The Bible Belt isn’t as unique as it once was in American culture. But revitalizing churches in the area often still requires some unique considerations.
This Week’s Question:
FROM AARON — I am finishing my seminary degree this semester and feel called to pastor in the Bible Belt. Since a lot of church revitalization is needed in the Bible Belt, what are some unique challenges of pastoring in the Bible belt?
Episode Highlights:
- There’s not as much of a cultural divide in the Bible Belt as there used to be.
- When we truly start to love Jesus more, we will start to love our neighbors more.
- Just because someone may have joined a church earlier in life doesn’t make them truly a Christian.
- Anyone who believes they are entitled to something from God, know the adversary has put that thought in you, not the Holy Spirit.
The seven reminders we cover are:
- Understand what is not unique about the Bible Belt.
- Clarify the “why” behind your sense of calling.
- Understand the plague of cultural Christianity
- Tactical patience is always important, no less so in the Bible belt
- Deal with the issue of unregenerate membership
- Be prepared to deal with an entitlement mentality
- Remember, a Great Commission outward focus is key wherever you serve
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchAnswers.com
- RevitalizeBundle.com
- ChurchReplanters.com
- 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.
