Read about the meaning of revitalization, and the promise and hope it embodies for churches.

Learn basic elements to consider in the process of church revitalization.

Revitalization. One word, infused with meaning, promise, and hope. Fuel for moving forward by stepping back to evaluate your church’s purpose, its mission, why it exists. Ongoing discouraging trends in mainline church attendance and operational giving signal revitalization is essential for churches to be vital. How might your church consider revitalization?

First, start with the basics. What does “revitalization” mean? The core of revitalization comes from the Latin root “vit,” which means “life; living”. The prefix “re” means “again” or “back”. The suffix “ion” refers to a state, condition, or action. In the context of this blog, the suffix “ion” refers to action. Now, connect the core with the prefix and suffix, and the result is “the action of giving new life”.

By breaking down the word “revitalization” into its essential elements, you have begun a disciplined and deliberate process in defining the breadth of your goal. The very definition of “revitalization” should serve as a guide, as well as a benchmark reminder to help inform the appropriate process for your church.

While churches face similar challenges, no two churches are exactly alike. Plainly stated, revitalization is not going to follow the same course of action or achieve the same result for different churches. Individual conditions and circumstances affecting each church will be heavily determinative of what direction “revitalization” goes. At one extreme are churches with healthy support and enthusiasm for continual reinvigoration; at the other extreme are churches limping along on the eighth of nine lives. The power of revitalization is that both extremes are capable of living new life … both have meaning, promise, and hope.

Five pivotal steering elements to consider regarding church revitalization:

1. Examine your church’s purpose, its mission. Why does your church exist? If a church mission statement exists, read it, study it, learn it. Brainstorm actions that align with the mission and evaluate whether or not your church has the people and financial resources to implement them. Reassess programs in place. Respect that adjustments may be in order, and make them respectfully.

2. Does your church serve the community? Does it partner with other organizations to meet ongoing and/or emergency community needs?

3. Is healthy intergenerational engagement facilitated? Are seniors interested in working with youth? Do youth group projects include helping needy seniors within your church through an annual yard clean-up workday, or meal preparation for shut-ins, or sending get well cards?

4. Face facts. Depending on your church’s size and structure, schedule regular meetings in which open and respectful exchanges among members and leaders are encouraged pertaining to the church’s current state of affairs. Practical issues such as finances, membership, attendance, property maintenance, and insurance must be communicated and kept up-to-date.

5. If your church has run out of in-house ideas or resources to revitalize, explore the feasibility of merging with another church, co-sharing paid staff with another church or organization, or selling the church property and donating the proceeds to charity. Consult with a qualified attorney, as needed. Before contemplating the sale of your church property, determine who or what actually owns the property. This will not be an option, if the congregation does not own the property.

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