The members love each other deeply, weep for each other, laugh with each other, and bring each other chicken soup at the first sign of a sniffle, but greet new ideas with condescending smiles and fail to notice the new ethnic group that is emerging in their demographic. They screen all newcomers, wondering what talents they can offer to maintain their church institution. The smaller the church becomes, the more years one has to be a member in order to serve on the board. Shrinking memberships cherish each other too much. They go to enormous lengths not to offend, trouble, or hurt their friends.
Dysfunctional behavior is swept under the rug.
They prize only those newcomers who are prepared to accommodate themselves to the tastes, opinions, and lifestyles of the oldest members. The last priority for conversation at church is talking with friends. Talk with God. Talk with strangers. Christian churches do not motivate people to go home to lunch with a warm heart.