CHURCH TURNAROUND ESSENTIALS: The Place Of Church Turnaround

A faithful servant of the Lord responded to God’s divine call and commission to plant a church. By the grace of God, the ministry grew steadily, and the church moved into her own permanent building. Eventually, the founder went to be with the Lord. Sadly, the associates he left behind were unable to hold the church together. Due to strife, disunity, and the placement of unspiritual and unqualified people in key positions, the church began to decline rapidly. What was once a vibrant assembly of believers dwindled until only about eight members remained.

But our God is a God of restoration! By divine intervention, a young, Spirit-filled and visionary pastor was appointed as the new shepherd over the flock. Within five years of steadfast leadership, spiritual discipline, and God’s grace, a divine turnaround began to manifest. Recently, during a visit to that same church, over 350 joyful worshippers were gathered in heartfelt praise to the Lord! Hallelujah!

We must come to the understanding that across Africa, nearly 1,500 churches close every month, while only 1,200 new churches are planted. This leaves a deficit of 300 churches monthly. Furthermore, population growth across the continent indicates that we need at least 4,000 new churches every month to meet the spiritual needs of the people. It is therefore clear that both church planting and church revitalization are key components of Christ’s redemptive mission. Reviving dying churches is as much a part of the Great Commission as planting new ones.

A. FOUNDATION AND FACTS – Revelation 3:1–3

The Lord Jesus, speaking to the church in Sardis, gave a clear charge: “Strengthen what remains and is about to die…” (Revelation 3:2). This is the divine mandate for church turnaround. It is the process of breathing life—through the Holy Spirit—into a congregation that is spiritually dying or declining.

Here are sobering realities confronting the Church today:

85% of Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are either dying, plateauing, or declining.
Churches that were once vibrant are now spiraling downward.
Many congregations are shutting their doors due to internal and external crises.
Once-growing churches now sit nearly empty, with diminished attendance and spiritual fire.
Churches that have existed for over 25 years often face stagnation.
Churches with a higher ratio of women to men often struggle with long-term growth and health.
Congregations steeped in religious rituals, dogmatic traditions, and material comfort often lack spiritual vitality.
Churches dominated by older age groups (40s to 80s) without younger generations are at risk of fading out.

It is time for the Church to arise and resurrect that which is dying! The Lord is calling us to awaken and restore His house.

B. LEVELS OF CHURCH TURNAROUND

Every local church, to some extent, needs revival and renewal. The Church is a living spiritual organism, the Body of Christ. Without proper spiritual care and leadership, it can become weak and even die prematurely.

1. Younger Churches (under 15 years old)

These churches are easier to turn around due to flexibility and less entrenched culture.

2. Older Churches (over 30 years old)

Turnaround becomes much more difficult as traditions and systems are deeply rooted.

3. Smaller Congregations

Smaller churches can experience quicker turnaround if there is unity and willingness to change.

4. When the Same Pastor Led the Decline

In most cases, a new leader is needed to bring fresh vision and change, though rare exceptions exist.

5. Larger Churches

Larger churches take more time due to established systems, influence groups, and entrenched structures.

6. Family Churches

These often struggle with turnaround due to internal politics, familiarity, and resistance to change.

Types of Church Turnaround

a. Younger, Smaller Churches:
Turnaround begins when leaders and members humbly evaluate both strengths and weaknesses in light of Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

b. Younger, Larger Churches:
Identifying and empowering fruitful sub-ministries and spiritually mature leaders can spark growth and spiritual renewal.

c. Older, Larger Churches:
Turnaround takes 5 to 15 years as leadership introduces changes gradually, respecting the spiritual maturity and traditions of the congregation.

d. Older, Smaller Churches:
Revival here happens only when the members courageously make difficult decisions for the sake of God’s glory and the legacy they wish to leave for future generations.

C. LESSONS I HAVE LEARNT IN CHURCH TURNAROUND

These are spiritual principles that undergird every successful church revitalization. The top three causes of decline in any church are:

Weak or unspiritual leadership.
Lack of God-given vision.
Low spiritual morale and motivation.

For a turnaround to take place, these kingdom principles must be embraced:

God loves every local assembly and desires to restore life and power to His church (Ephesians 5:25–27).
The revitalizing pastor must carry the DNA of growth, passion for souls, and deep love for the church.
Every turnaround leader must have a spiritual mentor, coach, or apostolic covering to offer wisdom and guidance.
Gradual change is necessary. Outdated methods and dead programs must be revisited under the Holy Spirit’s leading. Without change, there is no turnaround.
Do not dwell on past wounds. Forgiveness and letting go of yesterday’s pain is key to healing and forward movement.
The congregation must learn to trust the new shepherd. Trust is earned through years of integrity, love, and consistent leadership.
Preach Christ and the Word with power, conviction, and clarity. The Word of God revives!
Align with faithful members who are open to change and growth. Progress cannot happen with traditionalists who resist the Holy Spirit.
Raise a strong altar of prayer and spiritual warfare. Consistent prayer, fasting, and seeking God’s face must become the culture.
Obey the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2). Only He can breathe resurrection power into a dying church. Fellowship with Him opens divine doors.

CONCLUSION

every church, no matter how far gone, can experience divine restoration if there is obedience to God’s Word, submission to the Holy Spirit, and bold, visionary leadership. The Church is Christ’s bride, and He is still in the business of reviving what seems lost.

Let us rise and respond to the call to “strengthen what remains” and bring glory to His name once again. Amen.