Are wealthy churches spiritually dead?

Revelation's letter to Laodicea shows a wealthy congregation that said it was rich and needed nothing materially, yet Christ called it wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. This picture represents most of Christendom, and while not a blanket rule, such congregations are for the most part spiritually dead.

Les explains that Revelation chapter 3, the letter to the Laodiceans, gives the total opposite of most of Christendom. In verse 17, Jesus condemns the congregation that says it is rich, increased with goods, and has need of nothing materially, yet does not know it is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Les says that is most of Christendom tonight: they are so wealthy, with tremendous plants, huge sanctuaries, fellowship halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and tennis courts. He clarifies he does not want to make it a blanket thing, but for the most part these congregations are spiritually dead. By contrast, the apostle Paul came from that wealth and high religious experience and for the gospel became poor as a church mouse.

Does Les say all wealthy congregations are spiritually dead?

No, the teacher does not say all wealthy congregations are spiritually dead. He explicitly avoids a blanket statement, saying that for the most part, these congregations are spiritually dead. He points to the Laodicean church in Revelation 3 as an example of wealth coexisting with spiritual poverty, not as a universal rule.