Podcast Episode #077
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Church revitalization is needed in almost any church. Churches don’t have to be near death to be in need of revitalization. We discuss this growing need and offer a few solutions and encouragements to those leading their churches to new life.
Some highlights from the episode:
- No church ever stays in perfect health.
- Church revitalization is not a matter of “if”, it’s a matter of when.
- Churches need to recognize their need for revitalization and accept the treatment needed.
- The most difficult part of church revitalization is dealing with the relationships that are affected by change.
- “If you don’t stop changing things in this church, I will kill you.”
- There is hope and there are great possibilities for your church.
Episode Sponsor
This week’s podcast is brought to you by RevitalizedChurches.com. Bringing together videos, books, and other resources from today’s top pastors, leaders, and authors, RevitalizedChurches.com is the premier online destination for Church Revitalization. Visit RevitalizedChurches.com today for your free download of 114 Things You Need to Know About Church Revitalization by Thom Rainer.
Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church.
Dr. Rainer,
Thank you so much for your videos and your passion to revitalize churches. I was wondering if you have considered an a la carte option for your resources. My church isn’t in the place to spend $400 at this time. We are a steady plateaued church that pays our bills but really can’t afford an unexpected payment right now. Just a thought.
God bless you.
Thank you, Gavin. I am forwarding your request to Revitalized Churches. I am not affiliated with the company, but I certainly know the principles since they asked me to do video conferences for them. I am sure they will do everything they can to help smaller churches.
Could there be a slidding scale for smaller churches?
Joel –
I’ll have the folks at Revitalized Churches contact you.
Dr. Rainer,
This is the first time I have ever posted; however, this topic is near and dear to me. My denomination is in the process of trying to create vital churches; however, I’m led to believe we are not measuring what matters most. Resistance to holding people accountable for achieving targeted spiritual results that support personal growth appears to be a major barrier.
Creating vital (or re-vitalized) requires the development of: (1) a spiritual decision making process, (2) a clear, systematic spiritual leadership plan, and (3) a clear, systematic plan to develop Disciples.
Your thoughts regarding the three essential elements are requested.
I’m with you. Most of your points are addressed in my book, Simple Church.
I didn’t get to finish the free videos. I finished the first two. Disappointed that the next two were pulled before I could finish. Any chance of reposting? Also in that same boat of small church needing revitalization and not having money $400. But I think if I had the last two videos I could do the work with Simple Church and other resources. At least post the notes.
I had always assumed God was calling me to plant a new church. However, some recent developments have me considering a church revitalization. This podcast was quite timely.
On average, would time demands be more manageable during a church revitalization than a new church plant? While many aspects of a church revitalization may need attention, for the most part there are pieces in place that can be tinkered with when time allows. There is a children’s ministry, a treasurer, a time and place to meet, etc. However, in a church plant, all of this would need to be developed immediately from the ground up… while training new volunteers. As a bi-vocational pastor, time would be valuable to me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.