Introduction
Many once-thriving churches are now plateaued or declining and in need of renewal, restoration, and revitalization. Research indicates that between 4,000-10,000 churches close each year in America (Im, 2021). As the broader body of Christ, we cannot stand idly by while these congregations continue to deteriorate. Ecclesiastes 4:9 states that “two are better than one.” Healthy, vibrant churches have a biblical calling to extend hands of partnership to aid declining churches in finding renewed purpose, vitality, and impact once again. This article provides guidance on how strategic church partnerships can facilitate the transformation and rebirth of dying congregations.
The Necessity of Prayerful Partnership
Unity in vision starts with fervent intercession. Spurgeon aptly notes, “Prayer is the indispensable prelude to any endeavor of eternal significance” (1897). Churches seeking collaborative partnerships should devote time praying together for Godly wisdom, grace, patience, and revelation throughout the process. Matthew 18:19 reminds us, “If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Consistent, targeted prayer connects our hearts and invites God to direct every step.
Serving the Community Together
Once unified through prayer, the churches should look outward to creatively serve their shared community. Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The healthier church body can mobilize volunteers to serve the struggling church’s neighborhood through service projects, outreach events, meeting tangible needs, and more. As Im (2021) notes, “Serving together in the community breaks down barriers and builds relationships” (p. 169). Demonstrating compassion through practical acts of service often opens new doors for sharing the gospel message.
Investing in Leadership Development
Leadership training and development are critical for positioning declining churches for turnaround and revitalization. As 2 Timothy 2:2 instructs, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” The supporting church should provide coaching, mentoring, workshops, and conferences to equip the leaders of the struggling ministry. Rainer (2021) stresses, “Leadership development is crucial for the struggling church to regain confidence and competence” (p. 79). Even job shadowing or internship opportunities can build capacity. Wise coaching nurtures vision and direction.
Sharing Resources Strategically
While struggling churches need financial support, it is vital to look for opportunities to build their long-term capacity by sharing non-monetary resources too. As 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 explains, “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need so in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.” Makholm (2021) affirms, “A stronger church can bolster the declining church’s ministries through sharing resources” (p. 164). Resources like technology equipment, discipleship curriculum, staff time, training subsidies and facility space position the church for fruitfulness.
God designed every part of the body to support the other so that his kingdom might thrive; this is the heart of partnership for church revitalization.
Worshiping Together
Joint worship gatherings nurture the partnership by forming shared identity and connection. As Romans 12:4-5 describes, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Tomberlin (2020) notes, “Worshiping together forms a new shared identity” (p. 213). Taking turns hosting and preaching on themes of unity in the body of Christ builds reciprocal understanding and appreciation. The churches gain a bigger picture of the Kingdom of God.
Maintaining Alignment Through Accountability
For the partnership to be productive, expectations, roles, and goals should be clearly defined and communicated. Proverbs 27:17 advises, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Rainer (2021) emphasizes, “Direct communication and loving accountability leads to progress” (p. 57). Providing feedback helps realign efforts to continue moving forward healthily. Measurable benchmarks should be set and progress reviewed periodically to maintain alignment. Accountability fuels follow-through.
Assessing and Celebrating Progress
We must monitor the fruitfulness of the partnership and celebrate God’s blessings along the journey. Galatians 6:9 urges, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Rainer (2021) concludes, “Assess effectiveness, celebrate wins, and make changes as needed” (p. 195). Affirming growth and strides made sustains momentum. Periodic evaluation allows course correcting as required. With God’s strength, revitalization takes time but is attainable through committed partnership. We must persevere together in hope.
Conclusion
In an age where many churches are declining, partnership between congregations is vital for renewal and revitalization. As Scripture and church leaders affirm, prayerful collaboration, serving the community, leadership development, sharing resources strategically, worshiping jointly, maintaining accountability, and celebrating progress can all help facilitate a dying church coming back to life. The call is urgent. Will we heed the biblical imperative to extend hands of partnership?
References
Im, D. (2021). Better together: Joining forces with struggling churches to foster renewal. Judson Press.
Makholm, J. (2021). Facing decline, finding hope: New possibilities for faithful churches. Eerdmans.
Rainer, T.S. (2021). Autopsy of a deceased church. B&H Publishing Group.
Rainer, T.S. (2021) Who moved my pulpit? B&H Publishing Group.
Spurgeon, C.H. (1897). The Pastor in Prayer. Baker Books.
Tomberlin, J. (2020). Better together: Making church mergers work. Moody Publishers.
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