Many churches in North America are struggling and in need of revitalization. Chuck Lawless offers hope for these churches through reflecting on truths from the Christmas story. First, darkness does not have the final say. Despite centuries of darkness, Jesus, the light of the world, was born in Bethlehem. God’s church will also prevail, even when it seems defeated.

Second, God works in His perfect timing. Jesus was born at just the right time in history. Leaders longing for revival must trust God’s timing, even when it’s slow. Third, God brings revival in unexpected ways, just as Jesus came humbly as a baby born to a virgin peasant girl rather than a king. Leaders must embrace God’s surprising methods.

Fourth, humility is key. Jesus was born in a small, obscure town to a poor family, not with royal honors. God uses humble leaders, not the proud who seek fame. In the end, leaders can take heart because God is in complete control of revitalizing his church. Just as God planned Jesus’ birth and resurrection, he has a set plan to revive struggling congregations who faithfully follow his call.

Reflecting on the humble beginnings of Jesus’ life gives hope that God can bring new life to dying churches in his timing and way through humble, faithful leaders who trust in his ultimate sovereignty, even amidst darkness.

Read the entire article.

by David Manner

In informal golf, a Mulligan is an extra shot or do-over after a wayward or errant shot. It is a second chance at a better outcome that then doesn’t count against your final score.

As ministry novices or aging veterans, we’ve all looked back at certain decisions, sermons, services, events, relationships, or maybe even entire seasons of ministry with a deep longing for a second chance to do things differently.

The reality is that it’s impossible for us to go back and make corrections to most of those situations. But considering how we might handle things differently if we did have a do-over might not only help us get it right next time, but also encourage other ministry friends who haven’t yet but probably will face similar decisions in their future. Here is my list:

If I had a Ministry Mulligan…

• I’d make more mistakes because I’d take more risks.

• I’d take a complete Sabbath day of rest every week.

• I’d drink more coffee with senior adults.

• I’d make more deposits in younger leaders.

• I’d pray more for church members even when they are mean.

• I’d leave more things at the office when I go home in the evening.

• I’d ask a lot more questions before making decisions.

• I’d get way more buy-in before initiating change.

• I’d spend more time thanking church members for loving my family.

• I’d have more patience with needy church members.

• I’d develop more hobbies outside of the church.

• I’d welcome more interruptions in my planned schedule.

• I’d surround myself with more people to protect me from my own stupidity.

• I’d celebrate Communion more frequently.

• I’d work harder at getting grandparents and grandchildren to worship together.

• I’d have more “can you imagine” than “do you remember” conversations.

• I’d have more ministry friends outside my denomination.

• I’d focus more on people than projects.

Thom S. Rainer writes that a decade after his original research on churches that have closed their doors, Church Answers has continued to investigate this pressing issue. While the findings published in his bestselling book, “Autopsy of a Deceased Church,” remain relevant, new insights have emerged in recent years.

Five Updated Lessons from Closed Churches

Rainer shares five key lessons from churches that have shut down:

1. The churches lacked ongoing efforts to reach and integrate the unchurched into their congregations.
2. The pandemic accelerated the pace of decline and death for these churches.
3. Church leaders and members were in denial, refusing to confront their reality until it was too late.
4. The churches failed to set expectations for new members through dedicated classes.
5. The churches relied on “silver bullets,” such as hiring new pastors or youth ministers, to turn things around instead of taking responsibility for their own ministry.

New Resource Coming in January 2023

Church Answers plans to release a major new resource in January 2023, which will provide more in-depth information on the issues related to church closures. This resource will help church leaders and members better understand the challenges they face and equip them with strategies to prevent their own churches from suffering the same fate.

The Importance of Confronting Reality

Rainer emphasizes the need for churches to confront their reality and take proactive steps to address the issues that lead to decline and closure. By setting clear expectations for members, actively reaching out to the unchurched, and taking responsibility for their own ministry, churches can increase their chances of survival and growth.

As the Church Answers team prepares to release their new resource, Rainer invites readers to share their thoughts and experiences related to church closures, fostering an open dialogue on this critical topic.

Read the full article.