Leadership Journal

The statistic is quoted often: 85 percent of churches in the United States have plateaued or declining attendance. That's approximately 340,000 churches. In other words, 340,000 churches need a turnaround. How can they do it? And what skills are required?

That's what we wanted to know. So we invited churches that have witnessed a turnaround in attendance, finances, purpose, and/or spirit to participate. From the hundreds that responded, we chose 31 churches to study in depth. We then surveyed their pastors, lay leaders, and a sampling of members—761 respondents in all. We asked how it happened. And most important, If their churches could be renewed, can mine?

In this section, you'll read the accounts of five churches that exemplify "turnaround."

Connect with the Disconnected: Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Look Outward: Overlook Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Alabama.

No More Pastor-Driven Church: Calvary Bible Church in Rutland, Vermont.

From Survivalist to Serving Spirit: Calvary Baptist Church in Ball Ground, Georgia

Rebuilding Relationships: Britton Bethel Baptist in Britton, Michigan.

But first, the results of our survey.

Some turnarounds are dramatic: the fighting that divided a congregation and spoiled their reputation ends, and the church is suddenly alive and growing.

Some turnarounds are subtle: after decades of stagnant attendance and lackluster ministry, a pastor leads the people to find renewed purpose, and the winds of the Spirit move again.

All turnarounds are significant: the gospel is advanced by healthy churches. Yet even the more evangelistic denominations, focused on church planting, are battling inertia. Lyle Schaller's turn-of-the-millennium prediction is coming true: a few notable large churches are growing larger, but most churches, and almost all the smaller churches, are growing smaller.

In this environment, the successful rejuvenation of an existing congregation is newsworthy. Most of the pastors in the limelight these days are urban and suburban church founders who have shattered the paradigms. Fewer of the celebrated pastors have systematically reengineered plodding, low-energy congregations into healthy, resilient ministries. But such accomplishment, often quietly done and unnoticed because it takes a while, is worthy of celebration.

And study. Here's what we found:

What's the problem? How big is this problem? It depends on whom you ask.

...

For many turnaround leaders, the first step is helping the congregation admit there is a problem. But don't be surprised if pastor and parishioner have different views on the cause.

In our survey, respondents overall said, "aging congregation," "loss of vision," "loss of meaningful impact on the community," and "attendance" problems were the main evidences that turnaround was required. The "problems" graphic depicts the combined responses, ...