In my role as associational missionary, I’m often asked what struggling churches might do to revitalize their ministries. Not that I’m an expert on the subject. People smarter than me write books and host blogs or podcasts filled with more wisdom on this subject than I have. But, in thirty years of ministry through and with congregations, I believe the Lord has taught me a few things. With this in mind, I’d like to share with you three such lessons.
1. Not every church will experience revitalization.
This is a sad but necessary realization. Not every congregation that seeks it will see a renewed season of vibrant ministry. This has always been true. Remember, not a single congregation spoken of in scripture lived perpetually. Churches are born, they live, and they die.
Some die because their communities no longer exist. Some, their communities have changed, and the church has yet to discover connecting points with their new neighbors. Many churches elevate preference over mission, or they become diverted from their mission by internal battles. Compromise with the world has crippled many a congregation. These are just a few of numerous reasons I’ve seen prompting church closure, but common to all is a struggle to fruitfully make disciples, raising up the next generation of believers to carry on ministry.
2. Revitalization is hard.
Thom Rainer, as quoted during a recent North American Mission Board event, says 80% of church revitalizing efforts fail. I suppose that depends on how you define a revitalization effort, but if this is even close to truth it supports my point. But why is revitalization so hard?
The “absolute bottom-line” answer, I believe, is that we address the wrong problem, or at least we start at the wrong place. When leaders inquire of me about revitalization, their questions usually center on tactics. Expecting that change is in order, they seek to identify the change necessary then find a tactical solution amiable to the members. And there’s a time and place for this conversation.
But I believe the core issue with revitalization is the battle within ourselves, that struggle to deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus. Revitalization within a congregation, just as our conversion and sanctification, is a work of God. As Christians yield themselves before Him through the disciplines of disciple making, He transforms them to greater conformity with Christ and deploys them into the world. When this happens throughout the congregation, we begin to see the fruit of revitalized ministry.
On the other hand, churches who only address strategy and tactics will find revitalization beyond their reach.
3. Most congregations wait too long before seeking to revitalize.
In my experience, most congregations do not address their vitality until they feel the pain of their current reality. This pain may emerge from continually declining attendance, the lack of volunteers, internal dissent, or a mostly elder congregation. For most, it’s the financial pain caused when their giving can no longer sustain facilities and ministry.
But, because revitalization is a product of disciple making, it takes time for Christians to grow, for groups to assemble, and for the work of God to filter through the congregation. And even more time is required for new believers to grow in their service and giving. This doesn’t mean revitalization is impossible when the church’s solvency is at risk, but rarely have I seen the Spirit expedite His process for spiritual transformation.
Congregations that experience true revitalization begin the process early. Before the pain threatens their existence, or even before the pain emerges at all, they ask a couple of questions: (1) What is the Lord’s next step for our church? And (2) what adjustments do we need to make to fruitfully grow and deploy disciples?
Conclusion
There will be a time for many churches when the Lord says, “Your season is over.” Since we don’t know who those churches are, or when that time is, your partners across GTBN stand with you. We seek to empower the disciple making potential of every church. You may not know what the Lord’s plan is for tomorrow, but if I’ve learned anything from the Parable of the Talents it’s that we all must steward well today what the Lord has given us. His plan tomorrow always begins with faithfulness today.
Think about it, and contact GTBN if we can help.
Blessings,
Bro. Jim