Building Momentum for Church Revitalization: Keeping the Wind in Your Sails

 

Church revitalization is a marathon, not a sprint—and momentum is the fuel that keeps you running. It’s the energy that turns vision into action and carries a struggling congregation toward renewal. But beware: every revitalizer will encounter, as my friend and mentor Tom Cheyney calls, “church skunkers”—those pessimistic voices dousing your efforts with negativity. You’ve heard them: “We tried that years ago, and it didn’t work.” Their sprays of doubt can stall progress, but when momentum is on your side, even the skunkers can’t stop you. Here’s how to build it, keep it, and use it to breathe new life into your church.

 

Jesus and the Power of Momentum

 

Jesus knew a thing or two about momentum. In Matthew 25:29, He tells a story about investment and increase: “For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” It’s a principle of stewardship—when you act on what you’ve been given, it grows. Do nothing, and it slips away. For church revitalizers, this is a rallying cry: start where you are, use what you have, and watch God multiply it. Momentum builds on itself, but you’ve got to take the first step.

 

What Kills Momentum?

 

Momentum isn’t invincible—it can falter under the wrong pressures. Here are the culprits to watch for:

 

– Discouragement: When progress feels slow, it’s easy to lose heart.

– Failure: A setback can make you question everything.

– Lack of Focus: Chasing too many ideas scatters your energy.

– Ungratefulness: Forgetting to celebrate small wins drains morale.

– Inattention: Ignoring details lets cracks widen into chasms.

 

These are the skunkers’ allies, feeding resistance. Recognize them early, and you can push past them.

 

Intentional Steps to Build Momentum

 

Revitalization doesn’t happen by accident—it takes deliberate moves. Here’s how to get the ball rolling:

 

Accept That It Takes Time

 

Research shows pastors hit their stride after seven years in one place. Frequent turnover—every three or four years—starves momentum before it can take root. Commit to the long haul. Persistence beats impatience every time.

 

Just Do Something

 

Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Start small—host a community meal, repaint the foyer, launch a prayer night. Action, even imperfect, sparks energy. Sitting still invites stagnation.

 

Build on Successes

 

Every win counts. Did a new outreach draw a crowd? Double down on it. Did a sermon series resonate? Extend it. Stack victories like bricks—each one strengthens the foundation.

 

Chase Serendipitous Breakthroughs

 

Big moments often come unexpectedly, but you can set the stage. Keep meeting community needs—food banks, youth programs, whatever fits. Sharpen your team’s skills and your own. Success breeds success, and when it hits, ride that wave. Just don’t ease up too soon—celebrating early can sap the drive to finish strong.

 

Harnessing the Muscle of Momentum

 

Think of momentum as a sail catching the wind. Once it’s moving, it pulls your church past the starting line and into growth. Skunkers will still grumble, but their voices fade against the hum of progress. The key is to stay intentional—keep steering, keep adjusting, and keep trusting God’s leading. A revived church isn’t built in a day, but every step forward builds the muscle to go further.

 

Press On!

 

Revitalization is tough, but momentum makes it possible. Start where you stand. shrug off the skunkers, dodge the pitfalls, and lean into every gain. God is in the business of increase—your job is to keep the wind in your sails and press on. Today’s effort fuels tomorrow’s renewal. Let’s get moving.