What is a "Dead" church?
 

I often hear of churches being "dead". What constitutes a dead service or a dead church?

Are the standards by which we judge a church as being alive biblical?

Just a few questions I have.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

The very first church I ever attended was lively in it's worship, God was there, no doubt. It was trinity pentecostal, so no UPC type standards.
I think God shows up where He's welcomed, adored, and praised from a sincere group of people.
I recieved the baptism of the HG in a trinity tent meeting before I even knew what the HG was, had never heard of speaking in tongues, the people I was with had to explain to me what had happened.
So, I think it's totally a heart issue.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

no church growth, people leaving to go other places, no retention, nothing developing to draw more people in.


no seeds planted no harvest.

Spiritualy could be many reasons, politics in the pulpit, same stories no preaching,
people afraid of some new people comming in making a impact on there church and losing there position as though they had one.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

A church where the gospel is not proclaimed and there is no visible work of the Holy Spirit.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

amen we are very similiar, except i wasnt in a tent when i was filled. i came over to the upci because my trinity church got a new pastor and the examples i used above was what was happening in the pupit and i was spiritually drying up. though i went to both upci and trinty churches back and fourth for awhile.

I believe in the Oneness of God over trinity, but both churches had great Holy ghost revivals. both groups of people Love God

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

I ask this because I think that some of what we call "lively" is just crowd dynamics and hype from music and prodding from the pulpit.

I've attended home groups where the power of God was very powerful, even more powerful than in church services, yet the hype wasn't present.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

A church where people are not living with an active sense of the Spirit of God in their lives?

A church that is not on mission with their city/neighborhood?

A church where there is no discipleship?

A church where Jesus is no longer the focal point.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Some would posit that a dead church is one where people do not do much of the following:

1. Run the aisles.
2. Run the backs of pews.
3. Roll on the floor.
4. Dance in an uncontrolled and jerky manner.
5. Have folks "slain in the spirit".
6. "Shuck and jive" to a "shout beat" on the drums. (to coin a Mahaneyism)

It is interesting to note, that none of these manifestations are even remotely biblical. I would have some different definitions, of course.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Never had a dead service when Mahaney was in attendance, now, that one's for certain. :toofunny

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

That is for certain!!

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

When I think of "dead" church, as in a "dead" service, I think of:

No worship. No testimonies. No real fellowship among people before and after service. No joyful singing. Boring, monotone, dispassionate, recycled preaching and teaching - nothing fresh. Just bored people fulfilling their weekly obligation to show up.

When I think of a "dead church", I equate that to:

No outreach. No new converts. No classes (e.g., teaching) available to help new converts and old saints grow. No regularly scheduled fellowship among the saints. No community involvement. No no-strings-attached charity work.

That's my list without analysis. Some of my thoughts may just be my perception; some of them may be biblically based.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

A church or service without the Spirit is dead!!:thumbsup

A body without the Spirit is also dead!

Falla39

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Haven't read any of the replies before posting my answer:

To me, a 'dead' church is one where people are content where they are, have no drive to see souls saved, no passion for prayer, no passion for getting closer to God. And they don't care.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Some would consider this service "lively"

The emotionalism that is cranked up by the musicians is no different than a rock concert or a high school pep rally.

You take away the "jungle beat" and the guy crankin' that keyboard would have no problem when he tells them folks to sit down and behave themselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tapliHFy_ek

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

^^ 1:44 to 1:51 really cracked me up. :jogging:

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Heh. Good think St. Mark (the guy cranckin' that keyboard) no longer visits this place... you'd hurt his feelings. :bigbaby

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Yeah...what did he scream at his musicians, "wind it up" ?

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Ya think ?

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

I know.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

I'm sure someone will run over to AMF and tell him.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Heh. I thought it was a preachers forum only. Apparently musicians are given membership.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

Each church will be different in how they respond and worship. Within the context of this congregation, I have no problem with this.
I really hesitate to criticize how others worship, unless it is against scripture.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

:thumbsup I agree; it isn't the "style" of worship that says dead or alive. Some people lift their hands, some people jump and dance, others quietly pray. Some people like Christian rock; some like black Gospel; others like bluegrass. Who cares? I've never labeled a church as "dead" just because they had a more laid back type of service. I can still tell when I'm in a morgue.

Re: What is a "Dead" church?
 

:thumbsup