We are losing congregations that decline and eventually close their doors. Also, when two churches merge into one, we have lost a congregation. Death and mergers are a regular occurrence. Newly planted churches have an excellent track record of evangelism and growth. Most congregations tend to plateau after ten to twenty years in existence.
Numerous factors contribute to the shift from growth to non-growth.
None of these problems encumbers a new church. Their sense of urgency and inclusiveness serves them well for growth. One of the biggest obstacles to church planting is the fear response from existing congregations. Some church leaders panic when they hear that a new congregation will locate within twenty miles of them. They imagine the huge loss of members and finances that might place their church in peril.