Differences in Large Church vs. Small Church Revitalization

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Large churches are obviously different than small churches, but what are those specific differences as it relates to church revitalization? Today, we cover that and more.

Today’s Listener Question:

FROM CLIFF

I just took a pastorate at a larger church than I’ve ever pastored. I’ve led revitalization at a few smaller churches (mostly under 250) in the past and am now at a church in Central Florida running 450+. What differences in revitalization might I run into in a church this size as compared to my previous churches?

Episode Highlights:

• It may seem obvious, but not all churches are alike.
• Revitalization funding needs to be a local mission effort.
• Because small, declining churches can more closely see the end of their church, desperation often sets in earlier than in large churches.
• Bigger churches aren’t always healthier, sometimes they’re just bigger.

The nine differences in large and small church revitalizations are:

1. The resources issue: good and bad
2. The death spiral issue
3. The desperation factor
4. The mindset issue
5. The pride factor
6. The facility issue: good and bad
7. Smaller churches more likely to be open to acquisition
8. The percentage of churches in need of major revitalization is not statistically different at any size
9. The final consideration: “It depends”

Resources mentioned in this episode include: