Fresh perspective, willingness to change are among the keys to church revitalization

By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org

FRANKLIN — Although Kevin Minchey appreciates the importance of numbers, he believes church revitalization can sometimes be as much about attitude as attendance.

Appearing as a guest on a recent B&R Radio podcast, Minchey, the church revitalization team leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, said that some churches can start the revitalization process by making adjustments in the areas in which they have “backslidden in their enthusiasm.” (The full podcast, Episode 44, here). [Read more…]

By Ashley Perham
Baptist & Reflector intern

Danny Rachel, pastor of Parkburg Baptist Church, Pinson, shares how his congregation has benefited from church revitalization in a new Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions video.

PINSON — Approximately 75-80 percent of churches are stagnant or in decline, and as many as 10 percent of Southern Baptist churches may cease to exist in the next 10 years unless fundamental changes are made, according to Steve Holt, church services director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.

The Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions and the Cooperative Program makes it possible for the TBMB to partner with churches in church revitalization, a process which moves a plateaued or declining church toward a healthy and sustained environment. [Read more…]

Selmer congregation gives property, buildings to sister church after unanimous vote

By Lonnie Wilkey
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org

Serving the Lord’s Supper during the last service at Central Baptist Church, Selmer, are, from left, pastor Stephen Davison, deacons Bob Ray and Tommy Doyle and Joey Johnson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Selmer.

SELMER — Though only 25 years old, Central Baptist Church in Selmer had fallen on hard times in recent years.

Attendance had dwindled to less than 10 people and the church knew two years ago that something had to change for the church to survive, said pastor Stephen Davison. The members consulted with the local association and representatives from the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board about church revitalization. [Read more…]

Selmer congregation gives property, buildings to sister church after unanimous vote

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org

Serving the Lord’s Supper during the last service at Central Baptist Church, Selmer, are, from left, pastor Stephen Davison, deacons Bob Ray and Tommy Doyle and Joey Johnson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Selmer.

SELMER — Though only 25 years old, Central Baptist Church in Selmer had fallen on hard times in recent years.

Attendance had dwindled to less than 10 people and the church knew two years ago that something had to change for the church to survive, said pastor Stephen Davison. The members consulted with the local association and representatives from the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board about church revitalization.

About seven months ago, as attendance dwindled to less than 20 people, it became apparent that the best solution for Central was to merge with another church by giving its property to a sister church in Shiloh Baptist Association. “We prayed for a church to partner with us,” Davison recalled.

Along came First Baptist Church, Selmer, which was already pursuing a multi-campus approach to its ministry, according to pastor Joey Johnson. [Read more…]