Turnaround Churches - part 1

I love the stories of "Turnaround Churches." These are churches that have had a difficult time--likely experienced decline, but God has moved and things have turned around. I have been blessed to be part of turnaround churches, and there is nothing more fun. When God turns a church around, you can see his movement in such powerful ways that it brings you to your knees. A lot of churches in America are in need of revival, and so over the next few weeks, I'll offer some reflections on "turnaround churches" rooted in my own experience, but largely in that of others.

Question: Do you know of a church that has turned around? If so, how did it happen? And, how did God bring it about?

Comments

[Wes]

Working with one in San Francisco that's in the midst of turning around.

It's happening because we're ceasing to look over our shoulders at what once was, and are now beginning to look forward at what will be with God's help. We're also very excited to witness what He's doing right now.

I'll be reading this series.

[Matthew]

At Waynesboro, we turned the church around from decades of decline to strong growth. It was hard, but we went from 164 to 191 in 4.5 years. All in a decline town of 2000.

[Mike]

Outside of Boston, we were down to 45 when the pastor left in 1990. We deacons gave the church a variety of supply preachers of differing styles until one emerged as God's man for us. He brought organization and outreach skills. A children's program got us noticed by the town. When we were 75 weekly, the Trustees got the financial house in order, and Deacons worked at keeping in touch with EVERYBODY in the church so no one got forgotten. Then we built a new auditorium and got the whole town talking. That church is now a healthy 150 that touches another 200 in the high school, gives more than the budget, and sends out missionaries.