Editor’s Note: “Rekindle: Fanning the Flames of Christian Leadership,” a church revitalization conference, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, Knoxville. Guest speakers include John Mark Clifton of Kansas City, Mo., and Tom Cheyney of Orlando, Fla. More information.
Robert Tyson
Director of Missions, Robertson County Baptist Association, Springfield
In a meeting with several directors of missions and members of the Tennessee Baptist Convention staff, we looked at ways to help churches revitalize. Most church leaders are aware that 80 to 90 percent of Christian churches have stopped growing or are declining.
Why do churches stop reaching their communities for Jesus. All kinds of reasons are offered. Here are some examples: “The community has changed and no longer looks like the congregation that meets here.” “The problem is the pastor. He is not leading his congregation to connect with the community.” “The problem is the congregation. The congregation has lost interest in reaching its community.” [Read more…]