Tag: Church revitalization

Large group of people gathered outdoors near a church with hands raised worshipping at sunset

Knowing Who You Are

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“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬ – Read the chapter)

When I was in seminary, I had to take two different leadership classes in my third and final year. I didn’t want to take them. They were a required part of the curriculum. Throughout that journey I struggled more than once with whether or not my path was going to lead in a circle back to the academy, or if I was bound for the local church. The local church had pretty well gotten the nod at that point, but I was far more drawn to my theology and biblical studies classes than anything else. Taking two leadership classes was about the last thing I had in mind. One of them in particular was going to make us do lots of group work which I hated the thought of even more than taking the class in the first place. Wouldn’t you know it, what I learned in that class has probably had more of an impact on my ministry since than what I learned in just about any other class. As we continue our conversation this week about the things that are contributing to my church’s growth right now, let me tell you about what it was.

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People of various ages and backgrounds sharing a meal at long tables in a church community dining room

Unpacking a Growing Church

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“For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body – so also is Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 CSB – Read the chapter)

Across the country right now the average church is not growing. It is plateaued at best. Many are stagnant as a prelude to dying. I have a member who travels regularly for work all across the state, but never more than day trips. He has returned several times with stories of seeing more and more churches with for sale signs in their front yards. Over the last 10-15 years, one of the fastest growing interest movements within the church is the church revitalization movement. A big part of the reason for this is that a whole bunch of church leaders have realized all at about the same time that the church isn’t in great shape. There are some significant signs of life in recent days, but many churches are still limping along at best. It seems worth noting, then, when a church is experiencing the opposite of all of this. Well, my church is experiencing the opposite of all of this right now. I thought we might spend at least this Friday exploring some of why I think this may be.

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