But I see health and personal growth in those who remain and are devoted to Christ.
Church growth comes in two ways- size and health. I guess the opposite is true. The size of many congregations is waning but the health of those who remain is improving. They are "working out their salvation." That's a good thing. The remnant of the Church is the salt and light.
2 Peter 3:3-7
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
>>That’s not necessarily a GOOD thing.
My family has been blessed to be called to a small fellowship that has a significant focus upon missionary work in various regions of the world.
The first few weeks we were there coincided with several of the mission families coming back and relating the state of the work they’d been called to.
The primary thing they said they needed? — Prayer.
Not one, when asked, said they needed more money.
THAT is a significant difference to observe.