Why Study Comeback Churches w The statistics on

Why Study Comeback Churches? w The statistics on churches are alarming – Many churches are flat to declining 10 9. 5 9 10 10 w We want to help churches “come back” after a decline w Using biblical principles w 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 w Examined 324 comeback churches – That experienced renewed growth after a period of decline – Increased membership and increased baptisms

The Study Method w Using surveys and phone interviews w 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 w Scriptural authority w Biblical leadership w Preaching and teaching w Ordinances w Covenant community w Mission

Missional Churches w 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 w 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 w What are some barriers to spiritual growth? – Distracted from our first love – Ineffective disciple-making – Irrelevant ministry – PRIDE

Why Become a Comeback Church? More Change Less “We don’t want our church to die. We’ll do what it takes. ” A church needs… If it is… Refocusing Stagnant in size (needs a clear Reenergizing Declining in size (deal with internal Restructuring Experienced substantial decline Restarting Near death (restart with new focus on outreach) issues and begin to reach its community again) (large internal changes and a new outreach strategy) leadership or become a new church)

“Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches 1. Institutionalized 2. Voluntary association 3. Unintentional 4. “Us four and no more” 5. “We can’t compete”

“Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches 7. “Square peg in a round hole” 8. “Time-warp” 9. “Tidy” 10. “My way or the highway” 11. “Chaplaincy” 12. The “company”

Staging a Comeback w The people have to be part of the turnaround - Acts 6: 1 -5 w Decide on a course of action – Nehemiah 2: 11 -18 w Proactive leadership – 1 Timothy 3: 1

Rising with Leadership w Comeback leaders took the initiative for change w Challenge excuses w Pray Matthew 9: 37 -38 Regularly & Passionately

Rising with Leadership w See the harvest— Matthew 9: 36 -38 w Model evangelistic passion w Share the ministry w Make choices about how to invest your time

Rising with Leadership w Give away non-ministry tasks w Use time intentionally w Spend more time on “people” stuff w Communicate a clear and compelling vision w Comeback leaders multiply themselves

Three Faith Factors w What happened spiritually to impact such change?

w. Comeback leaders know that change takes place as the church is renewed spiritually.

Three Faith Factors 1. A renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church, 2. A renewed attitude for servanthood, and 3. A more strategic prayer effort.