Revitalization or Replacement? Rethinking the "Missionary Mindset" in Dying Churches

"Can These Bones Live?" — A bold new series on reclaiming dead and dying churches through Spirit-led, Scripture-driven revitalization.

“Son of man, can these bones live?” — Ezekiel 37:3

There’s a rising wave of interest in church revitalization, and that’s something to thank God for. Once-neglected, aging churches are finally being talked about. Leaders are asking hard questions. Some are even rebranding their ministries to sound more focused on revitalization. But in the midst of this momentum, a troubling philosophy is quietly gaining traction: replacement over renewal.

I’ve recently heard several voices describe revitalization like this:

“Treat the church like a church plant. Don’t worry about the old members—go get new people. Start soulwinning, hold a tent meeting, update the logo, build a website, and get fresh energy into the room.”

There’s passion in those words. There’s urgency. And there’s even a little wisdom—after all, declining churches do need outreach, presence, and forward momentum. But this approach also reveals something far more dangerous: a theology of abandonment, not revitalization.

What’s Good in the “Missionary Mindset”

Let’s be fair. Some of the practical ideas are sound:

• Many churches do need a fresh outward focus.

• Visibility and accessibility matter in today’s culture.

• Outreach can infuse hope and energy into a discouraged congregation.

Treating a dead or dying church like a mission field isn’t wrong—it’s often right. But a missionary doesn’t just start something new—he learns the language, studies the area's history and culture, loves the people, and lays down his life for them.

What we’re hearing instead from some corners is a drive-by church planting approach applied to existing churches—with no real interest in shepherding the saints already there.

Why This Isn’t True Revitalization

Let’s think about this: Revitalization is not rebranding. It’s reformation. It’s not about bypassing the old guard to make room for the new crowd. It’s about calling God’s people—however many are left—to repentance, renewal, and faithfulness.

If you enter a struggling church and think:

“These people are dead weight. I’ll just go get new ones.”

…then you’re not a revitalizer—you’re a replacer. And that’s not biblical ministry.

Here’s why that approach is flawed:

1. It Dismisses the Power of the Word and Spirit

• God's Word is sufficient to transform even the coldest saint.

• If you believe only the lost can respond, you’ve lost faith in the sanctifying power of the Gospel.

  
  

2. It Ignores the Call to Shepherd

• Paul didn’t abandon the Corinthians. Christ didn’t cast off the Laodiceans.

• Faithful ministry doesn’t sidestep the sheep—it leads them patiently, even when they limp.

  
  

3. It Builds Crowds, Not Churches

• Getting new people into the building may lift your spirit—but it doesn’t revitalize a church.

• A church isn’t healthy just because it’s full; it’s healthy when it’s faithful.

  
  

4. It Breeds Bitterness Toward the Brethren

• When pastors start viewing older members as obstacles rather than disciples, resentment festers.

• This isn’t just ineffective—it’s unChristlike.

  
  

True Revitalization Requires a Different Spirit

So what does revitalization actually look like?

✔ Preach with tears, not just fire.

Be broken for the cold hearts. Feed them anyway. Stay longer than you want. Wait for the Word to do its work.

✔ Call for repentance and change—but don’t force it.

Some won’t come with you. That’s okay. But don’t assume none will. Some of the sweetest stories in revitalization come from long-dormant members coming back to life.

✔ Reach the lost—but not at the expense of the found.

Evangelism and shepherding aren’t enemies. They’re twins.

✔ Change structures—but not just for novelty.

Websites, logos, and cards matter—but they’re tools, not solutions. Don’t let cosmetic changes replace the deeper work of spiritual renewal.

Final Word: Don’t Abandon the Bones

If God sends you to a church where nothing’s moved in years, don’t just set up shop and start from scratch. Ask what Ezekiel asked: “Can these bones live?”

And then preach. Pray. Shepherd. Wait. Don’t replace them—revive them. Don’t bypass them—bless them. Don’t replant the tree—nourish its roots.

Revitalization is slow, sacred, frustrating, glorious work. But if you stay long enough and shepherd well enough, those bones might just rattle.