How Is the Church Failing? 3 Issues Famous Pastors Are Calling Out
How is the Church failing? It’s a question many believers are starting to ask. Recently, three well-known pastors addressed this very issue, pointing to three key areas where the church is falling short. And the truth is, I agree with them.
Let’s be clear — this is not an attack on the church. I love the church. I grew up in the church, and my wife and I are actively involved in one today. But because of my years of experience in many different church settings, I’ve noticed some concerning trends. If the goal is to build strong, spiritually healthy communities, we need to pay attention.
1. A Lack of Christian Education and Biblical Equipping is One Way The Church Is Failing
Remember Sunday school? And Wednesday night Bible studies? If you’re over 30, you probably do. These were once staples in local churches, but many have stopped offering them.
Why? Some believe people are too busy to attend midweek services. Others think small groups are enough. But here’s the problem: Small groups are not the same as solid Bible teaching.
John MacArthur warns,
"We have a generation of biblically illiterate people who don’t know the Word of God because they’ve never been systematically taught it."
"We’ve exchanged biblical discipleship for fellowship and called it growth."
Small groups create connection — which is good. But connection doesn’t equal biblical equipping. Many small groups focus on sharing opinions, not learning sound doctrine. Churches must go beyond Sunday messages and small groups to truly equip believers.
Ask yourself: Where do members of your church go to learn theology? Where can they learn to defend their faith or study the Bible in depth? If the answer isn’t your church, that’s a problem.
2. The Absence of True Disciple-Making is a Way The Church Is Failing
Here’s another area where the church is struggling: disciple-making. If someone walked into your church today and asked to be discipled, would there be a clear path for them?
Chances are, probably not. Sermons are great. Small groups are helpful. But people can still hide in crowds. True discipleship involves walking closely with someone and teaching them to obey God’s commands.
Francis Chan left his megachurch for this very reason. He said,
"We’ve created a church culture where people come, sit, and consume — but don’t actually go out and make disciples."
Jesus didn’t just preach to crowds. He made disciples. That’s the model we’re called to follow. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 wasn’t just for pastors — it was for all believers.
So the big question is this: Is your church intentionally making disciples? Or are people just attending, watching, and leaving?
3. Silence on Moral and Cultural Issues is Another Way The Church Is Failing
Many churches today avoid talking about hot-button issues — not because they don’t believe the Bible, but because they fear losing members, donations, or appearing too political.
But silence is dangerous. Voddie Baucham says,
"The moment the church stops speaking to the moral and ethical issues of the day, it stops being the salt and light Jesus commanded us to be."
When churches remain silent, culture fills the void. The Bible is not silent about sin, justice, truth, and morality — so why are we?
Taking a stand doesn’t mean turning your pulpit into a political platform. It means boldly proclaiming the truth of Scripture, even when it’s unpopular.
We can’t challenge our members to live courageously if we, as church leaders, avoid taking a stand ourselves.
So, How Is the Church Failing?
In short: many churches are falling short in education, disciple-making, and biblical courage. But the good news is that we can change. If you’re a church leader, take a step back and ask yourself:
Are we equipping believers with more than Sunday sermons?
Do we have a plan for making disciples?
Are we addressing today’s cultural and moral issues with biblical clarity?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does it mean when someone asks, ‘How is the Church failing?’ This question challenges whether churches are living up to their biblical mission. It often highlights concerns around discipleship, teaching, and cultural engagement.
2. Is small group participation enough for spiritual growth? Small groups are great for connection, but not always for deep biblical training. Systematic teaching of Scripture is essential for growth and maturity.
3. Why is disciple-making important in the church? Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples. It’s not optional. Discipleship builds accountability, spiritual growth, and multiplication of the faith.
4. Should churches speak on political or cultural issues? While churches shouldn’t be political platforms, they should address moral and cultural topics from a biblical perspective to guide their congregations in truth.
5. How can I help if my church isn’t doing these things? Be the change. Start a Bible study. Offer to disciple someone. Encourage your leaders. The church becomes stronger when each member takes responsibility.
Final Word
It’s time to rise up and become the church Jesus imagined — bold, equipped, and committed to making disciples who know and live the Word.
What do you think? How is the Church failing? How is your church doing in these areas? Are there areas for growth?