June 16, 2025

Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization

25 minutes

In this episode, Thom and Sam explore four types of church leaders who are unlikely to lead effectively in revitalization:

Fearful leaders who avoid risk.

Leaders in denial who ignore decline.

Comfortable leaders who resist change.

Coasting leaders who have lost their drive.

Each of these leadership postures hinders momentum, blocks vision, and stalls renewal. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward raising courageous, honest, and mission-focused leaders who can guide the church forward.

Resources:

NLT Large Print Pew Bible

Church Connect

Tyndale House Publishers

Upward Sports

Upward Sports: Pickleball

Going to a Dead Church on Purpose, Rainer on Leadership

Do you want discounts for your denominational church? Email Sam at [email protected]

Church Answers Platinum Membership

FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice!

With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably.

It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship.

And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection.

Upgrade your pew Bibles today.

Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect.

The Power of Partnership

Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.

A Variety of Sports for Every Church

From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.

Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!

Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.

Be the Neighborhood Church

Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.

Get Ahead for Fall Sports

Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.

Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The post Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.

...more

View all episodes

By Thom Rainer

4.8

461461 ratings