What can make a church live or die

I don't know if there is a specific answer to this question. However, since the church is made up of people, lots of human-related issues can be the cause of a church membership to deplete or bloom. The other thing is that the church is not a human-based organization even though its constituents are women and men. It belongs to God. In other words it is God-related organization.

Jesus says to Peter: "on you I will build my Church." Therefore, the failure to acknowledge this fact could be the major cause of a church to die. It is like cutting off a branch from the tree. John 15: 1-6 tells us that the church cannot function when disconnected from the Vine itself, which is Jesus. Vital nutrients and other things flow no more to the branch. What happens first is that the branch stops from bearing fruit. No more growth at this time, and it is now all about survival. Next, the branch after trying its best to sustain itself, it will run out of energy, strength and power. This will finally give way to the process of dying. Is there hope for a branch that is in this situation?

Yes, there is some. The branch needs to get back to the Vine. It needs to return to its source, where it comes from. Some branches only need water, which is the vital element for plants. Water carries minerals the plant needs to grow. Branches benefit from all these.
Well, how much connected to the Lord do most church leaders feel they are? How many of pastors can tell their congregations with assurance that they have received a word from the Lord? Who do you think is leading your church? Is it you or God?