Facing Giants in Church Revitalization

Church revitalization can feel like staring down a giant. The obstacles—stagnation, resistance, conflict—loom large, taunting you like Goliath mocked the Israelites. But before David faced that nine-foot Philistine in 1 Samuel 17, he had already wrestled with bears and lions. Those smaller battles weren’t just random skirmishes; they were God’s training ground for the giant ahead. As pastors leading revitalization, we can take a page from David’s story: the challenges we face today are preparing us for the victories God has in store tomorrow.

In 1 Samuel 17:33-37, Saul doubts David’s ability to fight Goliath. “You’re just a youth,” he says, “and this guy’s been a warrior since he was your age.” David doesn’t flinch. He points to his resume: “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it, and killed it.” David’s confidence wasn’t bravado—it was built on experience. He’d faced danger before, and God had delivered him every time. “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine,” he declares. And with that, Saul relents: “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

Revitalization is a marathon of challenges, not a single showdown. Like David, we face our own bears and lions—smaller struggles that test our faith and sharpen our resolve—before we tackle the giants. Let’s unpack how David’s story can guide us through the ups and downs of renewing a church.

The Bears and Lions of Revitalization

What are the bears and lions in your ministry? Maybe it’s the grumbling deacon who resists every change, the budget shortfall that threatens a new initiative, or the exhaustion of preaching to a half-empty sanctuary. These aren’t Goliath-sized problems, but they’re real. They snatch sheep—your peace, your momentum, your vision—and dare you to fight back.

David didn’t ignore those threats. When a lion or bear came, he chased it down, struck it, and rescued what was taken. He didn’t wait for the problem to resolve itself; he acted. In revitalization, passivity won’t cut it. That difficult conversation with a critic? Have it. That stalled ministry plan? Push through the resistance. These smaller battles build your spiritual muscle—courage, patience, trust in God—for what’s ahead.

And here’s the key: David didn’t just survive those fights; he saw God’s hand in them. Each victory was a reminder that the Lord was with him. When you face your own bears and lions, don’t just grit your teeth and endure—look for the deliverance. That deacon softens after prayer. The budget balances through an unexpected gift. The pews start filling, one family at a time. These are God’s fingerprints, proof He’s training you for bigger things.

The Giant Awaits

Goliath was the ultimate test, but David didn’t face him unprepared. The bears and lions taught him how to fight, how to trust, and how to stand firm. When Goliath sneered, David didn’t shrink back—he ran toward the battle line, armed with a sling, five stones, and unshakable faith. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,” he said, “but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (1 Samuel 17:45). The giant fell because David knew who held the real power.

In revitalization, your Goliath might be a dying congregation, a fractured leadership team, or a community that’s forgotten your church exists. It’s daunting. But the bears and lions you’ve faced have prepared you. That tense meeting where you kept your cool? It taught you patience. That failed outreach that still planted seeds? It built resilience. Every small win—or even small loss—has been God’s boot camp, readying you to charge the giant with confidence.

Running Toward the Fight

David’s story isn’t just about preparation—it’s about perspective. He didn’t see the lion, the bear, or Goliath as isolated threats; he saw them as part of God’s bigger plan. “The Lord who rescued me then will rescue me now,” he told Saul. That’s the mindset we need in church revitalization. The challenges aren’t random; they’re divine setups for victory.

So, pastor, what’s your bear or lion today? Face it head-on. Chase it down, strike it, and trust God to deliver. And when the giant of revitalization towers over you—whether it’s turning decline into growth or apathy into passion—run toward it. You’re not alone. The same God who brought David through the wilderness will bring you through the battlefield. Those smaller struggles? They’re not setbacks; they’re stepping stones. With every step, you’re proving what David knew: the Lord rescues, the Lord equips, and the Lord wins.

Take your sling—your faith, your calling, your courage—and go. The giant doesn’t stand a chance.