Leading Church Revitalization

One of the ministries that struggles the most in many dying and declining churches is the Christian education ministry. This ministry is critical in helping our people love God and love people with all that they are. Today on the podcast, I want us to consider a Three Step Strategy to help you and your leaders reimagine and relaunch a clear vision and direction for the Christian education/Sunday School ministry of your church. You can do this.

What do we do about the Christian Education or Sunday School ministry in a dying or declining church? Hear me well, I believe it's vitally important that Christian education play a central role in our churches; the question is what should it look like and how can we help it to be most effective. In this episode we will consider 7 challenges that come with trying to revitalize the Christian education ministry of a church.

Maybe you are like me. I've been part of all different kinds of small groups over the years, and I've loved each of them in different ways. But what I can tell you is that some were much more healthy, vibrant, and alive than others. As I've reflected on what I think sets these groups apart, I really think you can boil it down to eight things. Let's talk about them.

Creating environments where people can care for one another and grow deeper in the Lord together is critical to the health of any congregation. This is where a strong community group ministry can be helpful. On a practical level, how do you design and lead effective community groups in your church? In this episode, we will consider some of the nuts and bolts that are needed.

On this episode we are going to name nine potential threats to transformational, biblical community in the local church. These are things we need to be aware of as leaders, because they are going to be constantly working against our attempts to lead the church into true, Christ-centered, God-glorifying fellowship.

My guess is that, like every struggling congregation, there are many areas that need help in your church, many areas that could use your time and attention. However, you can’t focus on everything, especially at the beginning of your ministry at the church. So, what is most important? Where should you put your energy? I would answer that question this way: Along with building relationships of love and trust with the congregation, spending time in intentional prayer, and beginning to live on mission in the surrounding community, it is critical for you to focus on making Sunday mornings the best experience it can be. Let's talk about why this is and how to make it happen.

Today is Part 2 of a two week episode where we are talking about how to practically develop and lead a clear ministry strategy in your church. Where are you taking people? How are you strategically and purposefully helping them to grow as disciples of Jesus? What is your game plan? This episode is designed to help you answer these questions and more.

A common issue faced by many dying churches is that they’ve lost their sense of purpose and vision. They might have some strategic phrases listed on their website. They might even have a hodgepodge of ministry offerings. However, at the end of the day, these churches often lack a cohesive and compelling vision and ministry strategy that propels them to passionately and joyfully reach their communities for Christ. As we seek to revitalize churches, we want to lovingly reorient them to the mission of God as articulated in Scripture. As we open Scrip- ture together and relearn God’s plan for His people, we can begin to create a vision and ministry strategy for our own church that reflects God’s big plan for his people. Let’s talk about how to do this well. 

Many dying and declining churches have lost sight of what membership should look like and how members should function within the church. These churches can be quick to lower the bar of membership just to keep people around, but this ends up backfiring for the health of the church. To correct this, one of the first things that we must do is evaluate the membership process and instate a new strategy that is in line with where the church is headed.

One of the biggest issues that we see in dying and declining churches is a lack of strong leadership. Who is in charge? It can get pretty messy. Individuals who should not be in leadership, are, and those who might be more qualified leaders, aren’t. Well, the Bible clearly lays out for us the two primary offices of leadership that the Lord has ordained to lead the local church. One is that of pastor-elder, and the second is that of deacon. Churches are led most effectively when qualified pastors and deacons are working together with humility, joy, and unity. In this episode, let's talk about how you can raise up strong pastor-elders and deacons to help serve and lead your congregation.