Leading Church Revitalization

Dying and declining churches desperately need God to move in power! This is why our responsibility as leaders is to spend alot of time on our knees, praying for God to do just that. In this episode we continue to talk about different ways we as pastors and churches must pray in church revitalization. We then consider three ways to practically mobilize our people to prioritize prayer.

Church revitalization begins in one place: on your knees in persistent prayer. This week and next we will consider twelve specific ways we as shepherd pastors must pray for our lives, our leadership, our congregations, and our ministries. Many of these prayers are critical in any area of pastoral leadership, but they are especially significant in a revitalization context.

The top priority for any pastor or leader going into a church replanting or revitalization context is to build trust and win the hearts of the people who are already there. Sadly, many fail to do this very thing. And as a result, hurt, distrust, and division ensues. In this episode, let's talk about several sure ways to build or lose trust with a congregation.

On this episode, we talk about three important ways a pastor can build trust with a congregation. These include: 1) intentional, conistent encouragement, 2) clear communication (especially when it comes to leading changes), 3) and making meaningful visits to the sick and hurting.  

When it comes to earning trust and credibility as a pastor, sometimes the best way to learn is by discovering what not to do. It is for this reason that this week I want us to consider five sure ways to lose trust and credibility in ministry. These are 5 things to try and avoid at all costs! 

For many pastors, meetings are one of the least favorite parts of the job, and you might want to write off the meeting I am about to describe. However, I think you will find that developing and instituting a regular shepherding meeting might become the most important meeting you have in your life as a pastor. Let's talk about what this meeting might look like for you and your leaders.

Along with knowing, feeding, and leading the flock, biblical shepherding involves protecting the flock. Our people are in need of protection. In Acts 20:28 we read these words for shepherd leaders: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” Let's consider 5 specific strategies to help us better protect the souls under our care.

Shepherd pastors are called to lead. A biblical, visionary shepherding model intentionally includes three key leadership components that must be integrated into any effective shapherding strategy. Let's talk about them.

God's people need nourishment for their souls. For this reason, they need shepherds who will feed them good food from the Word of God. While as pastors we must work hard to know our people and their needs on a personal level, knowing the flock well must lead us to take whatever steps necessary to feed them well. This includes both the 9 month old and the 90 year old.

There is nothing quite like the ongoing, committed, loving relationship between a shepherd-pastor and the sheep under his care. This is why it is so critical for pastors to establish regular, personal contact with each individual sheep in order to know them well. In this episode, we discuss three key strategies for this.