In the Bible Belt, many people attended church out of habit rather than deep discipleship. When COVID removed social pressure, they quietly disconnected. Reaching the dechurched now requires listening, honesty about past failures, and rebuilding trust through presence rather than pressure.

Buildings are tools for ministry, not the mission itself. If fear, nostalgia, or control shape how space is used, your church may be serving the building—not Jesus. These 10 signs can help you spot the warning lights.

Churches do not need massive buildings to be faithful or effective. In today’s diverse communities, smaller congregations are leading the way by sharing space, partnering with other ministries, and using their buildings as tools—not trophies. Stewardship of space is a missional issue, and one culture cannot reach every culture. It is time to shift from asking “How do we fill this building?” to “How can this building serve the mission?”