Thom Rainer‘s research on revitalization reveals that churches can break out of decline under the same pastoral leadership. The key is addressing ultimate loyalties and affections, not surface-level programming.
A Word to Pastors
If you are reading this at 2 a.m., exhausted from managing conflicts that should not exist, take courage. You are not alone. The pastor from New England is now leading his church through a healthy transformation. It required courage, patience, and strategic wisdom.
Here is what I told him, and what I tell you:
First, this is not primarily a political problem. It is a discipleship problem. You know how to make disciples. Do that.
Second, you cannot solve this by avoiding politics. That would be cowardice. You must address it by maintaining proper priorities. That is wisdom.
Third, remember that you are shepherding people, not managing a political action committee. Love them enough to tell the truth. Lead them toward Christ, not toward partisan alignment.
Fourth, use the tools available. Church Answers offers a Revitalize Bundle designed to help church leaders identify “the one thing”—the one major emphasis their church should pursue at this moment. VitalChurch Ministry provides diagnostic tools that reveal blind spots. These resources exist because you are not alone in this challenge.
The Path Forward
The crisis is real. Seven out of 10 churches are declining. Political division ranks among the most significant barriers to health. Pastors feel the weight.
But the opportunity is also real. Churches that address this challenge directly—choosing spiritual devotion over political passion—position themselves for genuine revival and lasting impact.
The framework is clear:
- Honest assessment of current reality
- Theological recalibration of priorities
- Community reconfiguration around Christ
- Structural simplification toward the mission
- Sustained leadership with strategic focus
The question before every pastor and every congregation is simple but profound: What will capture our hearts?
The research shows that when churches choose Christ over politics, spiritual vitality over partisan alignment, and discipleship over division, transformation follows. Not because programs improved or buildings were upgraded, but because hearts were reoriented toward their proper object of worship.
That pastoral call from New England made the right call—not at 2 a.m. to ask if his church was dying, but in the weeks that followed, when he chose to lead his congregation back to first things and focus on the main thing, Jesus and his mission.
Your church can make the same choice. The data shows the need. The framework provides the path. The Spirit enables the transformation.
The only question remaining is this: Will you lead them there?
Additional Assessment Tool Resources:
- Church Health Assessment Tool (CHAT): Leadership Transformations, Inc. “Becoming a Healthy Church” resources.
- Church Vitality Survey: VitalChurch Ministry diagnostic assessment tools.
- Church Answers Revitalize Bundle: Thom and Sam Rainer’s assessment and training resources.
- A New Scorecard for Church Health: Christianity Today partnership with Gloo, March 11, 2025.
