Why talk about church renewal?

As pastors who are passionate about church renewal, we often find ourselves in conversations where we must justify talking about the revitalization of churches.  Knowledgeable leaders ask, “Why waste your time trying to renew churches? Church planting is quicker and more effective than changing the culture of an old first church?” 

These leaders make an excellent point.  And they are right about the time and effort.  As a result some pastors have given up hope. They become resigned to pastoring existing congregations.  Church renewal fades into a distant dream.  But we refuse to give up hope that God will ignite life into existing congregations. We believe, as you do, God gives life to dead bodies. Consider just a few reasons to talk about church renewal:

1. We can’t ignore the 80 percent.  Research reveals that 80 percent of the roughly 330,000 churches in the United States are in plateau or decline.  It’s even scarier to think that 1 percent of those churches will close their doors in the next year.  We cannot plant churches fast enough to make up for the loss of over 3,000 congregations in the next year.
2. Christ died for struggling churches too!  The congregations that make up the 80 percent of plateaued or declining churches are valued members of the Bride of Christ.  The Apostle Paul reminds us “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).  I don’t think Jesus is ready to write off the portion of His bride that is struggling, rather I believe He is still calling men and women who would be willing to follow His lead in giving their lives on behalf of the church.
3. Renewal is important to those who pastor the 80 percent.  Most everyone wishes to pastor a thriving and evangelistic congregation.  This conversation matters to the pastors, young and old, who are giving their all to make a difference for the Kingdom in one of the 80 percent of our churches in plateau or decline.  And laity who invested heavily in the past and present want to make a difference for the Lord, too.
4. Every church needs renewal at some point.  It will happen.  All churches have a life cycle and the most successful churches are the ones that have the ability to recognize the signs of decline and take steps toward renewal early on.  That’s why this conversation is important for all of us.  As we continue the conversation about church renewal we have a better understanding of the steps tools and resources that are available to help our churches take steps towards being a vibrant church for the glory of God.

For more information and helpful resources on church renewal visit http://usacanadaregion.org/church-renewal.