I once knew a minister who genuinely loved the Lord and was born again, yet had a recurring pattern of leading churches into decline. A careful look at his ministry journey revealed that every assembly he pastored experienced crisis, spiritual dryness, lack of growth, and even backwardness while he was there. However, once he was transferred or left, those churches began to thrive again.
Eventually, it was discovered that although he was sincere and committed, he wasn’t operating in his God-given calling. He was actually an Evangelist, not a Pastor. This spiritual misalignment explained why the churches he led struggled under his leadership.
This scenario is not uncommon in the Body of Christ today. Many churches are suffering under the leadership of ministers who, instead of feeding the flock and nurturing revival, are unintentionally sowing seeds of decline. Such leaders cause stagnation instead of progress, division instead of unity, loss instead of gain, and confusion instead of peace.
These types of ministers are among the primary reasons why many churches today are weak, declining, or even dying. When a person functions outside their divine assignment or carries unresolved personal issues into ministry, the result is often spiritual decay. It takes an anointed and properly positioned servant of God to lead a dynamic, Spirit-filled, and growing church.
A. FACTORS THAT CAUSE LEADERS TO SCATTER CHURCHES
- Personal Crisis – 1 Timothy 4:16
When a minister’s personal life is in disorder, it will reflect in the church. Hidden sins, generational curses, ungodly foundations, or unresolved inner battles can hinder the work of the ministry. The spiritual health of the leader directly affects the church’s destiny. - Wrong Placement or Misguided Transfer
Placing a young, immature, or inexperienced minister over an established or spiritually sensitive church can be disastrous. Similarly, appointing a leader who lacks the spiritual stature for a congregation’s needs can lead to decline. Spiritual capacity must match the assignment. - Operating Outside of One’s Calling
When a person functions outside their spiritual gifting, for example, an administrator functioning as a senior pastor, or an evangelist trying to shepherd a flock, it can suffocate the church’s growth. Grace flows best where the calling is rightly aligned. - Lack of Prayer and Spiritual Power
Ministry is spiritual work. A pastor who cannot tarry in fasting and prayer, and who lacks the fire and anointing of the Holy Spirit, cannot push back the forces of darkness or lead revival. Powerless preaching cannot change lives. - Scandalous and Questionable Lifestyles
Ministers whose private lives contradict the Gospel they preach cause pain and disappointment among the brethren. Hidden sins and immoral conduct will quench the Spirit and scatter the flock. A leader must be above reproach. - Fear and Lack of Courage
When a leader is afraid to make bold, Spirit-led decisions or to confront sin and disorder, the church will drift into confusion and eventual destruction. Cowardice in leadership breeds compromise and chaos. - Carnality and Church Politics
Leaders who operate in the flesh—quarreling with members, harboring bitterness, or playing political games—drive away the presence of God. A carnal leader cannot foster spiritual growth or unity in the Body. - Lack of Vision and Purpose
Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). A pastor without a clear divine direction, or one who cannot communicate purpose to the congregation, will lead the church into irrelevance. - Pride and Resistance to Learning
Ministers who think they know it all and refuse to be taught or mentored often become outdated and ineffective. In ministry, there is always more to learn. Anointing does not cancel the need for training and development. - No Spirit of Teamwork
Lone-ranger pastors who do not delegate or cannot work with a team weaken the church structure. Some either choose wrong team members or isolate themselves from support systems. Ministry is not a one-man show. - Outdated Methods and Irrelevance
Ministry methods that are stuck in the past and fail to relate to contemporary issues and culture will slowly become ineffective. While the message must never change, the method can. - Lack of Wisdom and Tact
Leaders who lack sensitivity and handle people roughly or unlovingly cause more harm than good. Ministry requires wisdom, patience, and grace. Without tact, even good intentions can result in hurt and offense.
WHAT SHOULD LEADERS WHO SCATTER CHURCHES DO?
If you recognize this pattern in your ministry, it is not the end. You must:
- Do a spiritual check-up—go before God in prayer and fasting.
- Rediscover your true calling and placement in the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11).
- Set aside time for a prayer retreat to realign your vision with heaven.
- Enroll in Bible courses and leadership training to be re-equipped and refreshed.
It’s never too late to reinvent yourself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If necessary, step down from the wrong position and serve faithfully where God has called you.
Recommended Reading
Striking A Kingdom-Minded Balance On Money
Top Ten Ways to Be Your Brother’s Keeper
Christian Journey:Purpose Of Trials
B. TEN SIGNS OF HOPE TO REVIVE A DYING CHURCH
- The Word of God is Still Preached
A church may grow numerically without sound doctrine, but real transformation comes only by the Word. Churches that experienced turnaround had pastors committed to preaching the uncompromised Word of God. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), and lives change through the truth. - Someone is Interceding
Revival often begins with one person on their knees. Whether it’s the pastor or a member, someone must stand in the gap in prayer. Persistent intercession invites divine intervention. Prayer is the engine of church renewal. - Leaders Acknowledge the Problem
You cannot fix what you won’t face. Churches only turn around when leaders admit the hard truth: “We are dying, and we must change.” This humility opens the door for the Holy Spirit to move again. - The Pastor Takes Responsibility
While growth is God’s work, the shepherd must lead intentionally. Pastors of turnaround churches often carry a holy burden, saying, “It is my spiritual duty to lead this church out of decline.” - There’s Still Vision for Souls
Even when discouraged, the true shepherd still dreams of souls being saved and disciples being raised. A heart that still beats for the lost is a sign that God isn’t finished with that church. - Evangelism is Still Happening
In many cases, revival was sparked by a single person sharing Christ boldly—sometimes the pastor, sometimes a passionate member. Evangelism is the heartbeat of revival. It only takes one soul on fire to ignite others. - Discipleship is Taking Place
Despite decline, some leaders continue to pour into individuals—mentoring and discipling. Seeing even one life transformed can fuel hope and momentum. One changed life can revive a weary leader. - The Church is Reaching the Community
Outreach efforts, no matter how small—like giving out water or food or simply sharing Gospel tracts—can reignite a church’s purpose. Obedience to the Great Commission opens doors for divine encounters. - There is a Global Missions Perspective
A church with eyes on the nations often finds new life. Sometimes when churches engage in foreign missions, they rediscover local needs. A heart for global outreach renews a sense of purpose and calling. - The Leaders Don’t Quit
Ministry is not for the faint-hearted. Turning around a dying church is hard work. It takes prayer, tears, and persistence. The churches that survive and thrive again are led by pastors who refuse to give up, believing that God still has a plan for His church.
CONCLUSION
No matter how dry or declining a church may seem, there is hope when God’s people humble themselves, seek His face, and follow His leading. Let every minister examine themselves. If you are a builder, build with grace. If you’re a shepherd, feed the flock. And if you’re off-course, find your way back into God’s divine plan. The Church is the Lord’s—He still desires it to be healthy, holy, and fruitful.