The Church at Ephesus A great beginning…Acts 18 and 19 Many turned from idolatry and false religion to serve the true God… Paul preached there for three years… Later, Timothy preached in the city… Paul wrote a letter to the church…

Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write…“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.”

The Church at Ephesus Praised for its work, toil, and endurance… Commended for their intolerance to false doctrine… They were doctrinally sound and busy in good works…

Revelation 2:4 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

Ephesus Loyal but Lacking They continued to battle against error and worldliness, but the first love was gone. “To hate error and evil is not the same as to love Jesus Christ.”

Ephesus Loyal but Lacking HOW SERIOUS WAS THIS? vs. 5 – “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

Ephesus Loyal but Lacking Worship degenerates into a mere outward formality… Service becomes a burden; a “have to”… Lack of compassion for others… Eternals become a substitute for service from the heart.

Church Growth and Decline FOUR STAGES OF DECLINE: The Creative Stage Everyone is involved and excited. The focus is not on what “I” can get out of it, but self-sacrifice. Your heart is in the work, not in protecting your opinions.

Church Growth and Decline FOUR STAGES OF DECAY: 2. The Management Stage The goal is to maintain the work based on what you now have. You look at others to judge what is your “fair share”. Many become indifferent and lukewarm.

Church Growth and Decline FOUR STAGES OF DECAY: 3. The Fault-Finding Stage Teamwork ends, you become overly critical and blame others. Power struggles, gossip and backbiting become a major problem. The leadership becomes discouraged.

Church Growth and Decline FOUR STAGES OF DECAY: 4. The Declining Stage The work stops and people go their own way… Some will vent their anger and division and splits often occur… Often results in the “death” of a congregation…

Church Growth and Decline FOUR STAGES OF DECAY: The Creative Stage The Management Stage The Fault-Finding Stage The Declining Stage WHERE IS THIS CHURCH?

Church Growth and Decline The Creative Stage A New Convert: Excited to share their faith with others Wants to learn more, and what more they can do in service for the Lord… They enjoy being with other Christians and encouraging others…

Church Growth and Decline 2. The Management Stage Will just “keeping house” for the Lord be acceptable with God?

Church Growth and Decline 2. The Management Stage GOALS of this stage: You seek to protect what is yours… Bank accounts, building and facilities, etc. You glory in others, but only as they represent “numbers” and a show of outward success.

Church Growth and Decline 2. The Management Stage ATTITUDES of this stage: One looks at what others are doing so they can either glory or complain. 2 Cor. 10:12,18 Stubbornness against those who try to suggest new ideas and plans…

Church Growth and Decline 2. The Management Stage FRUITS of this stage: “Minimums” become “maximums” – “What can I do to get by with?” Lack of authentic spirituality… Fear replaces faith as a motivation…

Church Growth and Decline 3. The Fault-Finding Stage Brethren begin to “bite and devour one another”… Gal. 5:15 Satan lifts you up with selfishness and pride, and you are quick to judge others Discouragement breeds negativism…

Church Growth and Decline 4. The Declining Stage Often results in division and the “death” of a church… Or a church may exist, but only as an empty “shell”…

Church Growth and Decline WHAT’S THE REMEDY? “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” VS. 5

Church Growth and Decline WHAT’S THE REMEDY? “REMEMBER” – recall your earlier service of love and devotion… Heb. 10:32-34 “REPENT” – change your heart and rekindle your love for the Lord. Rev.3:19 “DO” – do the “first works” motivated by faith and love… Gal. 5:6

Church Growth and Decline If the Lord wrote this church a letter what would He say? Let us properly evaluate ourselves in the light of God’s Word…