2. Why Study Comeback Churches?  The statistics on churches are alarming – Many churches are flat to declining 10 9.5 10 9  We want to help churches “come back” after a decline  Using biblical principles  Learn from the experiences of others

3. The Study Method The BIG question: What principles from Comeback Churches could guide pastors and churches down the path of revitalization?

4. The Study Method  Examined 324 comeback churches – That experienced renewed growth after a period of decline – Increased membership and increased baptisms

5. The Study Method  Using surveys and phone interviews  Criteria for a “comeback church”: – Experienced 5 years of plateau or decline – Followed by significant growth over the past 2 to 5 years Membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1 At least a 10% increase in attendance, per year

6. Biblical Churches  Scriptural authority  Biblical leadership  Preaching and teaching  Ordinances  Covenant community  Mission

7. Missional Churches  Do what missionaries do, regardless of the context – Join God on His mission – Study and learn the culture – Proclaim the good news – Be the presence of Christ – Contextualize biblical life and church for that culture

8. Spiritual Churches  What are some barriers to spiritual growth? – Self-focused leaders and churches – Experiencing God’s discipline – Lack of radical faith/reliance – Doing instead of being the church – Watering down the gospel/truth

9. Spiritual Churches  What are some barriers to spiritual growth? – Distracted from our first love – Ineffective disciple-making – Irrelevant ministry – PRIDE

10. Why Become a Comeback Church? “We don’t want our church to die. We’ll do what it takes.” A church needs…If it is… Refocusing Stagnant in size (needs a clear focus on outreach) Reenergizing Declining in size (deal with internal issues and begin to reach its community again) Restructuring Experienced substantial decline (large internal changes and a new outreach strategy) Restarting Near death (restart with new leadership or become a new church) Change Less More

11. “Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches 1.Institutionalized 2.Voluntary association 3.Unintentional 4.“Us four and no more” 5.“We can’t compete” 6.“Decently & in order”

12. “Dirty Baker’s Dozen” Churches 7.“Square peg in a round hole” 8.“Time-warp” 9.“Tidy” 10.“My way or the highway” 11.“Chaplaincy” 12.The “company” 13.“Play it safe”

13. Staging a Comeback  The people have to be part of the turnaround - Acts 6:1-5  Decide on a course of action – Nehemiah 2:11-18  Proactive leadership – 1 Timothy 3:1

14. Rising with Leadership  Comeback leaders took the initiative for change  Challenge excuses  Pray Matthew 9:37-38 Regularly & Passionately

15. Rising with Leadership  See the harvest— Matthew 9:36-38  Model evangelistic passion  Share the ministry  Make choices about how to invest your time

16. Rising with Leadership  Give away non-ministry tasks  Use time intentionally  Spend more time on “people” stuff  Communicate a clear and compelling vision  Comeback leaders multiply themselves

17. Three Faith Factors  What happened spiritually to impact such change?

18.  Comeback leaders know that change takes place as the church is renewed spiritually.

19. Three Faith Factors 1.A renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church, 2.A renewed attitude for servanthood, and 3.A more strategic prayer effort.