Church Statistics by Francis Schaeffer

Are you dealing with apathy and ineptitude? Is your church on the path of self-destruction and ineffectiveness?

Do you tell stories, life issues, entertainment, and relevant psychology or proclaim the word? Yes the Bible is an offense, however, our call is not to please people, but to please God and love the people!

The problem is not in the lack or success of numbers, but lack of success of discipleship and Bible teaching! Our spiritual formation, led by His Word and Spirit, deploys our faith into our daily lives and then displays it into other’s lives as well. After researching and tracking these 1,000 churches for over 10 years, I found that the vast majority of the people were spiritually very weak. They did not know the Bible, were not involved in ministry, and were not affected by Christ as we should be according to Romans 12. 

Out of learning why churches fail, we also learned why they succeeded. The churches that were healthy, growing spiritually, and socially vibrant have significant aspects that set them apart from the failing churches. These factors are displayed in order of relevance and importance. Each one of these factors creates a harmony, contentment, and atmosphere for a churchgoer to come to church services and fellowship, and then to invite others. When they feel this church is “home,” they will learn and grow, then desire to become a member, become active, experience and give love and Fruit, and be able to serve our Lord there. Each of these themes is significant as they motivate, inspire, and spur people on to feel part of something greater than themselves. They become a conduit for the work of the Gospel, the moving of the Spirit, and the glorification of our Lord. These churches are places to know Christ, to be effective, and to grow spiritually

The Significant Seven 

The number one reason people come and bring other people to a church is the love and Fruit that is real, felt, and displayed. - People are motivated to bring other people when there is “real” hospitality and warmth in the Church—where they feel welcomed and a part of, connected, safe, and content, as well as stimulated to learn and grow.

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. These churches preach the holiness of God, the blood of Jesus, how to worship, how to deal with sin, how to relate to one another, and how to love one another, and biblical precepts for knowledge and living, which the leaders are modeling! All of the preaching is done by and through the Word with power (His), conviction, passion (real sincerity and eagerness to live for Christ), clarity (taught in a way people understood), and in truth (uncompromised Word of God). These churches do not dilute God’s truth or misrepresent the Gospel message. These churches lift up the cross! When there is no effective Bible teaching, the church will fail or become a showcase for an egomaniacal, charismatic personality who may motivate but does not instruct, and/or teaches false doctrine.

The number one reason people will stop going to any church is because of conflict and gossip! - Healthy churches are on the lookout for people and leaders who have agendas and attitudes that are contrary to God’s Word. They are counseled, and if they will not stop, they are removed from fellowship until they repent.

The number one reason why people are stimulated to serve is because the Bible is taught in a real, effectual, and applicable way. - They want to be a part of it.

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 number one 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! Worship is seen as a response to God—our gratitude for who He is and what He has done. Thus, people respond with their service, too.

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.