#34: On church revitalization with Mitch Miller.

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I know this is, perhaps, a grave generalization, but it appears to me that the ministry du jour is church planting. There are churches popping up all over the place, in many different forms, serving many different functions. And, to be sure, I’m not knocking the vital importance of planting churches and expanding Jesus’s Kingdom through these endeavors. However, I think we’ve romanticized church planting to such a degree that we’ve forgotten about church revitalization.

Church revitalization is an unsung ministry of aspiring pastors but one that’s crucial in our current Christian climate. It’s not as flashy — in fact, it’s often filled with internal obstacles. Church revitalization is a tough endeavor to start because it necessitates the admission that there’s a problem — it’s always prefaced by the admission of death. Renewing the energy of a church body, turning around a declining church to become a thriving church, is always preceded by a recognition for the deep need of such renewal and revitalization. This often requires long, hard, dirty spiritual work. But such is what Mitch and I attempt to speak to today.

In this conversation, Mitch and I delve into the intricacies of church revitalization, what makes it such a significant ministry for the health of a church, and what differentiates it from church planting. We seek to answer questions like: What’s involved in a church revitalization? What’s the goal? How do you go about starting one? And how do you know you need one?

This was a very informative, insightful discussion that I think you’re truly going to benefit from. Whether you’re in the midst of church revitalization or have felt the recent urgings that you might need one, this show is a good place to start.

Resources.

The Prodigal Church: A Gentle Manifesto against the Status Quo, Jared C. Wilson 

Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples, Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger 

Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too, Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson 

From Embers to a Flame: How God Can Revitalize Your Church, Harry L. Reeder III and David Swavely 

Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive, Thom Rainer 

Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Brad J. Gray

Sponsor.

This episode is brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Find out more by going to CSBible.com.

Notes.

Mitch pastors Griggs Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Throughout his time at Griggs, he’s been fervent in revitalizing and returning the church to its historic roots. Mitch is also an accomplished speaker and blogger. He’s currently looking to raise support in an effort to minister at Griggs full-time. His desire is to change the world by revitalizing the church and reaching the neighborhood. You can follow him on Twitter, @mitchmillerme.

Credits.

Intro music: “West Coast” by Ryan Little, licensed under CC BY 4.0.