What is Church Revitalization? Church Revitalization (CR) is a movement in conservative evangelicalism that emphasizes the ministry of revitalizing a declining or stagnant church through a series of activities, many of which are aimed at growing numbers. This movement believes that theologically speaking the church can and should be made part of the culture and that God will work through it.
This idea is gaining ground among some Christians who have a sense of personal loss and are keen on finding new ways to increase the membership numbers of their congregations. These conservative Christians see the modern church as being too focused on hierarchy and bureaucracy and do not wish to see any part of their lives - and that of their fellow Christians - unnecessarily neglected. They therefore seek to revitalize churches that are experiencing a decline in membership numbers by engaging in practices that are aimed at increasing participation rates amongst the membership. Some of these include having Sunday school classes, youth and young adult conferences and outings, holding Bible studies, inviting local leaders from the community to special events and offering services such as youth ministry and youth camps. Such ideas are generally employed by church revivalist churches. Read more here!
There are various theories that explain how the church revitalization can work. Proponents of this view argue that it is necessary for a church to be proactive in addressing problems in its midst. This can be done through such practices as having Sunday school classes and holding youth and young adult conferences that are open to those of all ages. Proponents of the other view believe that church revitalization should be more about planting seeds for the new church to sprout forth in the form of members, money and time.
The underlying principles that drive the two competing theories are not that different. Both see the church revitalization movement as a way to help a dying church keep alive and functioning as well as possible. One is concerned with planting seeds for the new church to sprout forth while the other sees the church revitalization being as much a form of prevention as of cure. If a church does not make an effort to revitalize its activities then this is a good time for another church to move in and fill the void left behind. For a church to grow and become strong it needs meaningful activities.
The problem with many churches and groups is that they have leaders who do not take the lead and engage in the church revitalization process. In order for a group to be revitalized it must first be willing to engage. Often these groups lack leadership and do not have leaders who are willing to engage. This means that the revitalization process may never get started. In order for a group to truly revitalize then the people in it need to have leaders who are willing to get involved and become active in the church revitalization process. When this happens the group will become revitalized.
The church can become more powerful if it makes an effort to engage. A group of church members need to meet together regularly to engage in the renewal efforts. If you feel that you have an opportunity to help your church become more powerful and effective than take advantage of the opportunity today. If you have questions about church revitalization or other renewal efforts than do not hesitate to contact us.
Learn more at; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church