4 Essentials for Church Revitalization

A church revitalization does not come easy or in a short amount of time. In order to grow your church, you’ve got to put in work. Do you want to grow your congregation, or maybe erect a new metal church building? Just like with any aspect of life, you get what you give. Luckily, there are a few things you can pay special attention to jump start revitalization in your church. Get started now, and take the things you’re already doing and expand upon them.

1. Love People

It is important for your congregation to know that you support them. As the church grows, it will become more and more difficult to connect to followers and stay connected to them on a very personal level. The more you focus on loving people, the more joy will come to both your life and theirs. Your church grows as people spread their joy.

2. Focus on the Vision

Does your church have a vision for what’s coming next? Where are we going? How are we going to get there? In order to start a real revitalization, a compelling vision must be communicated and clear avenues created for people to help reach that vision. Get your current congregation excited about what’s coming next. People love new things as much as they fear them. If you can get a few of your congregation excited, the excitement will spread and you will see results.

3. Ask Your Followers

In order to jumpstart a revitalization you’ve got to ask some people already established in the church who love the church more than their personal agenda to help. These people are not necessarily leaders in the church. They may be loyal members of the congregation. Newer people are less likely to be as committed as the ‘old faithfuls’ during a time of change.

Newbies are great!They will absolutely help your church on its path to revitalization, but the church needs longer term people to embrace a new future. When you ask for help, ask these members of your church to speak up for changes, whether that be a missionary fund or new metal church building. Ask your faithful followers to support you (the pastor) and help create an atmosphere conducive for growth.

4. Have Patience

Change doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t come fast. The most important thing to remember when trying to revitalize your church is that it can happen. It may take 4 months or 4 years, but it will happen if you are dedicated. Remember to pray and look to staff and long-time church members for support on those days when you feel like it may be all spiraling out of control. These days of doubt will happen. Practice patience you’ll get through the bad days just like all the good days.

Once you lock-in what revitalization means to your church, you will be well on your way to seeing change. Do you want a bigger congregation? Do you want to see a younger crowd? Do you need to build a new metal church building? Start small, tell your church about your vision and ask for their help. Progress will take hold as soon as you commit yourself to the project. Church revitalization is a big project to take on, but one that is well worth it.

We want to see your church grow to its full potential. Check out more resources on our Pastors and Church Leaders Network.

Photo courtesy: DonWhite84