Every church is in its own context. We face different challenges, depending on many factors. There are common struggles, like the realities of sin and its effect on our members. There are highly specific problems, ranging from the effort required to begin a new work to the terror of external persecution. Some churches find themselves in communities that are dying, small towns where the younger families move away and the population slowly shrinks. Others find themselves in changing communities, with a new socioeconomic standard or racial/ethnic makeup.

For some churches, the problems are internal. Bad leadership. Rebellious members. Sin that has struck at the very identity of the church.

For others, the problems come from outside. Pressures from neighbors and city officials. Resistance from other religious groups.

For some the problems are about material things, like lack of building space for a growing congregation or lack of funds to support existing structures for an aging congregation.

For some, the problems are deeply spiritual. Ingrained legalism. Unloving attitudes. Disregard for biblical teaching. Factions and divisive spirits.

So what’s going on where you are? What are the things that the church must handle in the next few years? What are foreseen obstacles to new growth or causes of decline?