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Most Church Programs Should Die

by Jeff Hoglen, Open Arms International Ministries, OR, October 6, 2025

Description

This online article helps congregations evaluate the effectiveness of their programs by challenging the assumption that busyness equals spiritual vitality. It also urges leaders to focus on disciplerather than constant activity. The article argues that many church programs persist out of habit, fear, or tradition rather than mission and provides direct critique and practical insight. The author calls churches to pursue depth over breadth and to prioritize intentional discipleship over crowded calendars.

Features

  • Links to recommended resources
  • Link to additional blog posts by the author
  • Steps to detox from program addiction

Practical Applications

  • Identify which ministries exist primarily because of tradition or fear of disappointing people to begin honest conversations about their purpose.
  • Evaluate the fruitfulness of each program by discerning whether it contributes to discipleor merely adds activity to an already crowded schedule.
  • Follow The Detox Plan steps to break your congregation's "program addiction"

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