Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says, "Between 80 and 90 percent of all evangelical churches in the United States are not growing, and a large percentage are in complete decline."2. Rainer observed that only 6.5 to 7 percent of churches were "evangelistically" effective, defined as the attendance-to-baptism ratio of 50 percent of the average church in the study.
Introduction to the Research Problem
Now more than ever is the time to ask the hard questions, seek God's face, and press ahead with the command to fulfill the Great Commission. What will it take to reverse the problem of the death and decline of the Church?
Significance of the Study
Jesus makes it clear in the Gospels that he is building his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). While Rainer's research in "Dispelling the 80 Percent Myth of Declining Churches" provides some encouragement, he still ultimately concludes that only 35 percent of churches are growing.14 One must ask how these growing churches are equipping their people to fulfill the big task, get involved. the harvest, and see a change in the level of church members who are passionate about seeing Christ's kingdom develop.
Research Purpose
Providing more current and specific data to the research base were priority goals for the research.
Delimitations of the Study
In addition, this study was limited to researching churches that had experienced a period of decline in the past ten years and then experienced revitalization as determined by the research design and methodology.19 As a final note. If the church did not meet the above criteria, it was not selected for the qualitative interview phase.
Research Questions
Quantitative Questions
What percentage of Southern Baptist Churches are currently declining?
Of those churches that have experienced decline, what percentage have experienced revitalization?
Of those churches that experienced revitalization, what percentage emphasized evangelism and their membership participating in fulfilling the Great Commission?
Qualitative Questions
Among churches that experienced revitalization with a priority of evangelism and obedience to the Great Commission, what did their pastors and leadership do to make
Research Assumptions
Regarding the church revitalization strategies and best practices detailed in Chapter 5, sustained spiritual growth is not possible outside of the supernatural power of God. William Henard does well to remind church leaders that "the revitalization of the church happens because of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, not just because of our efforts."20.
Procedural Overview
Population and Selection Criteria
Research Sample
Delimitations of the Sample
Limitations of Generalization Research Findings
Research Design
- A church has declined by 10 percent or greater in their average worship attendance over a five-year period
- A church who has reversed that trend of decline by showing a consistent increase of average worship attendance by 10 percent annually at a minimum for two out of
- A church that is maintaining a minimum of average worship attendance to conversion and baptism ratio of 20:1 on an annual basis
In our research, we looked for the 10 percent increase in worship attendance to be consistent over a period of two out of three years as a marker of revitalization. A church has dropped 10 percent or more in their average worship attendance over a five-year period.
Qualitative
- What measures were taken to develop a culture of evangelism among the church membership?
- Were there specific strategies and methods identified and used for training church members and tools for leading the church to obey the Great Commission?
- How did you and others lead the church in developing a system of celebrating victories when it came to having evangelism as a priority?
- What roadblocks were there, if any, when the congregation was experiencing change to see a priority on evangelism and the Great Commission?
- What are some of your greatest stories of success you would like to praise God for in this season of revitalization of the church you are leading?
The key focus of this study was to determine what priority the current pastoral leadership considered emphasizing evangelism and the Great Commission had in revitalizing their church. Those who scored the highest in this survey were selected for the qualitative part of the research.
Terminology
Conclusion
PRECEDENT LITERATURE REVIEW
In another survey conducted among 450 self-proclaimed "born again" adults, only 20 percent chose a priority in evangelizing others.8 It is astonishing to consider the failure of the church to fulfill the Great Commission. Overcoming the failure to fulfill the Great Commission is at the heart of this special research on church revitalization.
Mission of the Church
Consistent themes exist between these passages, which must be noted as they relate to the mission of the church. David Garland rightly argues, “The disciples move from eyewitnesses to becoming ministers of the word.
Evangelism
That is why the leaders of mass movements teach new believers to go and immediately start preaching the Gospel."37. Sowing the Gospel message is central to the Church's mission, but understanding how people are called to respond according to Scripture is just as important.
Repentance and Belief at Conversion
Jesus' message of repentance and faith in the gospel was not intended to be unique to him, but the central message of all those who would follow him. It involves a return from sin and a return to a Savior.”38 James Mays, who wrote Jesus Came Preaching, agrees: the gospel.”39.
Church-Wide Evangelistic Fervor
His entire evangelistic strategy – indeed, the fulfillment of his purpose of coming into the world, dying on the cross and rising from the grave – depended on the faithfulness of his chosen disciples to this task. It did not matter how small the group was to begin with, as long as they reproduced and taught their disciples to reproduce.47.
Evangelism to the “Ends of the Earth”
John Piper also delivers a powerful text on global missions driven by a passion to see God glorified to the ends of the earth. Piper says, "Every denomination and church [should] have an important group that recruits, equips, sends and supports Paul-type missionaries to more and more unreached people."54 Church revival efforts must show a passion and priority for both the sharing the gospel with neighbors and friends and also to the ends of the earth.
Empirical Study in Evangelism
Another research team from Australia is wise to provide useful figures for their country and ministry context.63 In Churches Who Share their Faith: A Case Study Survey of the Baptist Union of Victoria compares the national averages of evangelism. 64 Darren Cronshaw et al., “Churches Who Share Your Faith: A Case Study Survey of the Baptist Union of Victoria,” Australian E-Journal of Theology 22, no.
Changing Organizational Culture
Is there any wisdom for those trying to lead massive changes in the DNA of the church's core culture? Already in the Gospels, Jesus clearly announced that "the harvest is bountiful" (Lk 10:2), therefore.
Church Revitalization
To this end, church members must embrace their mission field: the workplace. 89 For a detailed list of similar topics, see Davis, “The Reform of First Baptist Church Durham,” in Leeman, Revitalize, compared with the list Davis provides in ch.
Void in Research
Contribution to the Literature Base
This chapter reviewed precedent literature in church revitalization, church mission, and evangelism and discipleship strategy. In the following chapter, more emphasis is placed on the methodology and research design of this study.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Of those churches that have experienced decline what percentage have experienced revitalization?
Of those churches that experienced revitalization, what percentage emphasized evangelism and their membership obeying and fulfilling the Great Commission?
Among churches that experienced revitalization with a priority of evangelism and obedience to the Great Commission, what did their pastors and leadership do to make
Research Design Overview
In phase 3, members of the research team contacted participants individually via email to schedule the telephone/video conference. The interviews were transcribed, general observations and key points during the interviews and provided a summary of the key points of each interview.
Research Population
Interviews were conducted with the senior/head pastors of 12 churches.5 After being advised of the purpose of the phase 3 interviews, necessary permissions were obtained to record the interview and use the collected data in the final research project. The data was analyzed and common themes were identified regarding the importance and priority of evangelism and the Great Commission among churches experiencing revival.
Sample and Delimitations
Limitations of Generalization Research Findings
Research Instrumentation
Research Procedures
Prior to the interview, permission was obtained to record the interviews, to use pastor and church information in the final research report. 8 The selection criteria for the phase 3 interview portion are as follows: (1) the pastor indicated that evangelism was important or very important during the revival process, (2) the pastor indicated at least some differentiation between areas of importance, ( 3) the pastor indicated that he agreed or strongly agreed with at least one of the three evangelism-specific questions, and (4) the pastors represented a variety of congregation sizes and ministry contexts.
ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS
Compilation Protocol
4 The three specific evangelism questions in the survey were as follows: (1) There was a marked increase in personal evangelism among active church members; (2) Most active members could communicate the gospel in a personal evangelistic meeting; (3) Active members of the church regularly engaged in evangelistic conversations for the purpose of personal evangelism. Each participant in the first seven days of the survey who agreed to participate in phase 2 if selected was offered an incentive.
Agreement to Participate: The research in which you are about to participate is designed to determine the critical elements of your church’s recent revitalization
What roadblocks were there, if any, when the congregation was experiencing change to see a priority on evangelism and the Great Commission?
Agreement to participate: The research in which you will participate is designed to determine the critical elements of your church's recent revival.
What are some of your greatest stories of success you would like to praise God for in this season of revitalization of the church you are leading?
Findings
In question 14, respondents were asked about the evangelistic ministry of the church during the revitalization process: (14a) There was a demonstrable increase in personal evangelism among active members of the church; (14b) The majority of active members could share the gospel in an in-person evangelistic meeting; (14c) The active members of the church regularly had gospel conversations for the purpose of personal evangelism. Examine the degree of agreement on the church's evangelistic ministry during the revitalization process (question 14).
Almost half of the pastors reported that they scheduled more than four evangelistic trainings per year (46.08 percent) and a total of 84.31 percent planned a minimum of one evangelistic training per year (see table 6). Much can be learned from the quantitative data reported by the survey instrument, but even more detail was provided in the qualitative phase of the study.
Used church member testimonies to celebrate key wins. One hundred percent of pastors interviewed showed emphasis in using church member testimonies to celebrate
Preach about him and his ministry and the mission of the church as a whole.”25 He added later,. Not only has pulpit ministry proven to be a priority in the church revitalization process, but pastors also shared the importance of clearly communicating the church's mission and vision.
Communicated clear mission and vision of the church. Another theme discovered in the interview phase was an intentionality to clearly communicate mission and
Seven of the 12 pastors who were interviewed referred to themselves as the example for evangelism as key in their revival process as a church. Seven of the 12 pastors interviewed showed a willingness to quote Scripture when discussing a culture shift toward evangelism in them.
Motivated by biblical truths. Seven of the 12 pastors interviewed exhibited a readiness to quote Scripture when discussing a culture shift toward evangelism in their
Focused upon prayer. When addressing the need for people in their church to have a passion to fulfill the Great Commission, 7 out of 12 pastors mentioned prayer as
We moved from a people who said we prayed to becoming a people of prayer, and my goal is that we become a house of prayer.”43. When it comes to the very nut of the gospel conversations, half of the pastors gave confidence in the importance of theirs.
Emphasized relational evangelism. When it comes to the actual nuts and bolts of the gospel conversations, half of the pastors offered credence to the importance of their
Speaking about the necessity of prayer for specific gospel conversations, Lamb said, “It also improves your prayer life as you move forward with it, because you're not praying for someone who is lost, but you're praying for someone who will have the.
Goepfrich also agreed: "You have to constantly pursue people."47 These findings confirm what Andy Davis found true in the church revival process: "Missional churches find ways to connect with the surrounding community in which ministry to the body and soul is well harmonized and properly proportioned. A breath of fresh air for me was the consistent theme of the Holy Spirit's role not only to cause church members.
Displayed an awareness of the Holy Spirit. A breath of fresh air to me was the consistent theme of the Holy Spirit’s role in not only causing church members to
Not managed by the pastor, not managed by the deacons, but a total manifestation of the Holy Spirit who guides, guides and directs our church. 51. This must be what William Henard meant when he said: "Church revival occurs as a result of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, not only as a result of our efforts."52 Pastors who desire a movement of God in and among the people of their church will show an awareness of the Holy Spirit.
Instituted intentional membership. Although there were not specific
Flynt's concern was the ability to know exactly who he cared about in the process of ultimately trying to change the church's culture to emphasize evangelism. Many pastors interviewed mentioned the desire to lead their church in an effort to reach outside the walls of the Church.
Scheduled off-campus outreach events. Many of the pastors interviewed made mention of the desire to lead their church in the effort to get outside the walls of the
Connected evangelism with discipleship. At times, evangelism and
To call those who are lost and hope that the Spirit will speak to them and save them. But also for those who are in the church to be constantly taught and grow in the Lord.”59 Understanding that good discipleship will include an effort to evangelize and that good evangelism will increase the need for discipleship helped pastors as they walked through the church . revitalization in their contexts.
Changed worship style. Another theme I did not expect to find among pastors making evangelism an emphasis for church revitalization was the implementation of a
So many who have come, we have prayed that it seems forever, have come to know the Lord. I feel that our church, for example, has been a church that has brought and attracted people through the word of the Lord, and then they go from where we are.
Research Question 1
Research Question 2
Research Question 3
Research Question 4
Used church member testimonies to celebrate key wins 2. Planned evangelism training
Preached emphasis on gospel conversations
Communicated clear mission and vision of the church 5. Prioritized setting the example for evangelism
Maintained slow culture shift with awareness of on-going revitalization progress 7. Motivated by Biblical truths
Focused upon prayer
Emphasized relational evangelism
Displayed an awareness of the Holy Spirit 11. Instituted intentional membership
Scheduled off-campus outreach events 13. Connected evangelism with discipleship
Shaped a sending culture
Evaluation of the Research Design
Challenges
67 At the beginning of this research, our research team would have preferred the survey instrument to measure a statistical confidence interval of 5 percent. In this way, pastors would have provided more details about the type of evangelism training taking place in their churches as they experienced revitalization.
Strengths
CONCLUSIONS
The purpose of this three-phase mixed methods study was to understand the relationship between church revitalization and emphasis on evangelistic enthusiasm. During twelve in-depth interviews, themes and best practice themes were identified as contributing factors to church revitalization.
Research Implications
5 Of the 28,046 churches with reported ACP data, both "growing" (25.60 percent) and "paid" (25.71 percent) churches were dropped from this calculation and were no longer a part of the population that had need for revitalization. As noted in Chapter 4, of the 129 pastors surveyed, 82.5 percent ranked evangelism as "important" or "very important" in their church's revitalization process.
Research Applications
Used Church Member Testimonies to Celebrate Key Wins
Planned Evangelism Training
Preached Emphasis on Gospel Conversations
Communicated Clear Mission and Vision of the Church
Prioritized Setting the Example for Evangelism
Maintained Slow Culture Shift and Awareness of On-Going
Revitalization Progress
If pastors are not willing to make this commitment at the head of a church revitalization, then they should refrain from starting the process.
Motivated by Biblical Truths
Focused upon Prayer
Emphasized Relational Evangelism
Displayed an Awareness of the Holy Spirit
Additional Insights
Sending Church Culture
Creating Urgency
Connection between Discipleship and Evangelism
Directives for Declining Churches
Train
Celebrate
But when his best friend of nearly half a century comes before their church family to talk about the joy and excitement of evangelism, this challenge to obey the Great Commission cannot be ignored. When the church gathers and has an opportunity to experience and celebrate a fellow member's newfound passion for sharing the gospel, it has the great opportunity to be the catalyst other members need to actively obey the Great Commission as well. .
Stay
When that man hears his pastor say that he must share the gospel, there is a temptation to let that advice wash over him right away. Pastors eager to serve in churches experiencing revival will need to train, celebrate, and, finally, be ready to stay.
Further Research
Relationship between Multi-Site Model and Church Revitalization
Average Time of Pastoral Tenure before a Church Experiences Revitalization
A beneficial survey would include all 716 churches for the purpose of obtaining the average pastor tenure required for the church. Would this research find the average length of pastor tenure in these churches to be higher or lower than nine years.
Connection of Cross-Cultural Influences in Church Revitalization
This is certainly not the time to become complacent or stagnate in the commission to make disciples. This current study discovered that in the time that passed between then and 2016, the decline and plateau issue worsened by nearly a full 2 percent.
EXPERT PANEL REQUEST Greetings [Recipient Name],
- The church has ACP data for 2006-2016
- Less than 10% growth in worship attendance over the five year period prior to the turnaround
- Then experienced growth in worship attendance of 10% or more for 2 out of 5 years following the turnaround while achieving a 20:1 worship attendance to
- SURVEY REQUEST
The purpose of my letter today is to thank you for your leadership of your church. On behalf of our team, we thank you for your leadership and prayerful consideration of this request.
CHURCH REVITALIZATION INFLUENCE SURVEY
TRANSCRIPTS
Jeff Robinson
Jeff Robinson: The Spanish-speaking churches are much more connected than the Church of England. Jeff Robinson: So familiar and you have that, I'm sure you're in New Mexico with your dynamic.
Jackie Allen
And so we are in a place where there is a lot of influx of young people. Jackie Allen: One of our leadership axioms is that we get what we celebrate.
Jim Jackson
One of the main things I did was that every thing in the church should have an outreach element. But in the end, people don't leave with a passion to share Jesus.
Charles Petty
Charles Petty: And one of the other things is cultural, we kind of change, people change on a regular basis. I think roadblocks because the fact that they like to say I'm not ashamed of the gospel.
Jaie Warlick
Jaie Warlick: And so it was definitely a mighty mighty work of the Holy Spirit and people saw that and so I had to stand on that. And so I think it all comes together and now there's a level of excitement where people want to share the gospel.
Cory Thomas
Cory Thomas: Well, and one of the things that I face as a challenge that you might not, you're in New Mexico, right. I'm curious, you know, how it's going to play out in the rest of the interviews.
Brad Delaughter
Brad Delaughter: And what that is, it's just a card that goes in the bulletin. Brad Delaughter: Then we, too, I'm very much about being accountable, hey, who did you share the gospel with this week.
Scott Flynt
Scott Flynt: We use that and we have what we call hand-to-hand evangelism. Scott Flynt: A lot of times we're relaxed on Sunday night during.
