5 reasons a wave of revitalization of churches is likely

Thom Rainer Nov. 7, 2018

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Lately, I have been writing and talking a lot about a revitalization wave that I think is about to come to our churches. I am really serious and optimistic about it. I believe churches will be impacted from a high-level perspective. Let me explain why I see this major trend on the horizon.

I began with the total number of churches in North America: about 350,000. For many reasons, we can’t get a precise number, but I believe our estimates are close.

Of this number, about 300,000, or 85 percent, of all churches need some level of revitalization—from modest to radical. In research we released a year ago, we found that 65 percent of churches were declining or plateaued. 

Based on interaction with other congregational leaders, we see about another 20 percent of churches with modest but still declining growth rates. The sum of those two is thus 85 percent.

A contrary position

Here is where I take a contrary position compared to many others, including positions I have held in the past: Of the 300,000 churches in need of revitalization,100,000 will revitalize organically or internally,and another 100,000 will be revitalized through replanting. 

It’s a bold assertion, but something that could very well unfold over the next five to 10 years.

Why am I optimistic? Am I in a state of denial? Bear with me as I share five reasons for the likelihood of a wave of revitalization.

1. Thousands of church leaders are facing reality. They are not denying the difficult state of their churches. This awareness is the first step toward revitalization. Admittedly, some of these leaders are at the stage of desperation, but even that stage is a major step toward facing reality. Indeed, I have been amazed at how church leaders are utilizing our Church Health Report™ to help them understand reality.

2. Revitalization has become a prominent topic among church leaders. It is openly discussed among church leaders and members, denominational leaders, and network leaders. This discussion and openness are moving these organizations to action and solutions. We are in the process of rolling out a new nonprofit, Revitalize Network, for the purpose of bringing churches to work together toward revitalization.

3. Church replanting has become accepted, even normative. I can remember just a few years ago when no one mentioned church replanting. I have been grateful for the huge emphasis on church planting for many years. Now I am equally grateful to see a wave of interest and action toward church replanting.

4. The multi-site movement is instrumental in the revitalization and replanting movement. Multi-site churches are a key to this movement. They have been the primary vehicles for church replanting. We are years ahead of where we would be otherwise without these churches, which continue to innovate and adapt to the changing times.

5. We are seeing an increasing prayer movement in our churches. If this revitalization continues on its current trajectory, it will not be powered by the latest methodologies and acts of people. It will be because God has chosen to revitalize our churches. He is the power of revitalization. There is a growing movement of prayer in our congregations, an indication of the work of God. As the prayer movement grows, church revitalization grows.

As if emerging from a Charles Dickens novel, these are paradoxically the most challenging days, and the most hopeful days, for many of our congregations. 

Photo source: istock 

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Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers, and online community and resource for church leaders. Prior to founding Church Answers, Rainer served as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Before coming to LifeWay, he served at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for twelve years where he was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism. He is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn More »

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