Today, the spiritual landscape of our nation is filled with churches that once had vibrant ministries and significant influence, but over time have experienced slow progress, little spiritual impact, and even decline. Many assemblies that flourished in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and early 80s are now struggling to survive.
Well-known denominational churches—like Apostolic, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, ECWA, Holiness, Missionary, and Evangelical churches—are facing serious challenges such as spiritual stagnation, dwindling numbers, and loss of relevance. While some local branches of these churches may still be growing, the overall trend is one of spiritual decline. Independent churches that have been around for more than seven years are also facing similar challenges. In many cases, once a church crosses the seven-year mark, it is considered an “old church” in ministry terms and susceptible to decline if intentional renewal does not happen.
A. THE NEED FOR TURNAROUND AND THE SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION
Just as Jesus addressed the condition of the seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 2–3), He is also deeply concerned about the state of His churches today. These messages show us that Christ is watching, evaluating, and calling His Church back to its first love and divine purpose.
Why must we talk about this?
- Jesus is not pleased when His church declines or grows cold (Rev. 2 & 3). He walks in the midst of His Church and expects fruitfulness.
- God is able to revive a stagnant or dying church and restore spiritual life to it.
- An old church can still experience fresh growth and fulfill its divine assignment.
- God’s original plans and promises over a church can still be fulfilled, no matter how delayed or hindered.
- The River of Life can still flow again from a dry spiritual source—He can breathe new life into lifeless congregations.
B. WHY OLD CHURCHES DECLINE AND STRUGGLE TO GROW
When a church reaches about 20 years, the internal problems that may eventually cause its decline often begin to show. By the time it gets to 30 years, decline becomes more visible. This happens through issues like:
- Aging leadership – Pastors and leaders become tired and out of touch.
- Aging membership – No youth or next generation to carry the vision forward.
- Financial crises – Lack of funds due to dwindling attendance and giving.
- Maintenance mentality – Focus shifts from mission to just maintaining the building and traditions.
- Faulty foundations – Churches may have started with wrong motives or doctrine.
- Irrelevance – Church no longer connects with the community.
- Positional leadership – Leaders cling to positions without spiritual fruit.
- Weak or disorganized administration – Poor management kills momentum.
- Internal divisions and power struggles – Carnal politics within the church.
- Worn-out facilities – Dilapidated buildings can discourage attendance.
- Doctrinal errors and heresies – Wrong teaching leads people away from truth.
- Outdated ministry methods – Refusal to adapt and evolve.
- Pastor-centered ministry – Everything revolves around the pastor instead of building a strong team.
- Loss of committed lay leaders – When faithful workers leave, the church weakens.
- Scandals and syncretism (Christopaganism) – Mixing the gospel with worldly or demonic practices.
- Failure to align with new moves of the Holy Spirit – Resistance to fresh outpourings.
- Personal battles of the pastor – Emotional, spiritual, or moral failures affect the whole body.
- Wrong spiritual landmarks or beginnings – Poor spiritual roots hinder growth.
- Demonic influences in denominational systems – Religious spirits that hinder freedom and revival.
When the church loses spiritual vision, lacks the presence of God, and operates with untrained or spiritually immature leaders, death becomes inevitable.
C. HOW TO BRING REVIVAL AND GROWTH TO AN OLD CHURCH
Turning around an old or dying church is not a task for the faint-hearted. It requires men and women with the heart of lions, who are ready to work hard, make sacrifices, and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.
1. The Role of the Pastor
A new, Spirit-filled pastor may be required to lead the revival. He must be:
- Young or young at heart
- Full of vision and fire
- Loving and approachable
- Called, credible, and committed
- Given freedom to lead by the Spirit—without interference
2. Understand Why the Church Declined
The pastor must study the church’s history and understand the root causes of its decline. He should gather objective opinions, even from outsiders, and if possible, consult church growth experts or mentors.
3. Seek Training and Equipping
Much of church decline comes from ignorance—especially in spiritual leadership and growth strategies. A turnaround pastor should pursue part-time church growth training (six months to one year) to sharpen his skills and knowledge of church dynamics.
4. Raise an Army of Intercessors
Revival doesn’t happen without powerful prayer backing. Satan loves a lukewarm or dead church, so he will resist any effort to bring change. The pastor must raise intercessors and schedule regular prayer and fasting sessions to wage spiritual warfare and open the heavens.
5. Let Go of the Past
A church can’t move forward while holding tightly to past hurts, disappointments, or traditions. There must be repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. The past must be released to embrace a new future.
6. Unite Pastor and People
There must be unity between the pastor and the members (the laity). The remaining members must decide to support the pastor and commit to seeing the church rise again.
7. Evangelism Must Be Targeted
Outreach and evangelism must become intentional and aggressive. The pastor must define the target group and mobilize members to bring in friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Evangelism must be strategic and Spirit-led.
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8. Train the Core Group
The few remaining members should be retrained and re-fired. Their gifts must be discovered, developed, and deployed. These people will form the foundation of the church’s rebirth.
9. Preach Powerful, Life-Giving Sermons
Preaching is central to church growth. Sermons must be:
- Spirit-led and Scripture-based
- Encouraging and challenging
- Uplifting, transformative, and relevant
Preach in a way that revives dry bones, lifts weary souls, and ignites fresh fire.
10. Pursue Excellence
Every area of the church must begin to reflect the spirit of excellence. This includes:
- Church buildings
- Sound systems
- Chairs and furniture
- Environment and organization
An atmosphere of growth and excellence should be created, so visitors feel welcome and God’s presence is honored.
11. Grow in Leadership
A pastor must grow from being just a preacher to becoming a transformational leader. Strong, anointed leadership will inspire trust, bring clarity, and move the church forward. Be:
- Holy and trustworthy
- Wise and focused
- Selfless and servant-hearted
- Committed to raising new leaders
Leave a lasting legacy.
12. Avoid Repeating Past Mistakes
Learn from history. Reflect on what caused the church’s decline in the first place, and don’t repeat those errors. Someone said, “The only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history.” Be intentional about breaking destructive patterns.
FINAL WORD:
No church is beyond hope. With God’s help, strong leadership, and spiritual discipline, any old or declining church can experience revival, growth, and divine restoration. Let us rise and build again!