8 Reasons Why Churches Won't Consider Revitalization
Over the last eight years, I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of churches across various contexts, helping them walk through the challenging yet life-giving journey of revitalization. Along the way, I've encountered a recurring theme: churches that are struggling, and yet, even after honest conversations and sincere concern, simply aren't interested in revitalization.
They'll admit things aren't going well. They're discouraged. Attendance is down. Momentum is gone. Yet, when presented with the opportunity to change, many opt out. Why?
Here are eight common reasons why churches won't consider revitalization, and what it reveals about the heart of our mission.
1. They Think They've Got It Figured Out
Many pastors carry the heavy burden of leadership with the belief that they need to figure everything out themselves. If the revitalization strategy isn't their own, they're hesitant to embrace it. The problem? That approach isolates the leader and sidelines the body of Christ from supporting the mission. The truth is, no leader succeeds alone. We were never meantto. Wisdom, perspective, and breakthrough often come through others, and revitalization invites others into the process.
2. They're Waiting on God to Move
Churches in this posture often say, "We're just praying and waiting for God to do something." But this can subtly shift into a blame game, as if God is the one who hasn't shown up. Scripture is clear: God works through His people. We are His plan. If revival hasn't come, maybe it's not God's inactivity that's the problem – maybe it's our unwillingness to act. Waiting can be spiritual. But sometimes, it's just a delay tactic. If we truly want God to move, we must prepare ourselves for action.
3. They're Flying Blind
Many churches track two metrics: attendance and giving. That's it. But they're missing the real story. What about salvations? Baptisms? First-time guests? Repeat visitors? Small group participation? Volunteer engagement? Discipleship metrics? Without those, we're operating like pilots with no instruments, guessing our way through the skies. Real revitalization begins with real data and honest assessment. What gets measured gets managed. What isn't measured gets ignored.
4. They're Stuck in an Old Ministry Model
If it worked in the '90s, it must still work today, right? Unfortunately, many churches are steeped in tradition, wedded to outdated methods, and protective of sacred cows. The problem isn't the message (that never changes), but the method(which must change constantly). Culture has shifted. Language has evolved. The context is new. That doesn't mean compromise, it means creativity. New wineskins are necessary if we want to hold the new wine God desires to pour out.
5. They Don't Realize They're on a Mission Field
Many still view their city or country as "Christian," but that's no longer the case. Canada, like many Western nations, is now post-Christian. Most people do not attend church, read the Bible, or know the Gospel. This means your church is not in a Christian stronghold – it's in a mission field. And your congregation? They're missionaries. That changes everything. We must learn the language of the culture, understand its rhythms, and communicate in a way that connects. We must shift from "come and see" to "go and be."
6. They're More Concerned with Reputation than Mission
If we're serious about reaching the lost, we'll have to do things that raise eyebrows. Innovation invites criticism, and often from insiders. But we must remember: Jesus was criticized by the insiders, too. He broke conventions, flipped tables, talked to the wrong people, and spent time with the spiritually messy. If we're going to follow Him, we'll have to get comfortable with the discomfort of criticism. The question isn't "Will they talk about us?" It's "Are we willing to reach those no one else is reaching?"
7. They've Lost Passion for Souls
A church can do many wonderful things: worship, preaching, fellowship, teaching. But none of it matters if we aren't seeing souls saved and lives transformed. The early church grew because it was obsessed with the Great Commission. Somewhere along the way, many churches have lost that fire. Potlucks replaced passion. Programs replaced purpose. We must return to a deep, Spirit-birthed burden for the lost. Pray for it. Preach about it. Prioritize it. This is a prayer God delights to answer.
8. They Don't Know Where to Start
Even when churches feel the urgency, they often feel paralyzed by options. A Google search for "how to grow your church" yields millions of results. But revitalization is not just about strategies, it's about hearts. Churches need a proven process that helps them rediscover their identity, clarify their mission, and align their people. That's what the Acts 2 Journey does. It helps churches ask three vital questions: "Why do we exist?", "Where are we going?", and "How will we get there?" If you're ready to take that step, consider joining an upcoming cohort by emailing coach@abnwt.com.
Final Thoughts: Revival Starts with Us
Church revitalization is not just a trendy ministry buzzword – it's a biblical calling. Revelation 2-3 reveals that Jesus pays attention to the health of His churches. He walks among the lampstands. He sees the faithfulness, the compromise, the endurance, the drift. And He calls them back.
The same call comes to us today.
Church, we are not too far gone. But we cannot stay stuck. We cannot keep doing what we've always done and expect different results. It's time to humble ourselves, take inventory, ask for help, and take bold steps toward the future God has for us.
Your community needs a healthy, Spirit-led, mission-driven church. Why not yours?
If you're ready to talk about revitalization, we're ready to walk with you.
Is your church ready for a fresh season of growth and impact?
Join us for the Church Vitalization Summit on August 27-28, 2025, two days designed to equip and inspire pastors and leaders for the journey of renewal. You'll hear from experienced coaches, connect with other churches, and leave with practical tools to move your church forward. Register now at www.churchvitalization.ca!
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.