5 Biggest Problems Facing the Church Today
Over years of ministry leadership and conversations with pastors across many different contexts, certain challenges surface again and again. These aren’t failures of faith or effort. They are pressure points that quietly shape the health and effectiveness of a church over time.
Every church faces them in different ways, and none are solved overnight. But when they’re left unaddressed, they slowly limit growth, clarity, and long-term health.
Here are five of the most common challenges I see — and why they matter.
1. A Lack of Strong, Scripture-Centered Teaching
Many churches have gifted communicators who connect well with people. That’s a good thing. But over time, Scripture itself can begin to take a secondary role in preaching and teaching.
God’s Word is meant to be read, wrestled with, and returned to regularly — not simply referenced in passing. When teaching leans too heavily on ideas with only light engagement with Scripture, people may feel inspired but remain undernourished.
Healthy churches consistently anchor their teaching in the Bible so people can grow beyond spiritual milk and learn to feed on solid food. This kind of depth builds resilience, discernment, and long-term spiritual maturity.
This is not easy work, especially week after week — but it is foundational.
2. Faith That Isn’t Clearly Connected to Everyday Life
In many churches, people sincerely love God yet struggle to connect their faith to daily life — especially in relationships with those outside the church.
When teaching doesn’t address how God’s Word shapes work, relationships, decisions, and witness, faith can become compartmentalized. It lives on Sunday but feels distant the rest of the week.
God’s Word comes alive when it is applied. Clear next steps help people move from listening to living — from understanding to action. Even small, practical application points can make a significant difference over time.
Many pastors feel this tension deeply: how to teach truth in a way that genuinely shapes everyday life.
3. A Lack of Intentional Strategy and Healthy Systems
God is a God of order, wisdom, and purpose. Strategy and systems aren’t opposed to faith — they support it.
Many churches desire to reach people more effectively but struggle because the systems needed to support growth either don’t exist or were never intentionally designed. Without clear structures, leaders are forced into constant reaction mode.
Effective systems don’t replace spiritual leadership; they free leaders to focus on what matters most. The challenge is that healthy systems are difficult to build if you’ve never seen them work well before.
This is often where outside perspective can help — not to take control, but to bring clarity and direction.
4. Children’s Ministry That Lacks Focus and Support
Children’s ministry shapes the future of a church more than most leaders realize.
It cannot simply be handed off and forgotten. When senior leadership understands and supports children’s ministry at a high level, it creates momentum throughout the entire church.
Strong children’s ministries help families feel connected, supported, and confident in the church’s direction. When this area struggles, it quietly affects retention, growth, and long-term health.
Pastors carry a lot already, and this area can feel overwhelming — but it is too important to remain peripheral.
5. Finances That Aren’t Clearly Understood or Planned
Many pastors didn’t enter ministry to manage budgets, yet financial health plays a significant role in a church’s effectiveness.
When leaders lack clarity around giving, expenses, and trends, it becomes difficult to plan confidently or respond wisely. Financial confusion often leads to hesitation, stress, and missed opportunities.
Giving patterns offer insight into engagement and trust. When finances are understood and stewarded intentionally, churches are better positioned to grow, respond to needs, and invest in meaningful Kingdom work.
This isn’t about pressure — it’s about clarity and stewardship.
A Final Thought
None of these challenges are unique to one church. They surface in different ways across congregations of all sizes and contexts. Addressing them doesn’t require perfection — it requires clarity, intentionality, and support.
If any of these resonate with you, or if your church is facing challenges not listed here, I’d welcome a conversation. Sometimes the most helpful step is simply talking through where things are and what support might be helpful moving forward.
