It is not unusual to think of longer-term members as adversarial during a revitalization. After all, they have been part of the church for the duration of the decline. But they can become important allies in a revitalization. Mark and Thom suggest that pastors and staff can engage these members in conversation in a positive way. Here are five questions to ask them.
1. What are some of the greatest days of this church, and why do you consider them great?
2. When did this church take a step of faith that took it out of its comfort zone?
3. What would need to happen for this church to attract your grandchildren (or great-grandchildren)?
4. What would it take for this church to become more evangelistic?
5. What has kept you at this church for so many years?
Resources:
Episode Sponsor:
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
