ive only been on the scene for a minute or two, so i really dont know the issues. but i do have some encouraging news. my dad is a pastor in a church in WI, and they started a few bible study groups. it sounds to me like the Lord is doing some amazing things. they pray, worship, and share testimonies. people are growing in leaps and bounds, hearts of stone are crumbling before the Lord. i really cant name any specific instances, these things i just kinda overheard. but it sounds like these groups are pretty close to the ideal church. guess thats as far as ive developed the thought.
in the church as it exists today, there are many wonderful Christians. i think they just dont know what to do with their faith, or how to apply it. small groups give people the chance to know eachother personally. once personal relationships have been established, along with love, trust, and accountability, great things happen.
need for community is one thing that all people have in common. the one evangelistic tool that works on everyone all the same. maybe thats why the church of Acts grew so rapidly.

i realize these thoughts are basic, painfully simple, and poorly organized. But then again, "Despise no one, for even a fool can teach you not to be foolish."