Church Revitalization Podcast – Episode 93
Since the primary ministry of The Malphurs Group is church revitalization, there is a good chance that you’re reading this today while in the process of revitalization in your church. If that’s the case, you may be wondering, “How do I know if my church is revitalized?” That’s a great question to ask since one of the components of church revitalization is measuring success. After all, if you don’t know how you’re doing, how can you know if you’re doing the right things?
In our Strategic Envisioning process of church revitalization, we work through five things that are essential to church health. If you’re seeing the following things happening in your church, there is a very good chance that you’re reversing a trend of decline, and will begin to see a new trend of Kingdom expansion.
Subscribe below to never miss an episode.
[podcast_subscribe id=”8838″]
You’ve become Great Commission Focused
Do the words “evangelism” and “discipleship” come up at every board meeting and staff meeting? If so, then you’re on the right track. Great Commission churches take seriously the mission to make and mature disciples of Jesus, and it changes everything. “Mission creep” is a real thing in churches, and just a small shift can have you way off target with the passage of time. Revitalized churches keep the main thing the main thing.
You prioritize a disciple-making culture
Reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ does not happen by accident. Revitalized churches are strategic and intentional in all they do. That means they have specifically outlined values that produce desired results. Left to themselves, every church will naturally gravitate to what is comfortable, and to some extent, easy. Being counter-cultural, and Gospel-centered is neither comfortable nor easy, but it pays Kingdom dividends beyond comprehension. Revitalized churches establish what is right and good, and then live it out.
You become process-oriented instead of program-oriented
This is the “living out” mentioned above. Revitalized churches have plans to move people to greater depth and maturity. A life with Christ is not static, so everything they do is intentionally meant to move people along their faith journey. Revitalized churches don’t fill the calendar with inconsequential and redundant things. They know time is precious so they maximize their effectiveness.
You have a clear picture of the future for your church and clear signposts for progress
Revitalized churches have figured out where they are going, and they go there together. For Moses, it was the promised land. For Paul, it was Spain. For Christ, the cross. If your church can picture the impact that you will have on your Jerusalem, and to the ends of the earth, then you’re in good shape. When a future vision has been established and communicated, it’s a tremendous unifier. If you’ve also found new excitement and unity in the church, then revitalization is happening.
You’re working a plan instead of planning to work
If weekly and monthly meetings in your church are future-focused, action-oriented, and task-specific, then you are likely progressing in revitalization. Most churches are good at having meetings, but they usually only lead to the next meeting. Revitalized churches meet to discuss strategy, next steps, progress, course corrections, innovative ideas, and accountability. They also celebrate wins.
The unquantifiable component of revitalized churches is the general mood of the congregation and staff. Not to say that quarrels don’t happen, but generally speaking, there is a feeling of anticipation for future good things. Limited, target-specific ministries focus everyone on the prize. Unity and excitement builds, and strife decreases. It’s our heart’s desire for your church to experience this. If this list does not describe your church, contact us today to get started.
BONUS: Get a free Team Discussion Guide in the video description on YouTube.
A.J. Mathieu is the President of the Malphurs Group. He is passionate about helping churches thrive. A.J. lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, enjoys the outdoors, and loves spending time with his wife and two sons. Click here to email A.J.
