Building a Basic Team for Church Revitalization
- Brent Madaris
- May 26
- 3 min read
When a church is on the brink of death—attendance in the single digits, buildings in disrepair, and a history marked by decline—it’s tempting to think that a strong solo pastor can fix it all. But biblical revitalization is not a solo act. It’s a team mission, rooted in relationships, resilience, and long-term vision.
We don’t have to guess at the model. We see it clearly in Scripture.
Jesus Had a Team. So Did Paul.
Jesus called twelve to walk with Him. This team changed the world. Paul traveled with Silas, Barnabas, Timothy, Luke, Titus, and others. These teams changed the world. Ministry in the New Testament was team-based. Gospel advance happened through community.
Likewise, revitalizing a dying church is less about being a hero and more about forming a healthy, Spirit-filled team. And the best teams begin with a few committed families—a threefold cord that, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “is not quickly broken.”
Why a Team-Based Approach Works in Revitalization
It models healthy church life to a congregation that’s lost its sense of biblical fellowship.
It spreads the burden of ministry across multiple homes, not just one pulpit.
It creates momentum by providing visible life and energy in a small congregation.
It protects the pastor from burnout in emotionally heavy, slow-growth seasons.
The Threefold Cord: A Basic Revitalization Team
Here’s a proven model: the revitalizer plus two or three families. Each plays a distinct but overlapping role, forming a base of strength and momentum.
1. The Lead Revitalizer (Pastor/Elder)
The pastor provides theological direction, preaches the Word, and shepherds the flock. He’s not just managing a building—he’s laying gospel foundations and cultivating spiritual life.
Key Traits:
Patient and prayerful
Biblically sound and mission-minded
Willing to stay long and love deep
2. The Administrative & Hospitality Family
This family brings organization, stability, and warmth. They often handle:
Communication, bookkeeping, and follow-up systems
Meal coordination, greeter ministry, and member care
Helping establish structure and safety for newcomers
Their ministry often begins behind the scenes but ends up shaping the culture.
3. The Outreach & Kids/Youth Family
This family reaches outward. They breathe life into the community side of the church by:
Leading outreach efforts (door knocking, social media, local events)
Launching children’s classes or youth/family connection points
Attracting and modeling young family engagement
They often serve as the bridge between the church and the neighborhood.
The Power of Three
When these three pieces come together, they form a base for long-term renewal. You don’t need a dozen people to start. But you do need a team.
A threefold cord is not quickly broken. And a team unified in heart, humble in service, and faithful to Christ can begin to rebuild even the most broken of churches.
What Does It Look Like in Practice?
Sunday: Worship service led by the revitalizer, hospitality family setting the tone, outreach family working with kids, or greeting guests
Midweek: Team gathers for prayer and planning
Saturday: Community engagement, small outreach projects, local service
Monthly: Fellowship meals, family discipleship, and momentum-building events
It’s not flashy. It’s faithful. And over time, God blesses faithfulness.
Final Encouragement: Don’t Go Alone
If you’re stepping into revitalization, ask the Lord to send laborers. Don’t walk in alone—walk in like Paul, with a team committed to gospel renewal.
Whether you’re the revitalizer or a family considering joining one, know this: there is no greater joy than watching God breathe life into a dying church through the humble work of a few faithful families.
Are You Interested in Joining or Forming a Revitalization Team?
Contact us to learn more about building a healthy core team for your revitalization mission. Whether you’re a pastor, family, or church wanting to support this work—we’d love to connect.
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