Church splits are often nasty. Trying to pastor a church after a split is heard. Trying to revitalize one after a split is even harder. Today, we offer some tips for revitalization in the wake of a church split.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM J.B.
I’ve recently taken a pastorate at a church that went through a nasty split. The previous pastor left and started a church in the area. Things have stabilized somewhat and the church is seeing some signs of revitalization. What are my next steps to walk through the aftermath of the split?
Episode Highlights:
- Church splits are far too common.
- You cannot force others into repentance.
- You don’t go through a church split without there being animosity.
- A unified church has a positive witness.
- Inwardly focused churches tend to fight, complain, have bad business meetings, are bitter, and decline.
- One of the best ways to minister to someone who has been hurt is to get their focus on something else that is positive.
The six keys to revitalization after a split that we discuss are:
- Prayer is foundational, including repentance
- Deal with the anger and hurt
- Be patient, perhaps waiting a season
- Commit to pray for the other church
- Move resources and emotions from inward to outward
- Accept the reality of more departures
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchReplanters.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- A Plea for Church Leaders to Say and Do Intentional Evangelism
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
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.Submit Your Question:
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.
