Building a Core Group to Revitalise a Church

Here's an idea that came up at our most recent MCBC Evangelism and Church Development Committee meeting. When there is a congregation that has lost its growth edge or is aging, and is in need of revitalisation, build a core group that is energised to both belong to the existing congregation and to take that congregation into a revitalised future.

Is this a new concept? We thought that it might be. There are a few existing concepts of revitalisation. (1) A congregation could bring in a younger pastor to bring the new growth. (2) The denomination can shut down the plateaued or aging congregation and then after a brief period of time, start a new congregation at the same location; the former members would be invited to come, but clearly this will be different. (3) A church planter could be brought in to start a completely new congregation, using the existing congregation's building as their location.

So, starting a new core group to revitalise an existing congregation involves a few serious commitments. A key understanding is that the congregation wants to be revitalised and that renewing a congregation to be a multi-generational church once again is worth it. Here are some considerations. People would have to relocate into the neighbourhood - buying or renting homes, moving from elsewhere in the city, or from an entirely different city. There would be a commitment to walk with people who have gotten tired (leaning heavy on their love and prayer support) while also walking into the neighbourhood and loving a whole new group of people. The commitment is radical...but so is the Good News!

I would love your engagement in this discussion. Throw out some more radical thoughts. Wet blankets are welcome too. If the idea is a God-thing, there is no wet blanket that can smother it!