In an early episode of the podcast “Revitalize and Replant with Mark Clifton,” the guys discussed four reasons that dying churches should have hope. I wanted to cover those here, and then give you the link to listen to that podcast.
If you’ve ever been in a dying or declining church, you probably know that one of the things that can be in short supply is hope. Everywhere you look, you see things that need to be done, but you don’t have the resources to do. Or throughout the building you’re reminded of the activity and ministry that once happened in those spaces, but they now sit quietly or (more likely) they’ve become storage rooms for relics of the past.
If that describes you and your church, don’t despair. Take heart! There are many reasons for hope. Read the rest of this post, then look for the link to the podcast episode at the bottom.
1. Dying churches have a real possibility to have a future
One of the things that becomes clear in Scripture is that God Almighty loves to bring new life to places that were once dead or dying (see Eze. 37). This is the heart of the gospel. As long as you and your people are seeking the face of God and want to see your community reached with the gospel, there is hope. More on this in the last point.
2. Healthier churches have a greater opportunity to make a greater kingdom impact
One of the things we’ve seen is that a great number of healthy churches are open (some are even enthusiastic) about helping struggling churches back to a place of health and vitality. In fact, if you’re reading this and your church is in a healthy place, consider how you can reach out and help churches that are struggling. If you’re leading a church that is in the middle of a season of struggling, reach out to your Associational Missions Strategist or someone at your state convention to be connected to a stronger, healthier church who would be willing to partner with your church.
3. Church replanters have an opportunity like never before
One of the incredible things about our time is that countless resources are available for pastors who find themselves in a revitalization or replant church. Most of these resources didn’t exist even 10 years ago. If that’s you, you have a wealth of books, podcasts, websites, articles and leaders with whom you can connect and from whom you can learn. Take advantage of those resources. Become a student of church revitalization.
4. Jesus has a plan for every church
Mark Clifton reminds us often that Jesus has a plan for every church. Now, Jesus could not care less about your plan for His church, but He will spare no expense under heaven to resource His plan for His church. (This comes from a talk Richard Blackaby has given.)
So, if you will lay aside your own plans and ask Jesus what His plans are, the future of the church you lead is limitless.
Learn more by listening to the podcast episode.
Published July 18, 2023
