Church Revitalization

There is much debate these days about church planting versus church revitalization.  It seems that we have come to the conclusion that we have far too much square footage currently under the roofs of churches to ignore.  Thus, revitalization is going to have to be part of the long term plan as we consider how to reach a progressively secular society.

By the grace of God, I have been privileged to be a part of several successful revitalization projects.  There are a number of keys to a successful revitalization project that I have observed.  However, before I share these, let me say that it is assumed that we recognize that prayer and outreach are a major part of the equation.  These are things that ought to be daily practices as well as an aspect of everything we do.

The Heart of the People

If the people who currently make up the church have no desire to see the church move forward, then the effort is doomed from the start.  Any successful revitalization project will require that the people share the heart of God for reaching others.  Such a heart will manifest itself in several ways.  First of all, the people will be willing to work and volunteer.  They will be willing to do what it takes to make the church successful.  Second, the people will need to reach out to their family, friends, and neighbors.  In spite of all the great outreach programs at our disposal, nothing beats the personal invitation of someone close to us.  And finally, the people must put priority above preference.  They must be willing to make the adjustments that need to be made.

Programming

The church will need to develop the programs necessary to reach the various age groups that are represented in the community.  This might mean starting or revamping a children’s ministry, asking the church to step out in faith and hire a youth minister, and yes, this may even mean asking someone to divide up their Sunday School class to start a much needed new unit.  The list of potential needs in this area are as numerous as the churches who desperately need to experience revitalization.  The man, called of God to lead that church, must discern what the greatest needs in this area are.

Grace-Filled Leadership

Leadership is a delicate art.  There are many today who ascribe to a very authoritarian model of leadership.  As time has served as the judge, it is clear that such a leadership style is rarely effective.  Sadly, it still seems to be the leadership style that is encouraged by a number of books and speakers.  While such a style may be helpful in a church planting circumstance, it rarely helpful in revitalization.  Make no mistake about it, strong leadership will be needed, but it will take a more “grace-filled” leadership style.

In revitalization, you are working with people who are already at the church.  In fact, it is their church and you are just pastoring it (at least that’s how they see it).  In order to lead successfully, you are going to have to be patient, earn their respect, and move forward slowly but steadily.  It is helpful if you can discern between what are necessary moves and which moves can wait.  Clearly, some moves have to be made immediately.  However, if the offering is in the middle of the service and you want it at the end, let it wait for a year or so.  Build credibility and earn their trust, then such moves can be made.

A Strong Pulpit

This is important for a couple of reasons.  Number one, it is vital for the congregation’s spiritual health.  People need to hear what the word of God says and how it applies to their life.  The word of God can do much of the work of teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training (2 Timothy 3:16).  It is possible that a church can have a strong pulpit and be unhealthy, but it is doubtful that a church can have a weak pulpit and be healthy. 

The second reason that a strong pulpit is helpful is that it gains the pastor leadership credibility.  Many of the churches that are in desperate need of revitalization are actually made up of people who have been in church for years and know what the word of God says.  When the preacher stands and proclaims the word of God with authority, the congregation will respond.  It is possible that people will respond to strong preaching when they will not respond to anything else. 

Pick Low Hanging Fruit First

In every church there are things that need to be addressed.  Everyone knows they need to be dealt with and wants to see it done.  In my current church, those things included revamping the Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry, providing some administrative oversight, and paying off a debt on our Worship Center.  Focus on such things first.  They give the church momentum and they let the people see you lead.  Such common goals give you and the congregation time to become a team and to begin to work together.  Once the low hanging fruit is picked, then the more difficult issues can be dealt with.  By this time, you know the people and they trust you.

Concluding Thoughts

Clearly my opinion is based on personal experience alone.  I did not study 100 churches that have been successfully revitalized, but this is my assessment of what God has allowed me to be a part of.  I hope and pray that if you find yourself in the midst of a revitalization project that God will bless and lead.  Trust Him, follow Him, have courage, and trust your God given instincts.  Do not listen to the crowd.  God has called you to your church and no one knows them better than you do.  Know this, if the people have a heart for God and His calling and you will lead as God directs, the church’s best days are ahead.  Enjoy the journey!