By God's grace, some congregations have reversed their decline by turning away from a habitual inward focus and looking outward with renewed zeal, creatively and thoughtfully considering how they might be a blessing to their community, and then organizing their energies very deliberately to act on the most fitting opportunities, personally encouraging one another to participate in deeds of love and good works (Heb. 10:24), and experiencing shared joy along the way.

In my own involvement in congregational leadership, I have benefited simply from an internet search of the term, "church life cycle." A variety of related articles shed light on some common patterns and how leaders might lead most helpfully as circumstances change.

Adapting to save souls can be God-pleasing indeed and personally fulfilling besides. The Apostle Paul said, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings (1 Cor. 9:22b-23 ESV). And Jesus said, "there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7 ESV).

"But test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21 ESV).