The DNA Of Revitalization

February 2009

In today’s fast paced world of events, meetings, and “things to do” churches often find themselves more shaped by the world than they are shaping the communities around them. This emphasis on ‘busyness’ leads to a loss of focus and ultimately a downward spiral from being mission centered to maintenance centered. This downward spiral is very hard to overcome, but it can be done. Consider the following seven principles upon which the ReFocus church revitalization process is built:

Transformation Principle – Personal renewal precedes and leads to corporate renewal. No permanent change occurs within a church body unless that change happens in the hearts of the members of that church first. Personal renewal involves getting in touch with who you were meant to be and who you are today, re-igniting the spark of salvation into a full flame again, and recommitting our lives to God’s will anew.

Leadership Principle – Everything rises and falls on leadership. The importance of servant leadership in the life of a church is paramount. Servant leaders understand that they are under-shepherds of God’s flock with specific responsibilities to the flock and Jesus himself.

Kingdom Principle – A new work of God requires the surrender of ourselves and surrender of the structures. We can’t ask God to change the circumstances surrounding our church if we aren’t willing to initiate and follow through with change in our lives first.

Synergy Principle – Change happens best in the context of relationships. The type change needed to revitalize a church is not the simple change a budget committee can make. It requires people change, and people change doesn’t happen overnight. Change happens best in the context of relationships over time.

Discovery Principle – Change occurs when we uncover the work of God and align ourselves with His purposes. When God’s church takes a long look at itself, many discoveries are made. Some of those discoveries lead to celebration and jubilation while others lead to remorse and recommitment to prioritize again the things of the will of God.

Health Principle – Healthy churches produce more and better disciples. Revitalized churches remember that their primary mission is share the good news of God, lead those who don’t know Jesus as their personal savior to know him, and help them become disciplers of new believers.

Multiplication Principle – A refocused church is one that is healthy enough to birth new life. A true sign of church health is the birthing of new churches. As a church examines itself it almost always discovers that it had been a “mother” church giving birth to new churches filled with new disciples.

If you would like to learn more about helping your church to begin the revitalization process please contact Dr. Bob Mills, Dr. Tim Boyd, or myself at (800) 984-9092.

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