Fanning the Revitalization Flame

George Barna says that " a church cannot be turned around until a contingent (or remnant) of the people is so firmly committed to the ministry of the church that they will sacrifice almost anything for the good of the church, to the glory of God." It is no wonder that so many churches are struggling, the fire in the church has turned to smoldering ashes. Until the people of the church receive and recognize the vision and purpose that God has for that local congregation, nothing of any significance will happen. Bringing the church back to revitalization requires obedience to God’s vision. Church leaders or committees can develop a multitude of programs and activities. They can invest all kinds of money to make these productions or projects attractive and appealing. But human effort equals human results which is inadequate compared to God’s effort and God’s intended results. There is the answer to the problem, God must provide the fire. We must turn to the Father for our every need. Things may seem difficult for your church, but they are not impossible because God is on your side. God will help you and your church if we allow Him to rule and reign. I am reminded of Leviticus 6:13 which says, “A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.” This is the root of the problem plaguing most churches facing a decline. They do not tend the fire. One definition of “tend” is to apply oneself to the care of or to have or take charge of as a caretaker or overseer. God is telling the church that we must take care of, and stoke the heavenly fire that the Holy Spirit provides and brings to us. But we can be neglectful, and distracted, taking our eyes off the vision that God provides for us. When this happens, we must seek to rekindle those fires in our church. Somewhere in the beginning history of your church, the church that you attend or lead, someone had a vision and fire that God placed in them to start that church, in that place, at that time. It is time to reestablish and rekindle that fire. At some point, God placed a vision, and a burning desire in someone to start the church that you are leading now, to do ministry right there, in that spot. Often over time, that fire may grow cold or completely die out. But as long as you are seeking His will and being obedient to His instruction then the fire can be rekindled there. It can start with you. There are many factors that are involved in a church that has lost its fire. It doesn’t happen overnight or by deliberate decisions of neglect or disobedience. It can happen from time, routine, distractions, satisfaction with status quo, people getting older, and simply being tired from many years of work. No one consciously chooses to grow cold; it moves in slowly and without much notice. John records in Revelation 3:1-3: “These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” “Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain” is the key to the whole problem. Jesus says, “I know your works.” They were still doing things, but not the things that deliver life to them because Jesus continues by saying, “you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” like a coal removed from the fire. (Emphasis added). Starting and keeping a fire can be difficult work but the reward for such work can be unbelievable. There must be the right conditions and appropriate material for a fire to be strong and to burn hot. The wood must first be dry, not damp or wet for a fire to take off. Have you ever heard the phrase, “I don’t want to pour water on his or her wood”, meaning they don’t want to be an obstacle or hindrance to the plans of someone else. Anyone building a fire knows that you must start with dry kindling that will take the flame easily.