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Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again
Church health is measured by more than just numbers, but declining membership is often a key symptom of a church in crisis. The pastor of a dying church doesn't need to be told it is dying; he needs to find the way forward--and he needs hope.Author and pastor Andrew Davis offers readers the lessons he's learned in his own journey of leading church transformation, including- keeping Christ's ownership of the church central- being humble- choosing your battles wisely- empowering godly men to join in leadership- making prayer a priority- focusing on the Word- and moreChurch decline is not inevitable. Revitalize gives pastors the spiritual support they long for and the practical advice they need to turn their churches around and position them for greater health in the future.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2017
81 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Andrew M. Davis
35 books54 followersAndrew M. Davis is pastor of First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and a visiting professor of church history at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chairman of the governance committee of the Gospel Coalition, Davis has written articles for TGC's popular website and has spoken in plenary and breakout sessions at TGC's national conference. He is the author of An Infinite Journey, named by Tim Challies as one of the top ten books of 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 31, 2022
Every new or young pastor beginning the hard bit holy work of revitalizing an established church should read this book!
March 19, 2024
Andy Davis tells the story of how the Lord directed him and the Biblical principles that guided him as he led a church that was in poor health spiritually to become a healthy, fruitful church. The book is practical in that it offers solid, Biblical help and encouragement for pastors and church leaders.
December 28, 2023
Praise God for this book. Praise God for His own writing of FBC Durham’s story. Praise God for Pastor Davis. Few books have ever captivated my attention on every page as this one has.
June 26, 2017
Andrew Davis understands what it means to pastor a church in crisis. But Dr. Davis also understands the joy of pastoring a church which has been revitalized. So the author is uniquely qualified to write on such a subject. The name of the book is Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again.
Davis helps readers understand the biblical rationale for a revitalized church: “Revitalization occurs,” writes Davis, “when God restores a once healthy church, helping it to change course from its recent decline toward spiritual disease and death.” But before outlining the biblical keys for this vital process of revitalization, the marks of a dying church are presented. They include,
• Low view of Scripture
• Man-centered rather than God-centered
• Lax shepherding of members and no church discipline
• Little evangelistic fruit resulting in dwindling numbers
• Disunity and bitter factions
• Disrespect for godly leaders, resulting in short pastorates
• Disorderly polity
• Clinging to traditions, stubbornly unwilling to change
• Selfish spending patters
• Little zeal for corporate prayer
• Increasingly world doctrines and behaviors
Davis notes the supreme importance of Christ who must be at the center of the revitalization process:
“The more church leaders delight in the infinite exaltation of Christ and his rights over his vineyard, the more humble they will be about their own roles.”
With this critical foundation in place, Dr. Davis proceeds to lay out the components of church revitalization. The following biblical keys are each explained in greater detail:
Be Holy
Rely on God, Not on Yourself
Rely on God’s Word, Not on Techniques
Saturate the Church in Prayer
Cast a Clear Vision
Be Humble Toward Opponents
Be Courageous
Be Patient
Be Discerning
Wage War Against Discouragement
Develop and Establish Men as Leaders
Become Supple on Worship
Embrace the Two Journeys of Disciple-Making
There is so much to comment here that a short review falls terribly short. Revitalize does not contain the typical pragmatic approach which is found in books of this sort. Rather, it is filled with God-centered advice that may be immediately applied in the local church context. Dr. Davis has gifted the church with a much-need gift. My prayer is that many pastors will be encouraged and moved to action as they apply this timely wisdom. May the church be revitalized as she prepares for the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Davis helps readers understand the biblical rationale for a revitalized church: “Revitalization occurs,” writes Davis, “when God restores a once healthy church, helping it to change course from its recent decline toward spiritual disease and death.” But before outlining the biblical keys for this vital process of revitalization, the marks of a dying church are presented. They include,
• Low view of Scripture
• Man-centered rather than God-centered
• Lax shepherding of members and no church discipline
• Little evangelistic fruit resulting in dwindling numbers
• Disunity and bitter factions
• Disrespect for godly leaders, resulting in short pastorates
• Disorderly polity
• Clinging to traditions, stubbornly unwilling to change
• Selfish spending patters
• Little zeal for corporate prayer
• Increasingly world doctrines and behaviors
Davis notes the supreme importance of Christ who must be at the center of the revitalization process:
“The more church leaders delight in the infinite exaltation of Christ and his rights over his vineyard, the more humble they will be about their own roles.”
With this critical foundation in place, Dr. Davis proceeds to lay out the components of church revitalization. The following biblical keys are each explained in greater detail:
Be Holy
Rely on God, Not on Yourself
Rely on God’s Word, Not on Techniques
Saturate the Church in Prayer
Cast a Clear Vision
Be Humble Toward Opponents
Be Courageous
Be Patient
Be Discerning
Wage War Against Discouragement
Develop and Establish Men as Leaders
Become Supple on Worship
Embrace the Two Journeys of Disciple-Making
There is so much to comment here that a short review falls terribly short. Revitalize does not contain the typical pragmatic approach which is found in books of this sort. Rather, it is filled with God-centered advice that may be immediately applied in the local church context. Dr. Davis has gifted the church with a much-need gift. My prayer is that many pastors will be encouraged and moved to action as they apply this timely wisdom. May the church be revitalized as she prepares for the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
November 7, 2024
This is probably the best book that I’ve read on this topic. It’s practical, and back-to-the-basics like you would expect from 9Marks. Main takeaway: trust God to do what only he can do, and do so by being faithful to what God has said his church should do and focus on.
February 19, 2018
Revival is so close I can taste it. I can see things happening at my church. My Christian friends are on fire, but I really feel it in myself. I'm a different guy than I was even a couple years ago. I'd like to see this catch in our community, and I appreciate Davis's insights.
Revitalize was written as advice to pastors of dying churches, but doesn't that describe our entire country? Every believer could benefit from this book.
Notes:
1) How do you make a struggling church healthy again? (21)
2) Numerical growth alone does not indicate spiritual health (21)
3) Arrogance and despair are different sides of the same coin: self-reliance (26)
4) Christ at the center of everything in the church. (50)
5) It is precisely because a church has drifted from holiness that it needs to be revitalized. At some point, it ceased trembling at God’s holiness, and its members began seeking to fill that emptiness with the idols of Babylon. They fell into secret patterns of sin. They began having conflicts with one another, as would carnal people. Their marriages began falling apart, sometimes because of adultery. They failed to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They busied themselves with the pursuit of money and other earthly goals. They became less discerning doctrinally and less passionate for biblical truth. They stopped reaching out with the gospel and started seeking the world’s applause rather than the world’s repentance. They forsook their first love and embraced the illicit love of the world. Ultimately, they began to wither and die. If one could take a spiritual “flight” through the secrets of the church members’ hearts as Ezekiel did through the temple in Ezekiel 8, they would see modern versions of the abominations that provoked God to jealousy. A church does not die apart from a decisive move away from holiness. And revitalization begins with repentance for unholiness and a commitment to what God says: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16). (58)
6) True holiness flows from encounters with the holy God by
his Spirit and through his Word, and they are characterized by both terror and pleasure (59)
7) Self-reliance robs God of His glory (67)
8) Expositional preaching: The main point of the sermon is the main point of the text (77)
9) George Whitfield would accept the criticisms of his enemies. He'd promise to prayerfully consider them. He'd take them to God in prayer, asking God to search his heart. He would act on what God revealed and dismiss the rest.
10) Song service is not about attracting non-believers. It's about worshiping the eternal God (155)
11) British missionary C. T. Studd wrote these searching words: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last" (171)
Revitalize was written as advice to pastors of dying churches, but doesn't that describe our entire country? Every believer could benefit from this book.
Notes:
1) How do you make a struggling church healthy again? (21)
2) Numerical growth alone does not indicate spiritual health (21)
3) Arrogance and despair are different sides of the same coin: self-reliance (26)
4) Christ at the center of everything in the church. (50)
5) It is precisely because a church has drifted from holiness that it needs to be revitalized. At some point, it ceased trembling at God’s holiness, and its members began seeking to fill that emptiness with the idols of Babylon. They fell into secret patterns of sin. They began having conflicts with one another, as would carnal people. Their marriages began falling apart, sometimes because of adultery. They failed to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They busied themselves with the pursuit of money and other earthly goals. They became less discerning doctrinally and less passionate for biblical truth. They stopped reaching out with the gospel and started seeking the world’s applause rather than the world’s repentance. They forsook their first love and embraced the illicit love of the world. Ultimately, they began to wither and die. If one could take a spiritual “flight” through the secrets of the church members’ hearts as Ezekiel did through the temple in Ezekiel 8, they would see modern versions of the abominations that provoked God to jealousy. A church does not die apart from a decisive move away from holiness. And revitalization begins with repentance for unholiness and a commitment to what God says: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16). (58)
6) True holiness flows from encounters with the holy God by
his Spirit and through his Word, and they are characterized by both terror and pleasure (59)
7) Self-reliance robs God of His glory (67)
8) Expositional preaching: The main point of the sermon is the main point of the text (77)
9) George Whitfield would accept the criticisms of his enemies. He'd promise to prayerfully consider them. He'd take them to God in prayer, asking God to search his heart. He would act on what God revealed and dismiss the rest.
10) Song service is not about attracting non-believers. It's about worshiping the eternal God (155)
11) British missionary C. T. Studd wrote these searching words: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last" (171)
September 14, 2024
"Extraordinary prayer meetings are inherently attractive to the godly and repulsive to the nominal members, like a magnet attracting only metal off the floor and passing over all the dust and paper... A powerful spiritual benefit comes from such meetings, as well as an opportunity to build a coalition of laborers without whom no revitalization could ever occur." - Andy Davis
A truly encouraging look at Biblical church revitalization. Andy Davis gives us a helpful tool looking at God breathing life into a church again and how pastors and leaders can do that work. There weren't really any chapters that said anything new or really grabbed my attention, but every chapter just plainly sets out Biblical principles in a clear and compelling way. I especially appreciated the "Practical Advice" section at the end of every chapter. I think one thing this book did for me was build me up and encourage me to do the work of revitalization. Davis is honest about the struggles of church revitalization, but he helps us to see that the hard work is worth doing. If the Lord blesses me with the opportunity to revitalize a church, this is a book I will turn to frequently and, Lord willing, read with other brothers. Highly recommended. Many of the points and principles are applicable to churches and pastors regardless of current church health.
You can also read more of the "first-hand" account at FBC Durham through the below link:
https://www.9marks.org/article/journa...
A truly encouraging look at Biblical church revitalization. Andy Davis gives us a helpful tool looking at God breathing life into a church again and how pastors and leaders can do that work. There weren't really any chapters that said anything new or really grabbed my attention, but every chapter just plainly sets out Biblical principles in a clear and compelling way. I especially appreciated the "Practical Advice" section at the end of every chapter. I think one thing this book did for me was build me up and encourage me to do the work of revitalization. Davis is honest about the struggles of church revitalization, but he helps us to see that the hard work is worth doing. If the Lord blesses me with the opportunity to revitalize a church, this is a book I will turn to frequently and, Lord willing, read with other brothers. Highly recommended. Many of the points and principles are applicable to churches and pastors regardless of current church health.
You can also read more of the "first-hand" account at FBC Durham through the below link:
https://www.9marks.org/article/journa...
March 24, 2021
As many have mentioned, this book is full of sound and practical advice. For church revitalizers asking the question “how do I even approach this endeavor and what can I expect?” this will be a fantastic read. Personally, I felt that his chapter on worship music was not consistent with the rest of the book as he hinged the life of the church on its ability to change music style to that of the times. Maybe this was to stress the importance, but for me it was a challenge to believe/agree with the fact that a church’s existence rides on their music style decision. I also wish that he would’ve discussed how to create a culture that equally values women in the church since one of the main revitalization efforts in his church was removing women deacons. Overall, the practical advice was timeless, but I was left with more questions than answers in regards to the role of women in the church and music style.
April 22, 2019
Wow. This book ranks among the best I've read all year. Davies' story is an amazing display of biblical conviction and heartfelt passion for the glory of Jesus in the church. The principles presented are fruit of long meditation and a sincere walk with God. Especially for pastors assuming an unhealthy congregation, this is a book worth reading. Also, his focus on the end of all things throughout the book deeply impacted me. Such a heaven-longing writer.
April 10, 2017
An enormously helpful book on church revitalization.
November 1, 2017
So good.
September 22, 2022
His chapters on relying on God are still doing a work in my soul.
February 23, 2024
Essential reading for any church leader. Puts the focus of revitalization back on God, and on leading people to seek his rule.
February 19, 2025
Easy read & practical Biblically-rooted advice 🙏🏾
April 5, 2022
Solid foundational truths to build healthy and sustainable churches from existing churches in need of revitalization.
April 2, 2019
A solid account of what is required for a healthy church revitalization process. Truly one worth reading for anyone interested in church life/health. I appreciated the personal accounts by the author and at times wished there were more. Alternatively, I think this book would be even better if co-written with another pastor who went through revitalization in a different context. Very well written otherwise.
March 13, 2022
Great book for anyone desiring to understand how to build a healthy church especially those in revitalization.
March 13, 2021
I had to read this book for a pastoral theology class. I think the principle is not bad, but reducing the "revitalization" of any church to one individual is full of potential for abuse. Revitalization in any church does require good leadership, but I didn't like how the author talked about "the church revitalizer" as if it was a job description, separate from the call of a pastor.
It was one of those books that could easily be a series of blog posts. The introductions to the chapters were well-intentioned, but I would suspect for many people reading it, simply getting to the point would be preferred. The end of each chapter did have practical suggestions which were helpful.
The model of this book relies on the leadership of every church being entirely undertaken by men. One of the chapters is about establishing male leaders. The author claims that in any church revitalization plan, ultimately God will raise up a visionary man. Apparently, there are no visionary women, and if there are, they must stay silent. The author also had as recommended reading the infamous Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as a suggested resource. Because of my personal convictions, I would never recommend that book as a resource.
That said, there were a few practical points which were helpful, but if I hadn't had to read it for a class, I would never have picked it up, nor did I find anything in it that wasn't simply common sense.
It was one of those books that could easily be a series of blog posts. The introductions to the chapters were well-intentioned, but I would suspect for many people reading it, simply getting to the point would be preferred. The end of each chapter did have practical suggestions which were helpful.
The model of this book relies on the leadership of every church being entirely undertaken by men. One of the chapters is about establishing male leaders. The author claims that in any church revitalization plan, ultimately God will raise up a visionary man. Apparently, there are no visionary women, and if there are, they must stay silent. The author also had as recommended reading the infamous Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as a suggested resource. Because of my personal convictions, I would never recommend that book as a resource.
That said, there were a few practical points which were helpful, but if I hadn't had to read it for a class, I would never have picked it up, nor did I find anything in it that wasn't simply common sense.
March 28, 2018
Biblically grounded principles for revitalization
Like Brian Croft’s “biblical church revitalization,” Davis has offered a quality contribution to the church revitalization genre. The most important question that any pastor can ask (especially a revitalizing pastor) is “What does the Bible say?” This book helps to answer this question well regarding the various aspects of church revitalization.
Like Brian Croft’s “biblical church revitalization,” Davis has offered a quality contribution to the church revitalization genre. The most important question that any pastor can ask (especially a revitalizing pastor) is “What does the Bible say?” This book helps to answer this question well regarding the various aspects of church revitalization.
April 30, 2025
I first read this book when I was in seminary and preparing to go plant a church, and I thought it was good. Having now reread it after coming to a church in need of revitalization, I can say that it’s excellent.
Davis does a great job of pointing pastors to the bible, rooting all of his suggestions there, and of pointing us to the love Christ has for his bride, a love we must fight to maintain in the work of revitalization.
Davis does a great job of pointing pastors to the bible, rooting all of his suggestions there, and of pointing us to the love Christ has for his bride, a love we must fight to maintain in the work of revitalization.
May 13, 2018
Some helpful material here, though I'm not sure how much of the advice was particular to churches in need of revitalising. It seemed to me that some general though positive things were said over the whole book. Good principles for any and all churches.
May 20, 2020
Great book! I loved this book! It was exactly what I needed at this point in my life. I pray that I can use the ideas here to make our church better and more alive! Highly recommended
July 26, 2019
Readers of this work are likely familiar with the important ministry of 9Marks. One contribution 9Marks makes is that it prioritizes the word of God for faith and practice. This work on church revitalization aligns closely with other publications from 9Marks, serves to encourage revitalization pastors and establishes a foundation for seminary students seeking to work in revitalization some day.
Authored by Andy Davis, the work is divided into seventeen concise chapters. Each chapter is saturated with biblical teaching on how God intends for his church to experience new life. The writer advocates for revival or revitalization based on a firm commitment to the Bible as God’s word.
Readers will appreciate the practical suggestions at the end of each chapter. The author provides suggestions for meditation and application throughout the book. These applications and meditations developed out of Davis’ personal experience as a revitalizing pastor at First Baptist Church of Durham North Carolina.
Three chapters resonated with me. Chapter three is entitled “Embrace Christ’s Ownership of the Church”. Davis emphasizes the kingship of Jesus when he says, “A passion for the exaltation of Christ as head over the church must enflame the heart of all church revitalizers.” (48) Christ is Lord over the church-not the pastor or a few power holders in the congregation. Chapter five also encouraged me. There, Davis encourages readers to rely on God and not personal gifts or abilities to bring the church to life again. All ministry leaders need reminders like this so that humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit characterize the work. In chapter sixteen, the author challenges pastors to embrace both the internal journey of spiritual maturity and the external goal of missions and evangelism in discipleship. A work on church revitalization would be rendered weak without some mention of how disciple-making is included in the process of revitalization.
I have given this book four stars for the following reasons:
1. I appreciate the author’s concern for the word of God and it’s primacy in all church life and ministry.
2. The book engages the reader and provides encouragement and practical considerations.
3. While I appreciate the author’s approach and commitment to biblical church revitalization, he occasionally approaches subjects matter of factly and doesn’t allow much room for other interpretations, such as those offered in the church growth and seeker sensitive camps of church growth. I would have appreciated more fairness to both sides.
I recommend this book to pastors, seminary students, and lay leaders. Revitalize: Biblical Keys for Church Growth will soon be treasured by everyone involved in church revitalization.
Authored by Andy Davis, the work is divided into seventeen concise chapters. Each chapter is saturated with biblical teaching on how God intends for his church to experience new life. The writer advocates for revival or revitalization based on a firm commitment to the Bible as God’s word.
Readers will appreciate the practical suggestions at the end of each chapter. The author provides suggestions for meditation and application throughout the book. These applications and meditations developed out of Davis’ personal experience as a revitalizing pastor at First Baptist Church of Durham North Carolina.
Three chapters resonated with me. Chapter three is entitled “Embrace Christ’s Ownership of the Church”. Davis emphasizes the kingship of Jesus when he says, “A passion for the exaltation of Christ as head over the church must enflame the heart of all church revitalizers.” (48) Christ is Lord over the church-not the pastor or a few power holders in the congregation. Chapter five also encouraged me. There, Davis encourages readers to rely on God and not personal gifts or abilities to bring the church to life again. All ministry leaders need reminders like this so that humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit characterize the work. In chapter sixteen, the author challenges pastors to embrace both the internal journey of spiritual maturity and the external goal of missions and evangelism in discipleship. A work on church revitalization would be rendered weak without some mention of how disciple-making is included in the process of revitalization.
I have given this book four stars for the following reasons:
1. I appreciate the author’s concern for the word of God and it’s primacy in all church life and ministry.
2. The book engages the reader and provides encouragement and practical considerations.
3. While I appreciate the author’s approach and commitment to biblical church revitalization, he occasionally approaches subjects matter of factly and doesn’t allow much room for other interpretations, such as those offered in the church growth and seeker sensitive camps of church growth. I would have appreciated more fairness to both sides.
I recommend this book to pastors, seminary students, and lay leaders. Revitalize: Biblical Keys for Church Growth will soon be treasured by everyone involved in church revitalization.
July 20, 2017
I just recently finished "Revitalize" written by Andrew M. Davis, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham, NC. In the book Pastor Davis walks the reader through the practical steps of bringing new life to a dying church as well as the posture of the heart that the pastor must have before the Lord in order to lead a church to health again.
Beginning with Christ's address to the seven churches in Revelation, the first two chapters of the book lay out a biblical vision for church revitalization. Who would want to pastor a theologically errant, visionless church that is sometimes led by unregenerate leadership? Pastor Davis reminds us that if a church repents, the candle light of Christ's glory and faithful Christian witness can shine again. Christ died for His Church and Christ is still not finished with His church.
The rest of the chapters go on to lay out biblical steps to revitalizing a church. They are not profound and difficult which makes it a great read for all pastors. The steps are simply biblical truths that many times are taken for granted which leads to a dying church. He calls pastors and church leaders to return to these biblical foundations and to stand with Christ.
Where this book really makes a mark is how Pastor Davis gives personal testimony to how He and his fellow leaders implemented and led the revitalization at FBC Durham. How long will a pastor realistically wait before seeing changes in the congregation? What battles should be fought first and how should they be fought?
In the final chapter, Pastor Davis calls us to look forward to the day in heaven when Christ's church will be finally and perfectly revitalized and made new. This truth encourages us to keep going in our personal and corporate revitalization knowing that Christ will present a spotless bride to the father on that day.
This must read is a biblically sound, gospel-centered book that pastors of healthy and unhealthy churches should come back to regularly.
Note: I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
Beginning with Christ's address to the seven churches in Revelation, the first two chapters of the book lay out a biblical vision for church revitalization. Who would want to pastor a theologically errant, visionless church that is sometimes led by unregenerate leadership? Pastor Davis reminds us that if a church repents, the candle light of Christ's glory and faithful Christian witness can shine again. Christ died for His Church and Christ is still not finished with His church.
The rest of the chapters go on to lay out biblical steps to revitalizing a church. They are not profound and difficult which makes it a great read for all pastors. The steps are simply biblical truths that many times are taken for granted which leads to a dying church. He calls pastors and church leaders to return to these biblical foundations and to stand with Christ.
Where this book really makes a mark is how Pastor Davis gives personal testimony to how He and his fellow leaders implemented and led the revitalization at FBC Durham. How long will a pastor realistically wait before seeing changes in the congregation? What battles should be fought first and how should they be fought?
In the final chapter, Pastor Davis calls us to look forward to the day in heaven when Christ's church will be finally and perfectly revitalized and made new. This truth encourages us to keep going in our personal and corporate revitalization knowing that Christ will present a spotless bride to the father on that day.
This must read is a biblically sound, gospel-centered book that pastors of healthy and unhealthy churches should come back to regularly.
Note: I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
May 8, 2017
My first awareness of Andrew Davis's ministry came through a pamphlet I received in seminary entitled "An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture." In Revitalize his commitment to Scripture and love for the local church are clearly evident. In this work Davis provides biblical principals required for church revitalization. He doesn't seek to provide some one size fits all program, he describes the biblical character and understanding that must exist in the heart and mind of the pastor for revitalization to occur.
I greatly appreciate the transparency seen throughout this book. Davis throughout the book illustrates the points he make either through his personal experience or through the history of the church. His emphasis on personal holiness and dependence on God to do a work only He can do are refreshing to read in a book of this sort. Too often it seems ministry leaders put forward programs as infallible tools to bring about revitalization in the local church, an error that Davis avoids in this book.
I think this book should be on every pastor's book shelf. Some might hear about this book and think they have know need of a book like this and they would be greatly mistaken. First the vast majority of churches in North America or plateaued or declining and in need of revitalization. Second even if one found themselves in one of the very few churches doing well the principals puts forward by Davis in this book are applicable to any pastor in any church context. It would be plain stupidity not to get this book and learn from one who has plodded through the difficult and dangerous journey of church revitalization.
Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review
I greatly appreciate the transparency seen throughout this book. Davis throughout the book illustrates the points he make either through his personal experience or through the history of the church. His emphasis on personal holiness and dependence on God to do a work only He can do are refreshing to read in a book of this sort. Too often it seems ministry leaders put forward programs as infallible tools to bring about revitalization in the local church, an error that Davis avoids in this book.
I think this book should be on every pastor's book shelf. Some might hear about this book and think they have know need of a book like this and they would be greatly mistaken. First the vast majority of churches in North America or plateaued or declining and in need of revitalization. Second even if one found themselves in one of the very few churches doing well the principals puts forward by Davis in this book are applicable to any pastor in any church context. It would be plain stupidity not to get this book and learn from one who has plodded through the difficult and dangerous journey of church revitalization.
Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review
November 7, 2017
This book is full of practical advice for leading church revitalization. Davis urges us toward holy living, commitment to prayer, clear, biblically informed vision, a lifestyle of discipleship, and spiritual vitality. Lots of good stuff here.
Why two stars? Because the complementarianism is a little hard to take. Davis's journey of church revitalization begins when he leads his congregation in repentance for electing a woman deacon. Later he insists on the necessity of male leadership. I believe in revitalization but not at the expense of women. Eat the meat, throw out the bones.
Why two stars? Because the complementarianism is a little hard to take. Davis's journey of church revitalization begins when he leads his congregation in repentance for electing a woman deacon. Later he insists on the necessity of male leadership. I believe in revitalization but not at the expense of women. Eat the meat, throw out the bones.
May 8, 2018
This book was recommended to me and it was a helpful read, although not all of it immediately applicable!! (Thank the Lord that I don’t pastor a dying church!)
The chapters on being patient (ch11), being discerning (ch12) and, especially on “Embracing the Two Journeys of Disciple-making” (Ch16) were particularly helpful. And I really appreciated his emphasis throughout the whole book on the need for saturating everything in prayer.
The chapters on being patient (ch11), being discerning (ch12) and, especially on “Embracing the Two Journeys of Disciple-making” (Ch16) were particularly helpful. And I really appreciated his emphasis throughout the whole book on the need for saturating everything in prayer.
March 17, 2020
One of the best books I have read on this topic. Andy Davis is a seasoned veteran that has been on the frontlines of revitalization. I really enjoyed the great mix of personal and powerful stories alongside the Scriptural backing for the path to success with this hard task that few are called too. I would highly recommend to any pastor and church leader because all of the truths in here are what we need for a highly Biblical church as well.
March 1, 2023
This book was a great read. I’m a member where Andy is the senior pastor and he’s an extraordinary teacher of the Word. He can teach something fresh and new from a scripture I’ve read time and time again. This book was written for pastors and I read it because I want to be keenly aware of my responsibilities as a member of a thriving church. I also gained compassion, empathy, and honor for any pastor the Lord has called to revive a dying church.
February 9, 2018
I’ve read lots of books on church revitalization, the art and science of leading dead churches back to new life. This book is by far the most rigorously biblical on the topic I’ve ever read. If you’re a pastor or a church member at a congregation experiencing decline or death, this book is a valuable resource.
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