Why do some churches decline and others thrive?

Is it style? Leadership? Programming?  God’s will?  According to Pastor Erwin McManus, it is that something else. Style, leadership, and programming is not the issue, but the heart is.

Quoting from the story…

“My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them,” said cultural architect Erwin McManus, lead pastor at Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, to The Christian Post on Monday.

“There is almost no genuine compassion or urgency about serving and reaching people who don’t know Christ,” he added.

….

“I think the bottom line really is our own spiritual narcissism. There are methods and you can talk about style, structure and music, but in the end it really comes down to your heart and what you care about,” he said.

What do you think?  Is he right?  Wrong?  I personally think he is on to something as there is no one right style or method for churches, but there is no subsitute for care and concern for others.

If you liked this piece, I would also recommend this article on worship.