We do have hope, of course, in Jesus’ words: “I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18b). The enemy is viciously strategic against the church, but we need not let him win.

I have studied spiritual warfare for more than twenty years. During most of that time, I’ve also worked as a church consultant. I’ve learned these two worlds often collide: churches fail to recognize the schemes of a real enemy, and they have no plan to respond. Here are some of the primary ways I’ve seen the enemy attack churches:

1. Congregational division – I’ve seen churches divided over budget decisions, paint colors, worship ….
2. False teaching – Most of my work is with evangelical churches, and I don’t often see blatant false teaching….
3. Family breakdown –… many churches hardly pause when another home falls apart….
4. Hidden sin–… the truth comes out that a more significant obstacle had existed: someone in church leadership had been living in sin…
5. Transfer growth diversion –…Transfer growth often distracts believers from doing evangelism – and thus plays into the enemy’s hands….
6. Self-dependence – Some churches, I am convinced, would continue to exist for some time even if God withdrew His presence….
7. Discipleship distraction – The enemy delights in churches that have no strategic, effective discipleship strategy….
8. Hopelessness – … Church leaders give all they have to give, yet with few results….

We do have hope, of course, in Jesus’ words: “I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18b). The enemy is viciously strategic against the church, but we need not let him win.

In what ways have you seen the enemy attack churches?

[Editor’s note: This article is incomplete. The link (URL) to the original article is unavailable and has been removed.]