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Revitalization won’t happen in a church that doesn’t put forth the effort. Today, we discuss why some churches actually don’t try to revitalize.
Episode Highlights:
- There are two types of job coasting: laziness and avoidance.
- Sometimes churches don’t think they need to revitalize because they compare themselves to other churches instead of realizing what they should be.
- For churches needing major revitalization, often the pastor then end up hiring is not the pastor they actually need.
- Most pastors don’t want to see their church die. Those who do need to check their own spiritual condition.
The points we discuss are:
- Simply stated, neither the members nor the pastor want to put forth the effort.
- Members are intensely change resistant.
- Some pastors have been burned.
- Some pastors are coasting.
- Common attitude #1: “Things are really not that bad.”
- Common attitude #2: “We will get the right pastor in time.”
- Common attitude #3: “We would rather die than change.”
- Almost all of the churches, if they seek help at all, wait too long.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- RevitalizeBundle.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- 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.
The attitude that is killing these churches is the same attitude that causes progressive churches to grow. That attitude is self-centered consumerism. The only difference is the target. Churches that are focused on consumerism of 30-40 years ago are dying. Churches that aggressively market themselves according to today’s culture are likely to thrive. The sad truth is neither one is making disciples.
Christopher, can you give us specific examples of what does work?
As an Association Mission Strategist I can attest to all of these but especially to number 8. It’s sad that so many churches live in denial so long that they pass the point of no return. We need strong leaders who will be honest and who aren’t afraid to rock the boat.
Powerful message! I needed to hear it, but I was wondering if you can do a podcast to address what can a pastor do when the church has it’s head bury in 1988? I am struggling with this issue and would love to hear a podcast addressing this if possible.
Thanks for all you do.
Thom, Can you please address the idea some people have that revivals (meetings) are what is needed today. Do you see any of the 1988 idea in that for some locations?
Not too often.
Will and Franklin Graham preached a multi-day crusade here in Hawaii recently and hundreds came to Christ. We haven’t seen a response to the gospel anything near that here in Hawaii since 1988.
Sign me up for ten$!
This was a great episode and very helpful Thom!
We have merged with 7 churches and we are working with 3 more at the moment. There is nothing like seeing a church go from 30 people on a weekend to 1,000 overnight with kids classrooms that are packed, jammed parking lots and people going public with their faith in Jesus. We have learned quite a bit about what is causing the decline of the American Church. Its a sad reality that is caused in large part by an unwillingness to change rooted in fear and or pride. We encourage Pastors, Boards and Church Members to open their hands instead of closing their fists as it all belongs to the Lord. We are praying for a movement of revitalization around the country and around the world. God is using your resources, podcast and leadership Thom to ignite that movement!