The Pave Podcast

S1E7 Revitalization vs Replanting with Lee Williams III

Episode Summary

Welcome to the PAVE Podcast hosted by Jonathan L. Smith! Join us as we explore innovative, biblical strategies and revolutionary tools to empower you to be a catalyst for church growth. Be inspired by church growth practitioners who are expanding God’s Kingdom in their communities and around the world. In this episode of the PAVE Podcast, Jonathan Smith and Lee Williams III discuss the critical differences between church revitalization and replanting. They explore the indicators for determining whether a church should be revitalized or replanted, the characteristics of churches in need of replanting, and the processes involved in both revitalization and replanting. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for pastors and church leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of church growth and health.

Episode Notes

Takeaways:

• Replanting is often necessary for churches in decline.
• Indicators for replanting include a new name, leadership, and strategies.
• Revitalization focuses on returning to core church functions like prayer and evangelism.
• Churches must identify specific target groups for effective outreach.
• Healthy churches are led by healthy pastors, emphasizing the need for leadership assessment.
• Revitalization is a long-term process that requires commitment and focus.
• The mission of the church should always be expansive, not limited.
• Community engagement is crucial for revitalization efforts.
• Churches must be willing to innovate to remain relevant.
• Spiritual health directly impacts numerical growth in churches.

Quotes:

• "Replanting takes courage."
• "Healthy churches are led by healthy pastors."
• "We have to return to our first love."
• "Change or die."
• "We need to innovate."
• "The gospel is what your church needs."
• "It's pace, not race."
• "The mission has become too small."

Resources: 

https://www.texasbaptists.org/ministries/church-starting

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pave Podcast

03:05 Understanding Church Revitalization vs. Replanting

05:55 Indicators for Replanting a Church

09:11 Characteristics of a Church in Need of Replanting

12:01 The Process of Replanting

14:46 Transitioning to Revitalization

18:00 Biblical Imperatives for Revitalization

20:48 Defining Revitalization

24:12 The Role of Leadership in Revitalization

27:07 The Importance of Community Engagement

29:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts