Put Me in Coach
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this one is no exception. Leaders from across Ohio spent two days at the North American Mission Board (NAMB) receiving RePlant training led by Mark Clifton and his team.
Many of you have heard about revitalization and replanting for the past year or so. Please know that it is the desire of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) to see each church have a vibrant and healthy connection to their community and church family. Understand that church size is not the issue, church health is the issue.
What is meant by being vibrant and healthy? Maybe it is better answered by asking these questions;
- Are we recognized in the community?
- Are we seeing people come to faith in Christ on a regular basis?
- Are we using the baptistry at least once a month?
- Do we have a constant flow of guests every month?
- Do we have anything that connects us to the community?
- Do we know our neighbors around the church?
These are just a few of the things we discussed during our training at NAMB.
If you are wondering if your church is a candidate for revitalization or replanting, review the definitions below while considering the current state of your church.
Revitalization: existing church + existing leaders + existing structure + history + renewed/ new effort.
The supernatural work of God that restores health and vitality in a plateaued or declining church, evidenced by submission to God’s Word, right relationships among members and a renewed commitment to the Great Commission ministry.
RePlanting: new leader + new people + new structures/approaches + history
The process in which members of a church facing imminent closure discern God’s leadership to dissolve their current ministry and work with other churches or denominational bodies to begin a new church for a new season of ministry in their community.
If you are interested in pursuing the conversation further, contact Steve Hopkins (614-601-6820) or Dwayne Lee (614) 601-6824.
