5. Control

Where the first item dealt with the one who is in charge as in a single leader, this last item focuses on who will come alongside the leader and help him grow the church. New blood needs to be infused into the revitalizing church! New leaders need to lead the new programs and work with the various ministries to give it new energy (For more on this check out The Repotting & Restarting Strategy for Revitalization by Tom Cheyney). Long time charter members often find it difficult to allow new and might I say it younger leaders to take over the control of the church. Even those who are tired and have grown weary might give over control in word only yet retain the veto power brokers should the church actually take off in a direction that long time members are uncomfortable with.

Can you do it?

The question that first needs to be considered is to what degree are you as a church willing and open to see if you can restore and revitalize your church? Can you work towards new ideas and activities that can help you get off the plateau and get growing again? Are you willing to let new leaders lead even if you don’t like some of the changes in order for the church to get healthy and begin growing once more? These are some of the challenges that need to be discussed and considered when working towards initial steps towards new health and revitalization.

You can connect with Dr. Tom Cheyney and the RENOVATE Church Revitalization Coaching Network additionally via Facebook at RENOVATE Conference. Tom is a conference speaker and a frequent writer on church planting, new church health, and church revitalization. If you or your church would like more information about how to be considered for the next series of RENOVATE Church Revitalization Applicants you may contact him at [email protected], or [email protected].