The Call To Overcome: The Dead Church

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

2 Timothy 3:5 (NLT)

A dead church is a church without passion. It’s religion without relationship:

  • Hearts not into worship,

  • Hands unwilling to lift,

  • Mouths refusing to praise,

  • Ears closing to sermons,

  • Rear ends sticking to pews,

  • Feet walking easy paths,

  • Eyes staring at cell phones,

  • Fingers choosing to text,

  • Thoughts drifting here and there,

  • Knees not touching the floor,

  • Prayers missing their Mark, and…

  • Wallets too tight to tithe.

Truly, I can relate to the Dead Church. I’ve suffered from depression and burnout… and I wondered if anything mattered. I’ve walked through life’s motions without passion. My heart wasn’t engaged. I felt “dead”.

But throughout my hidden lack of passion, I looked quite normal--even successful. Such was the condition of the Dead Church in the prosperous city of Sardis. They had “good” form without godly substance.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

How can you help a dead or dying church? Consider: When paramedics see a heartbeat stop, they quickly begin resuscitation. They DON’T walk around a lifeless body… and pretend not to notice the crisis.

Things to do include:

  • Awaken church sleepers with fervent praise.

  • Kneel down, reach up, and show them how to move.

  • Greet them! Some are dying to be noticed.

  • Sit next to loners. Open conversations!

  • Offer nourishment: spiritual fruit!

  • Pray for revival. God answers prayers!

  • Step up on the stages the Lord provides.

  • Sparkle and shine with evidential joy. 

Therein, you 'Strengthen the things which remain' (Revelation 3:2).

The Call To Overcome: The Dead Church (Part 17)*

* Letter to The Dead Church: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+3%3A1-6&version=NKJV

* Additional brief article on The Dead Church: http://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Sardis.html

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban