7 Lessons for Churches Not Experiencing Revival

A Word of Hope

• 💡 The potential for gain is greater than the potential to lose during times of historic change for the church.
• 🚀 The church, as Jesus's idea, has a proven history of surviving cultural upheaval and continuing its mission.

Mission Over Model

• 🎯 Churches that love their model more than their mission are at risk of dying, while those focused on the mission of reaching people will thrive.
• 🚗 Innovation in the model (like streaming music or adopting new transportation) is key to preserving the core mission, similar to how Kodak failed by clinging to its old methods.

Leading with Clarity

• 🧠 Churches that grow are those that lead with clarity on their mission, target audience, and methods.
• ✅ This clarity involves courageous focus and saying no to good opportunities to say yes to the best ones, drawing people to a compelling purpose.

The Enduring Gathered Church

• 🤝 The gathered church is here to stay, even as online and home church formats evolve; communal gatherings are essential for collective impact.
• 🌐 While online church can be a great front door, the communal aspect of the church is irreplaceable for what can be achieved together.

Selfless Discipleship Over Consumerism

• 🌟 Consumer Christianity, focused on personal preferences, is declining, while selfless discipleship is on the rise.
• 🌱 The church's true purpose is for the sake of others, requiring a shift from self-focus to a focus on Jesus and the world he loves.

Giving More Than Getting

• 🌍 Thriving churches will become radically outsider-focused, prioritizing what they can give to the community over what they receive.
• 🛠️ This involves supplementing words with deeds, focusing on evangelism, compassion, and serving people beyond Sunday through various communication channels.

Engagement Drives Attendance

• 📈 In the future, engagement will drive attendance, rather than the other way around.
• 💬 Churches should leverage technology to promote active participation and involvement in faith, not just passive consumption, as engaged people invite others and go deeper.