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Large churches are obviously different than small churches, but what are those specific differences as it relates to church revitalization? Today, we cover that and more.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM CLIFF
I just took a pastorate at a larger church than I’ve ever pastored. I’ve led revitalization at a few smaller churches (mostly under 250) in the past and am now at a church in Central Florida running 450+. What differences in revitalization might I run into in a church this size as compared to my previous churches?
Episode Highlights:
- It may seem obvious, but not all churches are alike.
- Revitalization funding needs to be a local mission effort.
- Because small, declining churches can more closely see the end of their church, desperation often sets in earlier than in large churches.
- Bigger churches aren’t always healthier, sometimes they’re just bigger.
The nine differences in large and small church revitalizations are:
- The resources issue: good and bad
- The death spiral issue
- The desperation factor
- The mindset issue
- The pride factor
- The facility issue: good and bad
- Smaller churches more likely to be open to acquisition
- The percentage of churches in need of major revitalization is not statistically different at any size
- The final consideration: “It depends”
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchReplanters.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Submit Your Question:
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.
I hate to dither Cliff but 250 is not a small church. If you want to know the dynamics of revitalizing a small church work with one that is 50 or less.
The principle is being attentive to the needs and community where the church resides. Revitalization generally has to do with taking enough time to listen to the history of the church and pay attention to their spiritual health. Are there things in the church’s past that are unaddressed.
To defend Cliff, he never stated 250 was a small church, only that 250 is smaller than 450.
We recently moved from a tiny but growing church. (Geographical move, church search in progress.) We implemented some changes in our old church, and they are still trying new things. But one huge elephant in our room was that the doctrinal teachings of that church are despised by the larger community. (Need for conversion, possibility of a changed life.)
How do you replant and revitalize in that situation?