Why Study Comeback Churches?Why Study Comeback Churches?

The statistics on churches are alarming– Many churches are

flat to declining

109.5

10 109

We want to help churches “come back” after a decline

Using biblical principles

Learn from the experiences of others

The Study MethodThe Study Method

The BIG question:

What principles from Comeback Churches could guide pastors and churches down the path of revitalization?

The Study MethodThe Study Method

Examined 324 comeback churches–That experienced

renewed growth after a period of decline

– Increased membership and increased baptisms

The Study MethodThe Study Method

Using surveys and phone interviews

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 ChurchesBiblical Churches

Scriptural authorityBiblical leadershipPreaching and

teachingOrdinancesCovenant

communityMission

Missional ChurchesMissional ChurchesDo 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 ChurchesSpiritual Churches

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 ChurchesSpiritual Churches

What are some barriers to spiritual growth?

–Distracted from our first love

–Ineffective disciple-making

–Irrelevant ministry

–PRIDE

Why Become a Comeback Church?Why Become a Comeback Church?

“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 focus on outreach)

Reenergizing Declining in size (deal with internal issues and begin to reach its community again)

Restructuring Experienced substantial decline (large internal changes and a new outreach strategy)

Restarting Near death (restart with new leadership or become a new church)

Cha

nge

Less

Mor

e

““Dirty BakerDirty Baker’’s Dozens Dozen”” Churches Churches

1. Institutionalized

2. Voluntary association

3. Unintentional

4. “Us four and no more”

5. “We can’t compete”

6. “Decently & in order”

““Dirty BakerDirty Baker’’s Dozens Dozen”” Churches Churches

7. “Square peg in a round hole”

8. “Time-warp”

9. “Tidy”

10.“My way or the highway”

11.“Chaplaincy”

12.The “company”

13.“Play it safe”

Staging a ComebackStaging a ComebackThe people have to be part of

the turnaround - Acts 6:1-5

Decide on a course of action–Nehemiah 2:11-18

Proactive leadership–1 Timothy 3:1

Rising with LeadershipRising with Leadership

Comeback leaders took the initiative for change

Challenge excuses

Pray Matthew 9:37-38 Regularly & Passionately

Rising with LeadershipRising with Leadership

See the harvest— Matthew 9:36-38

Model evangelistic passion

Share the ministry

Make choices about how to invest your time

Rising with LeadershipRising with Leadership

Give away non-ministry tasksUse time intentionallySpend more time on “people” stuffCommunicate a clear and

compelling visionComeback leaders multiply

themselves

Three Faith FactorsThree Faith Factors

What happened spiritually to impact such change?

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.