How to regain morale and momentum, if you're so inclined.

Pastoring a declining church can feel like trying to ski uphill during an avalanche.

On Sunday morning you see more and more empty spaces in the pews. The remaining members see it and try not to mention it, but you can sense their heaviness. Board meetings are consumed by bad news and difficult belt-tightening decisions. The fat has already been cut; now you're cutting into muscle.

Can anything be done to reverse the sense of futility, to bring new vigor to the demoralized?

I once became the pastor of a declining church. Nevertheless several years later, although the economy and circumstances of the area had not improved, our church had reversed its slide. Here are some of the factors God used to bring about the change.

Positively persevere

Our church had the blues. The previous pastor was asked to leave. The church had a reputation, and no one in the denomination had jumped at the chance to be their pastor.

When I came, I quickly realized ...