REFRESH

Where Do I Start? A Conversation About Church Revitalization

Recently, Dr. Brad Ransom asked Dr. Danny Dwyer, coordinator of the Rekindle church revitalization program, the following questions about church health:

Ransom: When we talk about church revitalization, many different ideas pop into people’s heads. Let’s clarify some things and talk about church health. What do you believe the main characteristics are for a healthy church?

Dwyer: Scripture defines spiritual health for a church. A thorough study of texts such as Acts 2:44-47, the Pastoral Epistles, and others provides these characteristics. My point is spiritual health is not measured by methodologies resulting from marketing strategies or a desire for cultural relevance. While we may learn from those things, spiritual health must be uncompromisingly rooted in the Scriptures. And, it’s possible to be theologically correct on paper but spiritually dying in practice, so I don’t want to smugly overstate this point.

At the risk of summarizing too broadly, I believe the main characteristics in the biblical model of a healthy church fall under five headings:

• Belief in and systematic proclamation of the Scriptures (inerrant and authoritative) for the truths of faith and practice;
  

• Spirit-filled leadership that prayerfully invokes the favor of the Lord in His Church;
  

• Fellowship among believers characterized by agape love, maturing faith practices, and servant hearts;
  

• Folks being saved and baptized on a regular basis; and
  

• A Great Commission mindset.
  

Each of these areas can and should be understood in how they are manifested in a local church. For example: intentional and focused ministries of prayer, outreach, discipleship, stewardship, leadership development, etc. This makes for an active, balanced ministry. It is possible to be busy without being spiritually healthy, but it is not possible to be spiritually healthy and not busy.

Ransom: Is there a difference between church growth and church health? Can you explain any differences?

Dwyer: When answering this question, I cannot avoid the assessment the Lord Jesus did of the churches in Revelation 2-3. In every case, the growth of the churches was measured against the spiritual health of the churches. Some were better or worse than others. So, it is clear from the scriptural church assessment model there is a difference between the two concepts. (Perhaps, the main idea is that the Lord Jesus actively assesses His churches. This is a sobering truth for us today).

How do we define the differences? Again, at the risk of overstatement, consider three: first, it is possible to be strong in appearance but weak in substance (a mile wide; an inch deep). Some might leap at the chance to be a mile wide and an inch deep, as opposed to being “the few in the pew.” But that isn’t a biblically wise choice (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Second, perception is not always reality. One can perceive the numbers of the ministry and local church (whatever they are) indicate spiritual health when, better assessment through biblical filters might reveal something entirely different.

Third, comparison indicators based on biblical principles are available. For example, Dr. Harry Reeder (Embers to a Flame) lists seven characteristics of a sick church. Then he develops the contrasting characteristics of church health. Other good books and media resources do the same.

Ransom: Does numerical growth indicate church health? If not, what role do numbers play in church health?

Dwyer: Numerical growth can and should be an indicator of church health, but it depends on the basis for the numbers. For example, successful big events (with good attendance) should be intended for outreach ministry and the witness of the gospel, not just to have a church-sponsored event. There is a significant difference. Having said that, if the motives and efforts are right for big events, usually some fruit will result, including numerical growth.

One cannot dismiss Luke’s repeated numerical references in Acts as merely incidental. He indicated the number of those saved and baptized. Apparently, the intention of the gospel for the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20) was validated, to some extent, by recording how many were being saved. This is the Great Commission mindset that permeates the Book of Acts (see question #1). Nothing wrong with “big events,” of course—but numerical growth needs to be evaluated in light of the Great Commission.

Numerical growth often results from intentional prayer, witnessing, ministry efforts, and loving relationships. In these cases, numerical growth is a good indicator of church health. On the other hand, a lack of numerical growth over a reasonable time period indicates an unhealthy church. It may indicate introspection and complacency. These are sins that grieve the Holy Spirit and stifle His favor.

Ransom: How important is it for churches to keep good records of attendance, finances, salvation decisions, baptisms, and other numbers? Why?

Dwyer: In itself, good records in these areas indicate some degree of spiritual health. We are to be good stewards of all the Lord has placed in our hands. Good record keeping shows mature stewardship responsibility.

In contrast, poor record keeping indicates sloth and organizational problems. It leaves a pastor and ministry open to potential abuse. Many stories of abuse could have been avoided with good record keeping and accountability.

While discernment extends beyond the records (Revelation 3:17-18), good records provide some objective assessment, as well. Periodic evaluation not only makes good sense; it is necessary.

Ransom: If you had one word of advice for pastors who know their church is plateaued or declining, what would it be?

Dwyer: My one word would be assessment. This should be part and parcel of pastoral ministry anyway. It should begin with the pastor and his wife and extend to every area of the church. Success is not a snapshot but a moving picture. The “glory days” of the past (provided there were glory days) must not be used as laurels to rest upon, but motivations to refresh in the present.

One cannot overstate the value of enlisting the help of others in such assessment. Many written and media resources are directed at this need. But the insights of trusted counsel from godly men who can speak directly to the need is invaluable. Mentors and coaches can assess the needs and be like Paul to Timothy. Every pastor and church need this kind of assessment.

About the Columnist: Dr. Brad Ransom is director of church planting and chief training officer for North American Ministries. Contact Brad: brad@nafwb.org.