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Successful revitalization needs with a successful leader. Today, we take a look at some keys to being a successful leader in a church revitalization.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM BENNY
I’m 62 and have been in my current ministry in the NC Triad for 13 years. Our congregation is 30-35 strong, median age of 55 and in desperate need of revitalization. Am I up to the task? What are the keys necessary for me to lead this effort with success?
Episode Highlights:
- The boomer generation is going to be one of the keys to church revitalization in the future.
- When you go into a revitalization effort, you need to make a long term commitment to the church at the onset.
- Church revitalization always starts with prayer.
- Pastors, you need to be praying for your church members daily.
- Your church address is not an accident. God has put your church where it is for a purpose.
The six keys for success that we cover are:
- The leader made a long-term commitment at the onset
- The leader made a decision and commitment not to play the comparison game.
- The leader made a commitment to pray daily for the church members and the community.
- The leader celebrated even small successes.
- The leader became consciously aware of potential distractions
- The leader was highly intentional to minister to his family.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchReplanters.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.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.
We are in the beginning stages of merging with a church that has been declining for years. They have a tremendous mission field, but the laborers are few. I have gotten terrific info from your links and podcasts, thank you so much. Please pray for our merger.
Thank you, Michael. I am indeed praying for you and the merger.
From above: “Successful revitalization needs with [sic] a successful leader.” Also absolutely critical to revitalization (i.e., change–a self-sustaining new condition) is a manager and an administrator; one person or three (or two) might function in such a capacity, but each one is essential to the change management process in organizations displaying dysfunction/ill health. Managers primarily identify problems–and organizations need those people because you cannot reach the place you want to be if you do not know where you are right now. Leaders primarily propose workable solutions to the problems identified; administrators bring to bear upon the problems identified the best of the solutions proposed in such a way that the group’s status quo (i.e., latency, or the price it is willing to pay NOT to change or to become healthy/functional) is overcome and a self-sustaining new condition (i.e., change) actually can occur. Each is essential: management, leadership, and administration; if one or more is missing, an organization will not experience change (see the OD/change management equation below).
It’s like this: (A x B x C) > D = Change
0 x 987,654,321 x 123,456,789 = 0 –which is not bigger than anything, especially status quo
987,654,321 x 0 x 123,456,789 = 0
987,654,321 x 123,456,789 x 0 = 0
0 x 0 x 987,654,321 = 0 (and so on)
(Management x Leadership x Administration) > Status Quo = Change
I am a retired DOM working with churches that are plateaued and/or declining as a consultant for revitalization. I work with pastors and their leadership team for a period of 8 months (once a month) helping them become healthier. Maybe Benny could find a revitalization consultant in his area to help him in the process of revitalization. Just a thought.
David T’s comment was spot on! Coming from a business and entrepreneurial
background, the first thing I noticed in churches was the inability to organize
and execute their mission and vision. In most cases the ministry team was not
experienced or trained to know the essentials or skilled to change the “status quo.”
In many cases they became frustrated, stressed, and uncomfortable. Many gave up
on the “better future” and settled for minor adjustments confusing the congregation
and shutting down all excitement and motivation.
Church planting or revitalization requires much more than a pastor and worship leader.
The missing key is exactly David’s point, an experienced manager/organizer that understands the church and the road ahead for the church plant or the church revitalization. This manager/organizer will help the team and church through the
frustrations and disappointments ahead. The M/O will keep the team connected to the
mission and vision by focusing on the steps taken forward, by the opportunities ahead,
and reminding them of their desire not to return to the past.
Very few leaders are visionaries, strategists, motivators, managers, and counselors.
An experienced M/O will assist the team by assessing their collective and individual
skills and weaknesses. Then guiding the team to to discover all aspects of the journey
to plant or revitalize the church.
help lead the ministry team with the process