what happens in our spiritual lives. And it’s what happens to churches, too.
We don’t mean to drift from God’s will. But we get distracted—by trends, by busyness, by our own ambitions. And slowly, we lose touch with the voice that was guiding us.
The Choices You Make Today Shape Your Church’s Tomorrow
Every day, your church is being formed—either toward Christ or away from Him. There is no neutral.
According to the National Congregations Study, churches that develop strong spiritual disciplines and community practices tend to sustain long-term health and avoid decline (Duke University, 2021). This means that daily habits—not just big decisions—determine the direction of a church.
Consider Proverbs 16:2, “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.”
You can make good, logical decisions that seem right—but are they actually aligned with God’s will?
Are they forming your church into a community that looks more like Jesus?
Surface vs. Substance: The Research on Long-Term Church Health
Churches that thrive long-term are those that:
Prioritize spiritual depth over surface-level success. (Discipleship over attendance.)
Commit to consistent formation practices. (Healthy rhythms lead to sustainable ministry.)
Stay close to God’s voice. (Decision-making is guided by prayer, scripture, and wise counsel.)
God is more interested in who your church is becoming than what it is doing.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take an honest look at your church’s health and future, we’d love to help. Our church consultations provide practical guidance to help your church stay close to God’s voice.
Click here to schedule a consultation today.
Grace & Peace,
Mike
