Ten Best Practices in Church Revitalization

Revitalizing a church isn’t just about filling pews or updating programs—it’s a deeply spiritual, strategic, and communal journey. Whether your church is struggling with declining attendance, stagnant growth, or a need for renewed vision, these ten best practices can guide church leaders and revitalizers toward health, influence, and spiritual success. Drawing from years of experience and biblical principles, here’s what it takes to breathe new life into a local church.

1. A Commitment to the Revitalization Process

Revitalization must receive priority on the church calendar if it’s going to succeed. Ministry doesn’t stop, but it does mean prioritizing events and initiatives tied to revitalization, allowing church leadership to fully engage. Over time, revitalization becomes a known and valued experience—a worthwhile investment for both leaders and laity. When laity feel their ideas and suggestions are heard and acted upon, the process gains momentum and trust.

2. A Commitment to the Harvest

Revitalization challenges churches and leaders to pursue health and effectiveness, with a focus on making *more and better disciples*. This commitment calls Church Revitalizers to examine their local community, discovering its unique calling for ministry. It also challenges congregants to prayerfully consider their role in the harvest. As Jesus told His disciples, **“pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send out labourers for the Harvest”**—the challenge is one of labor, not just intention.

3. A Commitment to Growth

Healthy things grow, and growth requires change—which is fundamentally an issue of obedience. Revitalization calls Church Revitalizers to greater obedience and alignment with God’s will for the local church, starting with personal change. Leaders bear the responsibility to guide the church toward fulfilling scriptural mandates like the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22), which are foundational to this process.

4. A Commitment as Church Revitalizers to Abiding

This practice centres on deepening spiritual roots. It includes:
– Reaffirming a commitment to align one’s life and ministry with the authority of Scripture.
– Renewing a commitment to intercessory prayer and spiritual appraisal of revitalization challenges.
– Participating in leading the church toward a greater focus on the harvest and personally getting involved.
– Implementing agreed-upon initiatives from the revitalization process.

Abiding in God’s presence ensures sustainable change.

5. A Commitment to Share the Vision and Keep the Church Connected

Our call isn’t to invent the future but to discover what God is doing and align with His purposes for expanding His kingdom. Church Revitalizers must articulate a clear, practical, and transformational vision that answers, “Where are we headed?” However, leaders must also watch out for *vision fatigue*—ensuring the congregation stays inspired and connected throughout the journey.

6. A Commitment to Bringing About Healthy Change

Change is built on urgency and a vision for a new community. There must be a feeling of *holy discontent*, where the gap between current realities and God’s ideal plan becomes evident. Unfortunately, *churches are prone to insular thinking and denial of reality*. Building a sense of urgency and healthy momentum for change is critical. **Healthy preparation is directly connected to a healthy outcome—shared ownership is a prerequisite to lasting change.**

7. A Commitment to Influence the Culture: Where the Church Is Located

Revitalization isn’t just internal—it extends to impacting the surrounding culture. Church Revitalizers must commit to understanding and influencing the community where the church is located, addressing local needs while sharing the Gospel’s transformative power. This practice ensures the church remains relevant and missional.

8. A Commitment to Develop Influencers Within the Revitalized Church

Influencers —anyone exercising significant influence over people, focus, or the future of the church—are key to revitalization. Many hold power, whether through positional influence (like leadership roles) or collective influence (which often outweighs positions). Influencers can shape congregational behaviour by supporting or boycotting ministries, withholding resources, or influencing votes. Developing these individuals ensures broader buy-in and impact.

9. A Commitment to Manage the Conflict That Will Surface During Church Revitalization

Conflict is inevitable as revitalizers seek change, but there’s purpose even in tension. God causes all things to work together, building greater *spiritual authority* through conflict. While conflict and problem-solving aren’t the same, every conflict requires **problem-solving skills** at some point. Effective management of conflict keeps the revitalization process on track.

10. A Commitment to Create a Synergy of Energy

This is a time, which calls for a critical mass of transitional church revitalization leaders who will commit to creating a synergy of energy within their circle of influence so new levels of spiritual success can be reached.* By uniting leaders and congregants in a shared, energetic vision, churches can achieve breakthroughs that honour God and serve their communities.

Final Thoughts

Church revitalization is no small task, but these ten practices provide a roadmap for transformation. From prioritizing the process to managing conflict and influencing culture, each commitment builds on the last, creating a holistic approach to renewal. As you embark on this journey, lean on prayer, Scripture, and community engagement to see your church thrive once more.

Have you seen success with any of these practices in your church? Share your stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear how God is moving!

Blessings