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There is a great power in focusing on one thing when working to revitalize a church. Today, we cover six reasons why.
Episode Highlights:
- Church revitalization doesn’t have to be as complicated as some make it. Just start with one thing.
- Trying to do too much too quickly can kill a revitalization effort.
- Ministry complexity will drain the leadership of a church.
- When you are forced to choose one ministry to focus on in a church, you typically choose the best and most effective ministry.
The six reasons we discuss are:
- You have to begin somewhere
- Complexity leads to confusion and complacency
- Helps the heart and attitude of the leader
- The power of low-hanging fruit
- Makes you focus on what really matters
- Helps you to say no
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- RevitalizeBundle.com
- InviteYourOne.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- ChurchReplanters.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.
Focus on one thing: Love
I believe that Christians have lost sight of the definitions associated with “Church.” The Church is the universal body of believers in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ unto salvation. In various communities, we do not have Churches, we have Congregations. A Congregation is the collection of believers within a community, thus a Congregation is a community of believers within a larger community of non-believers. Now, we all know that within any town/city (i.e. municipality), there are many Congregations of Believers; however, the problem is that these Congregations are separated by conflicting beliefs. All of these Congregations read from the same Holy Bible; however, they are separated, not based on the central doctrine of Jesus as Christ and Savior, but by man-made traditions and conflicting doctrines. THE FIRST STEP IN REVITALIZATION OF THE CHURCH (the universal body of believers) IS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CONGREGATIONS TO COME TOGETHER, PUT ASIDE THEIR MAN-MADE DIFFERENCES AND BECOME ONE IN WORSHIP AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD (YHWH). If the believers within the Body of Christ are unable or unwilling to be united in worship and obedience, how can we ever hope to be a true witness to the un-believers who live among us? What kills the outreach of the Church is the sin of division within the Body of Christ.
And how do you react to two opposed people who both the differences are not man made but each believes he is upholding MANDATES of scripture. Instead of putting aside the differences, we should be looking at how we cooperate in the midst of differences. I can gladly participate with a Roman Catholic church at a pro-life rally, but would never invite them to help lead our discipleship group, nor should they ask me to help lead the catechism classes.