Autopsy of a Deceased Church

Autopsy of a Deceased Church – Thom S. Rainer

Every year, thousands of churches close their doors. Many of them were once thriving congregations, full of life and activity, that slowly declined over many years until they could no longer continue. What went wrong, and what can other churches learn from their experience?

In Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive, Thom S. Rainer, a researcher, consultant and former president of a major Christian publishing organization, examines this difficult question. Drawing on his study of churches that had closed, he identifies the common patterns and warning signs that preceded their decline.

Rainer describes how these churches often lived in the past, focusing on how things used to be rather than on the needs of the present. They became inwardly focused, with budgets and programs serving existing members rather than reaching their communities. Other common themes include a failure to reflect changes in the surrounding neighborhood, a lack of clear purpose, a decline in prayer and evangelism, conflicts over preferences and facilities, and pastors who stayed only briefly.

The book’s tone is honest but hopeful. After the autopsy, Rainer offers practical suggestions for churches that see warning signs in their own situation, encouraging leaders and members to pray, confront reality, ask what they can do for their community and be willing to change.

Short and accessible, Autopsy of a Deceased Church is designed to be read and discussed in groups. It is a valuable resource for pastors, church leaders and congregations who want to remain healthy, relevant and outward focused.