Habits Church Revitalizers Must Avoid to Thrive

Revitalizing a church is a noble yet grueling task. It’s a journey that demands vision, grit, and a heart for people. But even the most passionate leaders can stumble—not from a lack of effort, but from habits that quietly undermine their work. These subtle traps can disconnect you from your congregation, stall progress, and sap your strength. If you’re serious about turning a church around, here are five habits to steer clear of and what to do instead.

• Avoiding Tough Conversations

It’s tempting to sidestep the difficult chats—especially with lay leaders who aren’t sold on your vision. You might tell yourself, “I’ll get to it when I have more time,” but that moment never arrives. Avoidance masquerades as busyness, keeping you from the very people who need to hear your heart. The fix? Face it head-on. Schedule those talks, listen to their concerns, and share your why. People crave being heard and bridging that gap can turn skeptics into allies. Don’t let fear of conflict keep you from building the team you need.

• Tuning Out When Others Speak

Ever catch your mind wandering while someone’s talking? Maybe their words spark a brilliant idea, and suddenly you’re lost in your own head. It’s a habit that’s easy to justify—especially for creative types—but it leaves others feeling ignored. As a revitalizer, your ability to listen is your superpower. Practice staying present: hold eye contact, nod, ask a follow-up question. Showing you’re engaged builds trust and keeps you tuned into the pulse of your church.

• Rejecting Input Too Quickly

When you’re pouring everything into a turnaround, unsolicited advice can feel like a personal jab. Insecure leaders often brush it off without a second thought, convinced they’ve got it figured out. But dismissing ideas outright—especially from those who’ve been in the trenches—can blind you to valuable insights. Take a breath before you say no. Mull it over, pray about it, and give it a fair shake. You don’t have to agree, but openness signals humility and invites collaboration, both vital for renewal.

• Clinging to Control

Do you find yourself stepping in when someone else’s approach doesn’t match yours? Maybe you redo the bulletin or tweak the sermon slides because “it’s faster if I handle it.” This habit screams micromanagement and breeds resentment. You might think you’re ensuring quality, but you’re really choking growth. Step back—let others own their roles. Offer guidance, not takeovers. Trusting your team isn’t just practical; it’s a step toward a healthier, more vibrant church.

• Neglecting Self-Care

Ministry can be all-consuming, especially when the stakes feel high. It’s easy to skip sleep, grab junk food, or push through exhaustion, telling yourself it’s for the cause. But burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a roadblock. Ignoring your body’s needs leaves you moody, foggy, and less effective. Make rest a priority: get seven hours of sleep, eat something green, take a walk. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your church needs you at your best.

Clearing the Path Ahead

These habits aren’t just annoyances—they’re barriers to the relationships and resilience that revitalization demands. Avoiding them takes intentionality, but the payoff is worth it: a stronger connection with your people, a clearer mind for the mission, and the stamina to see it through. Start by picking one to tackle today. Swap avoidance for courage, distraction for presence, pride for openness. Ditch the habits holding you back, and watch how God moves through a freer, sharper you. Your church is counting on it.