Pathways To Faith By Dr. Willie Holley

We have often looked at why so many local churches are perceived to be failing. It is true that many local churches are losing members and seeing decreased attendance by their remaining members. This is due to many factors we discussed in the earlier articles concerning why churches fail. According to Dr. Richard J. Krejcir the three principle reason for the local churches losing the support of their members are (1) the members do not know the Bible, (2) members are not involved in the works of the ministry, and (3) members are not spiritually affected by the teachings of Christ. Dr. Krejcir is emphatic when stressing that the local churches are not teaching the Bible in a relevant way and the members are not showing visitors and each other the kind of love and hospitality demonstrated by Christ when He lived here in the earth. Now let’s turn our attention to the churches that are experiencing success. When these 1,000 churches were studied, Dr. Krejcir found that the successful churches were Christ-centered with their doctrine and practices focused on leading people to Christ while showing them the Christ in us. This wonderful study concludes with seven significant factors that were evident in the successful churches.

1. “ The number one reason people come and bring other people to a church is the love and Fruit that is real, felt, and displayed. (This is why the Mormon Church grows, even with aberrant and cultic doctrine; people will look past that when they are loved.
2. The number two reason people stay a part of a church is the teaching aptitude of the pastor to stimulate spiritual knowledge and growth. The best growing churches in the world have solid, biblical preaching at their core.
3. The number one reason people will stop going to any church is because of conflict and gossip! Healthy churches have a plan to recognize and then resolve conflict and sin.
4. The number one reason why people are stimulated to serve (in ministry) is because the Bible is taught in a real, effectual, and applicable way. They want to relate to it.
5. The number one reason people grow spiritually is by being encouraged to read through the Bible, do devotions, and practice the disciplines of the faith as modeled by the leadership. These churches equip and disciple their people, not just in the basics of the faith, but also in how to be Christians in their daily lives and to live their lives to His glory! The pastors and leaders teach and model passionate Spirituality.
6. The reason a church is effective in its outreach and missions is because of its real, authentic worship. There is a direct correlation between authentic service and authentic worship! 
7. Healthy churches that are growing in Christ have prayer as a primary focus from the pulpit to the boardroom to their personal lives. These churches operate in and with an organized prayer base. These healthy churches are prayerful in all aspects of church life and ministry. They are reliant upon God’s power and the authority of His Word.”

When we evaluate the success or failure of our local churches, I believe that Dr. Krejcir’s “Significant Seven” provides an excellent set of indicators we can use to evaluate the Spiritual and natural health of our local congregational churches. The success of your local church is heavily dependent on you and other members working together on one accord.  Join with your Pastor, Officers and fellow members to help your church succeed in Spiritual and natural growth.Dr. Holley is the Senior Pastor at Pathways Christian Fellowship in Bradenton, Florida.  Contact Dr. Holley at Wholley777@aol.com. WWW.PathwayCFC.org