It has kept playing the same notes while the context was changing. They have forgotten that those commitments originally came about to meet particular needs and circumstances. We all know of congregations that have been strong and vital. Yet they continued to play the same note that brought success, without attending to all the changes around them. In fact, the temptation when old ways no longer produce the same results is to play the old note louder and louder, thus producing caricature instead of adaptation.
Previous strength becomes the source of demise.
Obviously, there is a fine line between distinctiveness and caricature. However, if a church is in dynamic interaction with its constituencies and environment, then it should not be difficult to know when the old ways no longer carry the power they once did. The Right Question Leaders do not have to have the answers. Leaders must have the right questions. Picture this scene.