This is why we fail at life change

If a church declares that the gospel is the most important message the world has ever known , and yet the gospel is not seen as the impetus and motivation for all the church offers, this disconnect is indicative of an unhealthy church personality or culture.

Chandler, Matt; Geiger, Eric; Patterson, Josh (2013-11-26). Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church (Kindle Locations 1460-1462). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

I find this to be the most powerful and convicting quote I have read this far.

Why does the church exist, if not to spread the gospel? Is there anything that would be a greater priority? But we do things without considering the full implication of the gospel message. We create programs and events to draw people in, thinking perhaps that we are in fact spreading the gospel, when the reality is that the gospel is no where to be found. At least not the dying to yourself and surrendering all to Jesus gospel. And why not? Because we are not making Jesus beautiful, but rather are attracting people to ourselves, our denomination, or our club. No wonder, when persecution comes, people abandon "their faith," because their faith was not in Jesus or His Father, but in the comfort, convenience, or attraction to a building, program, or group. The gospel was never a part of it.

Offerings are down, we need to grow the church. We need a new gym, time to call people to give sacrificially. There is room for more people in the seats, lets challenge folks to invite their co-workers, friends, and family to church. Ch_ _ ch, what is missing? U R.

C h _ _ c h . What is missing? The gospel. The beauty of a Savior who came to rescue me, at the cost of His own life when I did not deserve it. That is what is missing.