Today, I want to talk about church replanting. It’s all about breathing new life into struggling congregations. You know, that process where we take a church that’s on life support and give it a fresh start, transforming it from barely hanging on to thriving once again. Whether you’re a pastor facing declining numbers or a church planter looking for a new challenge, understanding the ins and outs of church replanting could be the key to revitalizing your ministry and community.
What Exactly is Church Replanting?
Dictionary.com defines replanting as “to plant (something) again or in a new place…” In the church world, replanting is like hitting the reset button on a congregation that’s barely able to keep its doors open. It’s recognizing that without some major changes, this church might not make it—and then doing something about it.
The Stats: A Reality Check
Now, I know we’ve all heard some pretty grim statistics about churches in the USA. Let’s look at some updated numbers:
- According to Lifeway Research, around 4,500 churches closed their doors in 2019, and this trend has likely continued or even accelerated due to the pandemic.
- A 2021 Barna study found that about 3 in 5 churches (60%) are either plateaued or declining in attendance.
Yikes, right? But here’s the thing – these numbers don’t have to be our future.
Why Bother with a Replant?
I get it. Sometimes it feels like it’d be easier to start from scratch than to revive a dying church. So why even try? Two big reasons:
- God cares about the people in these churches. Often, the folks still hanging around are the most faithful. They’ve been praying for renewal, knowing that the same old routine just isn’t cutting it anymore.
- With God’s help, it’s possible. Is it easy? Nope. But neither was parting the Red Sea, and we know how that turned out!
The Replanter: A Special Kind of Leader
Replanting takes a unique set of skills. Unlike a typical church planter who starts with a clean slate, a replanter steps into an existing situation – often with some, shall we say, “interesting” dynamics.
You’re dealing with people who might be a bit burned out or set in their ways. The initial excitement of the church has faded, like that new car smell after a few years.
Making Tough Decisions: The Triage Approach
As a replanter, you’ve got to be ready to make some tough calls. Think of yourself as a triage nurse in the ER – some things need immediate attention, while others can wait.
Quick Changes vs. Slow Turns
Here’s my hot take: Make those tough decisions quickly. I know the conventional wisdom is to “turn the ship slowly,” but in my experience, faster can be better. Don’t stress too much about losing people. As the leader, do what you feel led to do!
Remember, the smaller the group, the faster you can implement changes. Those small groups that have been around forever? They often need a quick shake-up to bring some life back into them.
A Word of Caution
Before you go changing everything in sight, make sure you’re not just doing it based on your personal preferences. If you can’t clearly explain why a change is necessary and valuable, maybe put it on the back burner for now.
Wrapping It Up
Church replanting isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes vision, courage, and a whole lot of faith. But if you feel called to breathe new life into a struggling congregation, know that you’re doing important work. You’re not just saving a building or an organization – you’re preserving a community of faith and creating space for new growth.
So, what do you think? Have you had any experience with church replanting? I’d love to hear your stories and insights in the comments below!
