July 09, 2025

Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 1)

22 minutes

Jess and Thom share the story of Sugarloaf Church, an almost deceased church in the Florida Keys. Braydenton McCormick became the lead pastor of the church two years ago. The church was facing insolvency, but last year it reached its budget, even putting away an additional year’s worth of funds for rainy days. The church had only seven members, and the pastor’s family added five more. The facilities were stale and outdated, but the church had no debt. We will examine ten key ways the church transitioned from near death to hope.

1. Celebrate as much as possible.

2. Be transparent with everyone.

3. Use the 60% principle to recruit volunteers.

4. Freshen up the space.

5. Embrace the value of guest cards.

Resources:

Chaney & Associates

The Church Advisory Podcast

Upward Sports

Upward Sports: Pickleball

Ten Ways an Almost Deceased Church in the Florida Keys Is Being Revitalized (Part 2)

Sugarloaf Church

Sugarloaf Church Giving

The Hope Initiative

Know Your Community

Church Answers Membership

FREE Research Report: New Surprising Insights

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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.

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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.

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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.

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