In my Human Growth and Development course, the professor told us that a human’s personality is formed by age five. “After that, it is almost impossible to change your core personality traits,” he said. God can and does change people at any point in our lifespan. I also believe that God can transform churches. Each congregation has a personality or culture. With the intervention of the Holy Spirit through the preached Word, God can bring new life to a declined church. For many churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, a church revitalization process is a tool God uses to change negative personality traits and transform a culture to reflect the purpose Jesus intends for His church.
What is church revitalization? Churches all over America need revitalization or are candidates to be replanted. Revitalization is a “deliberate, dedicated, and protracted effort to reverse the decline of an existing church” (Mark Hallock, Replant). In a revitalization effort, a church working with the existing pastor and leaders and the existing structure move forward with a new strategy and energy. A consultant may help the congregation articulate the new strategy and the related goals. Revitalization is to be distinguished from a replant; a replanting effort involves bringing in a new group of leaders and a new DNA.
Is revitalization an easy solution to a declining church? Revitalization—outside of doing nothing or merely adding programs—is a less invasive approach than replanting the church or merging with another congregation. However, it requires a great deal of time because the pace of change with most churches is slow. The risk is significant because the church may reject any strategic changes, and conflict may erupt. Sometimes, pastors or staff may experience forced terminations in revitalization efforts. Due to the pace of change and the risk of conflict, some revitalization efforts fail. The risk of a revitalization effort is real. Nevertheless, the potential reward is that the church finds a new focus on Christ, the Gospel, making disciples, and impacting the community.
What church is a good candidate for revitalization? The church that is not ready for a change in leadership structures, governance, location, and control is the best candidate. A church that is unified and able to be motivated is also a requirement for revitalization. When the church is contextually congruent with the surrounding community, they may be helped by a revitalization effort. Likewise, when most of the congregants live in the immediate community, their church may be more easily revitalized.
What barriers does a church encounter in revitalization? A church develops a history inside and outside of the walls of the church. The history may involve patterns that keep the church in stagnation or decline. Sometimes, the age of the church members can impact the church’s ability to engage the community through missions and ministry. Church leaders will find it hard to reverse the negative trends and create momentum. When the revitalization effort does not solve key problems, congregations may lose remaining hope.
Revitalization is not a quick fix. Many churches have attempted to add programs or campaigns that create activity or busyness. These types of activities do not address core issues of advancing in biblical discipleship, the surrender of preferences and reconciling church conflict. Churches with the people, resources, and spiritual focus to turn around from negative trends should consider a revitalization effort. Call on the BMBA for help in seeking God for church revitalization.
With sincere gratitude,
Chris Crain
Executive Director, BMBA