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9.5. 9. 10. 10. 10. Why Study Comeback Churches?. The statistics on churches are alarming Many churches are flat to declining. We want to help churches “ come back ” after a decline. Using biblical principles. Learn from the experiences of others.
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9.5 9 10 10 10 Why Study Comeback Churches? • The statistics on churches are alarming • Many churches are flat to declining • We want to help churches “come back” after a decline • Using biblical principles • Learn from the experiences of others
The Study Method The BIG question: What principles from Comeback Churches could guide pastors and churches down the path of revitalization?
The Study Method • Examined 324 comeback churches • That experienced renewed growth after a period of decline • Increased membership and increased baptisms
The Study Method • Using surveys and phone interviews • Criteria for a “comeback church”: • Experienced 5 years of plateau or decline • Followed by significant growth over the past 2 to 5 years • Membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1 • At least a 10% increase in attendance, per year
Biblical Churches • Scriptural authority • Biblical leadership • Preaching and teaching • Ordinances • Covenant community • Mission
Missional Churches • Do what missionaries do, regardless of the context • Join God on His mission • Study and learn the culture • Proclaim the good news • Be the presence of Christ • Contextualize biblical life and church for that culture
Spiritual Churches • What are some barriers to spiritual growth? • Self-focused leaders and churches • Experiencing God’s discipline • Lack of radical faith/reliance • Doing instead of being the church • Watering down the gospel/truth
Spiritual Churches • What are some barriers to spiritual growth? • Distracted from our first love • Ineffective disciple-making • Irrelevant ministry • PRIDE
Why Become a Comeback Church? “We don’t want our church to die. We’ll do what it takes.” Less Change More
“Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches • Institutionalized • Voluntary association • Unintentional • “Us four and no more” • “We can’t compete” • “Decently & in order”
“Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches • “Square peg in a round hole” • “Time-warp” • “Tidy” • “My way or the highway” • “Chaplaincy” • The “company” • “Play it safe”
Staging a Comeback • The people have to be part of the turnaround - Acts 6:1-5 • Decide on a course of action • Nehemiah 2:11-18 • Proactive leadership • 1 Timothy 3:1
Rising with Leadership • Comeback leaders took the initiative for change • Challenge excuses • Pray Matthew 9:37-38 Regularly & Passionately
Rising with Leadership • See the harvest— Matthew 9:36-38 • Model evangelistic passion • Share the ministry • Make choices about how to invest your time
Rising with Leadership • Give away non-ministry tasks • Use time intentionally • Spend more time on “people” stuff • Communicate a clear and compelling vision • Comeback leaders multiply themselves
Three Faith Factors What happened spiritually to impact such change?
Comeback leaders know that change takes place as the church is renewed spiritually.
Three Faith Factors A renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church, A renewed attitude for servanthood, and A more strategic prayer effort.