Renewal: Church revitalisation along the way of the cross

by John James

‘It is only a matter of time before declining churches will have closed their doors for good because no one sounded the alarm.’

Our culture is becoming increasingly hostile to Christianity, and despite church planting becoming more popular; our churches are dying more quickly than we can plant new ones. We are struggling to reach our communities for Jesus.

In this timely and much needed book, John James urges us to wake up to this crisis. John argues that if we are to build up existing church members and reach new ones for Jesus then we can’t simply pull the plug on dying churches in favour of planting new ones. John honestly and warmly shares his own experiences of revitalisation and his passion to see churches transformed by the God who delights to resurrect the dead.

This book is an essential read for those considering this kind of ministry, or for those who want to understand the role revitalisation can play in the re–evangelisation of our nation.

130 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Reviews

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book, not just for people involved in "church revitalisation," but for anyone in a smaller church pondering the questions of change and growth. John James has filled this short book with much biblically-based practical wisdom, borne out of his own experience, as well as case studies offering the experiences of others (all in a UK context, which is helpful if that's you too).

I was particularly helped by his discussions of the process of change. Rather than seeking to avoid all conflict, we should recognise that "conflicts that change produces are not something to fear, but unavoidable, and wonderfully, actual opportunities for discipleship" (51). As a community of Christ's people, the goal is not "no conflict" but "healthy conflict", looking to Christ to give the unity we need (76). All change can be hard, because all change involves loss; communicating a clear vision is key (73-74). Expectations are important too - change and growth are long-term goals, often low-key, involve a hard journey. And, yet, if God is at work, we should have a right expectation of growth.

There's a lot more to ponder throughout, but you'll have to buy the book for that.

[Jonathan Ginn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5. The author notes in his introduction that this book began as a series of brief reflections on the internet discussing his first five years of doing church revitalization, and it certainly reads like a series of blog posts ("four reasons why ___", "six questions to ask when ___", etc.). For some, this format works quite effectively, whereas for others, not so much. Overall though, this is a helpful book on the subject of church revitalization, with a British flavor. It's concise, punchy, and filled with tons of immensely practical insights drawn from the author's own personal ministry experiences.

[Alastair Gooderham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful look at the importance of revitalising churches. The book is full of practical lessons, theological underpinnings and shared stories.

[Carol Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex book very practical with helpful insight for smaller churches.

[Ian Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hugely encouraging book on asking difficult questions about church life and how to inject new life when others think it might be time to give up.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, helpful and pointed.

[Seth Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A British perspective of church revitalisation.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you! John James - This book resonates so much with our situation in Sheffield.
I've lost count the number of times church planters have tried to discourage me from working with 'struggling' churches! Thank you for being realistic with how hard it can be, yet also making clear the benefits and hopes of working with small churches that have great links with their local community !
"The goal is not saving face, retaining a building, maintaining the programmes of the Church, and postponing the inevitable. It is driven by a desire to honour God, take seriously Jesus' call to make disciples of all nations"
"A church must acts its size. If you are a few in number, then reitalisation may actually require you doing much less rather than much more. It can be incredibly draining to belong to a church that is struggling to act significantly bigger than it is."
"But to ask whether God is on our side is the wrong question. We need to ask are we on his side."
"change is difficult because it involves loss. When we lose something we grieve for it, and grief is made up of two primary emotions, sorrow and anger."
"Tim Keller has said "While in a large church, the people will let you pastor them if you are a good preacher, in a smaller church people will listen to your sermons if you are a good pastor"

[Gareth Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute corker of a book on both the need and process of beginning a church revitalisation. This is an ideal entry-level read on the subject, with British case studies, Biblical wisdom, and the common sense that only comes from personal experience.

Renewal will now be my go-to book when starting to discuss Church Revitalisation.