In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner speak on the topic of church planting and revitalization.
I mean first, what is church planting? What is church revitalization? Are they the same? What makes each of those routes a different and unique route?
They will visit and explain their brief thoughts on the difference between church planting and revitalization.
Some highlights from today’s episode.
- Both church planting and revitalization are very difficult.
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Church plant is like a jet ski and church revitalization is a big ship in the bay.
- Majority of churches, from 60-80% have either plateaued or in a decline.
- Reading culture is like asking a fish, “what is water?”
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Churches have become content with doing church rather than being the church.
- Dying churches have failed to live Hebrews 13:7 to faithfully follow biblical leaders.
- Church revitalization needs to know what kind of baggage the church carries.
- Ministry is not about you. “Jonathan, you’re doing this for yourself” Sad reality check.
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People are looking for rest as they are overburdened. Point them to Jesus. That’s revitalization.
- As much as you need the church, the church needs you.
- So many young pastors overestimate what you can accomplish in the first year of ministry.
- Stay in your church faithfully for 5 years and see how God will bless you in that ministry.
- We live in a McDonald’s society where we want it right now hot and salty!
- “I love you church. Now, go make disciples” that’s my outro.
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Church can be a continually discouraging place. You will need encouragement.
- “I love you” cannot be an abstract principle. I need to not just believe it but show it.
Here’s the breakdown outline from today’s conversation.
1. What is the Difference Between the Two? What Do We Mean by That?
– Church planting: No building, no budget starting from scratch. No history with a fresh start.
– Church revitalization: Has building, budget, and bylaw (legwork). But tons of baggage.
– Church revelation and replanting are not the same either.
– Planters have the disadvantage of fundraising and other important matters.
2. The Mission of the Church through America.
– Majority of churches throughout America are dying for various reasons.
– Baggage: Ministry is just hard.
– Jesus came for the spiritually sick. (Mark 2:17)
– Church plants can be filled with people who are hurt and broken.
– What is the “Golden calf” of the church?
– “Come to me for those who are overburdened and weary” (Matt 11:28-30).
3. Process in Planting and Revitalization
– If you’re a planter, you’re most likely proud.
– Jesus walked and did ministry. That’s how we are supposed to do ministry.
– Take your time in doing ministry.
– Wherever God calls you to serve, just stay there and serve there faithfully.
4. Calling in Planting and Revitalization is not Second Option
– If you don’t have a calling, you will fail.
– Majority of churches that plant do fail.
– Some people who are serving do not have patience and will fail.
– Gospel-Driven Ministry vs. Emotional Reactive Ministry.
5. Suggestion for Planters or Revitalizers
– Model who you want the church you want to become.
– Check your expectation: what are your thoughts there?
– Surround yourself with the right people.
– Encouragement: “I’m just so encouraged to see the effort you put into.”
Feedback
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