8 Keys to Being a Great Church Revitalizer
Key Characteristics of a Successful Pastor in Church Revitalization
Is your church in a season of stagnation or decline? Maybe your congregation is aging, salvations and baptisms are rare, and the surrounding community barely knows your church exists. If you feel God calling you to revitalize your church and lead it into a new season of growth and kingdom impact, here are 8 key priorities that will help you be an effective change agent:
1. Think fast, but move slowly
You probably already have clarity on things that need to change, whether it's outdated ministry approaches, the church facility, or the overall culture. Develop a clear vision and strategy, but implement change gradually. Keep people with you by moving patiently, like an aircraft carrier making a wide turn rather than a speedboat. Earn permission to lead change, especially if the congregation is older and already dealing with rapid change in other areas of life. The church has likely been their primary point of stability. Consistent and predictable ministry and relational connections mean nearly as much to them as the prospect of spiritual growth. So, introduce changes with grace and sensitivity. Think fast in developing your revitalization plan, but move slowly in executing it.
2. Spend more time with people, less on tasks
It's tempting to focus all your time either on the current members who called you as pastor or on reaching new people - but both extremes will inhibit your revitalization plans. Your current congregation are ministry partners. Although sometimes they may feel like barriers to progress, you need them with you as you move forward. Work to nurture a church culture that shares God's heart for the lost. At the same time, intentionally build relationships with unchurched people in your community. Strike a healthy balance in your time between member care and community outreach. Tasks are important, but relationships should be the priority.
3. Focus on changing church culture over updating the weekend service
An outdated building or worship style usually aren't the main reasons people avoid your church. More often, it's because the culture doesn't feel welcoming to newcomers. Being a cultural architect is your most important role as a revitalizing pastor. You can have great intentions and plans, but if they don't align with the church culture, they won't succeed. Aim to shift the church from an inward to an outward focus, fostering compassion for the lost. Remind people that Jesus died for the unsaved. Get their hearts in sync with God's heart and the key changes will follow.
4. Build a team to help you lead
As the lead pastor, your gifts and abilities alone aren't enough to turn the church around. Trying a solo approach will limit your effectiveness and longevity. Build a diverse team to help craft the vision, connect with the community, and rally the congregation behind the new direction. Teamwork makes the dream work! Identify leaders with complementary gifts and experiences who can help shoulder the load. Revitalization is a team effort.
5. Ignore "silver bullets"
Searching for quick fixes is one of the most common traps churches fall into when trying to revitalize. There is no single program, outreach event, building project, website redesign, or rebranding that will magically turn things around. While certain initiatives can build momentum if part of a larger strategy, on their own they are not cure-alls. Don't assume adopting another growing church's tactics will automatically work for you too. Instead, pursue a holistic vision for reaching your community, integrating new people, making disciples, and developing leaders. Ignore simplistic solutions and invest in long-term health.
6. Cast vision for the church your community needs
It's natural to dream about leading your ideal church. But your church exists to serve its community, not just your preferences. Thoroughly assess your local mission field and prayerfully discern what kind of church will best reach the people God has called you to. A self-serving vision will likely perpetuate past problems. Shape your revitalization vision around your context and what will connect with your neighbors.
7. Ask for help when you need it
Beware of "miracle" growth tactics peddled by church growth gurus. True revitalization is hard work. But that doesn't mean you have to reinvent the wheel or journey alone. Wise leaders recognize when they need help. Consider working with proven church consulting teams or participating in revitalization cohorts with other pastors. Take advantage of books, courses and free resources to sharpen your leadership. Find an experienced mentor to coach you. Invest financially in getting the support you need. Don't let pride hinder your church's progress. Reach out for help.
8. Pray, and lead your church to pray
This should not come as a surprise to you, but far too often, we can neglect to pray specifically for the things we need God to do in our church revitalization efforts. The pastor should also set the tone for prayer in his church, helping the congregation realize that it will not be by “might and power” that will help the church find its new way forward. It will be a blessing from the Holy Spirit. Try leading your church through a season of prayer using a resource like this one: Praying for Renewal In Our Church
Turning around a church is not for the faint of heart. Yet, it is a high and holy calling. As you depend on God's power, cling to his vision, and apply these 7 principles, you can lead your church from surviving to thriving. It won't happen overnight, but stay faithful and encouraged. The God who began a good work in your church will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6)! Your community desperately needs the hope of Jesus. May your church rise to the challenge and shine brightly for Him!