1)  Evangelism is a relic of the past. If people stumble into the church… great. But don’t ask the members to knock on doors, hand out tracks, hold special revival services or talk to friends or relatives about spiritual things. That’s the pastor’s job.

2)  Brag about everything but Jesus. Be quick to talk about sports, weather, politics, clothing styles, the latest TV shows, a new car, phone or exotic vacation plans. In other words, talk about everything but Jesus? C’mon you don’t want to be pushy or holier-than-thou.

3). Young People’s opinions don’t matter. Who pays the bills? Not the coffee drinking, college debt ridden, stocking cap wearing hipster.

4). Missions are fine as long as it cost me nothing. Don’t ask people to give to missions, go on mission trips, work in their neighborhood, love the marginalized or do anything that will unsettle their safe, secure and worry free life.

 5).  Blame the Preacher.  The church isn’t growing?  It’s the preachers fault.

• Tithes are down. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• Worship is lethargic. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• My kids are wayward. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• The potluck dinner had too many chicken dishes. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• Aunt Millie’s feelings were hurt when she wasn’t asked to sing her special rendition of “The Great Speckled Bird” (that’s really a song).  It’s the preacher’s fault.
• The snow wasn’t plowed in a timely manner.  It’s the preacher’s fault.
• The temperature in the sanctuary is too cold.  It’s the preacher’s fault.
• The temperature in the sanctuary is too hot. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• Communion wafers taste like cardboard.  It’s the preacher’s fault.
• Communion juice fermented. It’s the preacher’s fault.
• Communion is celebrated too often (or not enough). It’s the preachers fault.

You name it, it’s the preacher’s fault.

6). Restlessness not Faithfulness is the modus operandi. At the first sign of trouble, when a hot-new church comes to town, when the preacher talks too much about: Money, missions, Luke-warm Christians, or modern day Pharisees—exit the church faster than you can say:  I’m not being fed.

How To not kill a church:  Love. Participate. Give. Invite. Care. Share. Help. Love some more. Offer Grace. Trust. Refuse to Quit. Get involved. Love some more. Pray. Read your Bible. Fast. Be the pastor’s biggest supporter. Give the benefit of the doubt. Pray some more. Serve. Brag on Jesus. And love, love, love some more.