No, The Church Isn't Dying - The Gospel is Still Good

Lately, I’ve seen so many posts about how church attendance is down and how the church is “dying.” The comments are often filled with nostalgia for the old days, when pews were packed, and church seemed like the center of everything. But as I look around today, I have to ask: Was it better times or cultural demands that made me attend church. 

As a Black person with roots in the south, I often think of all the hateful racists that cheerfully attended church each service, with hate for their brother in their heart. Yes, the pews were filled - but where were their hearts?

Many went to church because it was expected, not necessarily because they had a deep relationship with Christ or their lives reflected God's standard. It was often about social obligation, fitting in with neighbors, or even business connections. People showed up, but were they truly transformed? Were they living out the gospel in their daily lives, or just checking off a box on Sunday mornings?

Our culture is changing rapidly. Today, people don’t feel the same social pressure to attend church. They don’t have to pretend to be religious, and while that may seem like a loss, I see it as a blessing in disguise. Why? Because now, those who come to church are more likely there because they want to be there, not because they feel they have to. Hearts are becoming more genuine, and that is fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work.

I see churches growing. I see people being baptized. I see repentance and transformation happening in real, powerful ways. Sure, these churches may not have the name or look of what some may expect, but they are alive and well, rooted in the gospel, and full of people who are seeking Jesus with authenticity.

Here’s the truth: The gospel hasn’t lost its power. Now, more than ever we can see those that are lost without the facade. The message of Jesus Christ is as transformative today as it was 2,000 years ago. The Holy Spirit is still moving, still convicting hearts, still drawing people to repentance, and still empowering believers to live out their faith. We might not see that in every corner of the world, but in so many places, lives are being changed.

This isn’t the end of the church. It’s a refining moment. It’s God drawing out those whose hearts are truly His, those who will stand in faith and spread the gospel, not out of obligation but out of love. 

So, what can we do in this season? How do we ensure the body of Christ continues to thrive?

1. Pray for Revival: Start with prayer. Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the churches in your community, that they would be strengthened, renewed, and filled with boldness.

2. Be Authentic in Your Walk: Now more than ever, people need to see what it means to live out the gospel in everyday life. Be real about your struggles and your victories. Don’t just go to church—be the church wherever you go.

3. Invite and Encourage: People are hungry for community and truth. Invite others to church, share your testimony, and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation to spark a deeper conversation about faith.

4. Get Involved: Engage with your local church. Serve, lead, mentor. Don’t just attend—be an active participant in the life of your congregation. Every person has a role to play in building up the body of Christ.

5. Trust in God’s Plan: Ultimately, this is His church, and He has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). God knows what He’s doing, and He is still working, even when we can’t see it.

The gospel is still good news, and the Holy Spirit is still alive and active. Let’s not focus on numbers or buildings, but on hearts and lives being changed. The church isn’t about returning to the “olden days.” It’s about moving forward, trusting that God is doing something new, and being part of the work He is still doing today. Keep the faith, brothers and sisters—He is not finished yet!