Have we overcomplicated what it takes to revitalize a church and bring it back to life again? My answer would be yes and no! First, I would say no because it will require a lot of prayer with a lot of effort. Do not underestimate the task ahead as your church seeks to live up to Jesus expectations. There must be a willingness to do whatever it takes to live up to the Biblical standard. Revitalization is a process and there is no reset button you push that guarantees it will happen. It does not have to be complicated but it will not be easy!
Second, I would say we have overcomplicated it because there are steps that can be taken to see your church come back alive again for His glory. Even though it is not a short-term project and there is no quick fix there are definitely some biblical principles we can stand firmly upon. Are you praying for God’s direction and guidance in this process? Are you as a leader remaining centered on God as you stay in His word and continue to make sure you are abiding in Him? Are you living on mission by focusing on reaching people who are far from God?
Revitalization will require change and change brings criticism. The word change causes many to fear but at the very foundation of repentance is a change of mind and direction while He transforms our hearts. Change requires a willingness to be uncomfortable about how your church is coasting along in cruise control. It requires a determination to declare that being comfortable is not acceptable. It is a willingness to see yourself as God sees you. Is your church functioning as God intended it to function?
The first step towards revitalization is a desperate cry out to the Lord for His help and direction. The scriptures tell us that “if my people shall humble themselves and pray.” The humility required is your willingness to admit that you do not have it figured out and you do need His help. The call to prayer is your showing God how serious you are about seeking a relationship with Him and hearing directly from Him. Once again, it is being willing to see your church’s health through His eyes and allowing the Holy Spirit to expose your sin, selfishness, and shortcomings.
The second step is a recommitment to your church’s purpose for why you exist. In I am a Church Member Thom Rainer challenges us to revisit the importance of being functioning church members that are operating and working, as they should. Functioning is defined as the kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing, or institution. It is fulfilling the purpose for which you were designed and exist. It means that members are expected to be faithful to attend worship, belong to a small group, and to serve in a ministry.
The third step is being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Years ago I read the book Confronting Casual Christianity by Charles Stanley and he challenges churches to move away from the acceptance of a cozy cushy existence. It means that you refuse to become complacent. Following Christ is a life of sacrifice not a life of just coasting along. A definition of coasting is making progress without making much effort. Maybe you have heard someone say, “Oh, they are just coasting until they retire.” Are you allowing your church to just “coast” along?
If you desire for your church to be like the churches we see in the New Testament then you must function and operate in a no-coasting zone. There are people around us who have not heard the gospel. There are hurting people who have never been ministered to or been shown that someone really cares. It means that your church refuses to sit idly by and is committed to loving people by meeting their needs and loving them as Christ loves you. It is wonderful to tell someone “Jesus loves you” but it is even better to demonstrate that love in practical ways.
The fourth step is to remember that it is not an easy fix nor is it a plug and play program. You should expect a two to three year process to see revitalization through. The more unhealthy and sicker a church is the longer the process will require because the healing process will not occur overnight. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you must have elaborate systems in place such as outreach. There is nothing wrong with programs but when we make the tool an end in itself we become focused on maintaining the program rather than fulfilling our purpose.
It is not about a particular program or approach. Teach your church to realize that God has called them to reach and minister to those in their circles of influence. The go in the great commission means to make disciples as we are going. It is a commitment to a lifestyle of intentionally reaching out to those God has placed us in contact with. It is not a program but it is being salt, being light, and being Jesus with skin on. Revitalization will be virtually impossible without becoming more outwardly focused.
Your church will no longer be a Great Commission church when the preferences of your members outweigh the needs of people who desperately need the gospel. If we truly desire to be like Jesus we must be about what He was all about. Luke 19:10 says He came to seek and to save that which was lost. Revitalization requires your church to refocus on prayer, becoming functioning church members, being uncomfortable with bring comfortable, and committing to a process that will take time and effort!