If the church you serve were to close its doors today, would your community even notice?
The most recent studies are suggesting that now 88% - 91% of churches in are plateaued, declining, or dying. In fact, around 900 Southern Baptist Churches close their doors every year. That’s an alarming number but consider that because of COVID, those numbers are greatly exacerbated. Churches that were already beginning to show signs of decline are reaching a critical point quickly. But the church you serve doesn't have to die. The York Baptist Association, in conjunction with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and North American Mission Board, is committed to helping churches thrive within this current post-pandemic climate. We are here for you.
THERE IS HOPE FOR YOUR CHURCH
4 Pathways for Partnership
After the initial assessment, the York Baptist Revitalization Team will make a recommendation based upon your church's health and resources. The recommendation could include any of the following options.
pastoral cohort
If the established church is in a sustainable condition, the pastor can enter into a Revitalization Cohort in order to be better equipped to lead change that equates to the spiritual health of the church.
coached revitalization
If an existing church is in decline and acknowledges their future is in serious doubt, they can after the initial assessment, enter into a coached revitalization with the York Baptist Association Revitalization Team. This pathway would enact and implement significant and drastic changes in the decision-making processes, leadership style, and ministry approach of the declining church that will lead to long-term health and vitality.
Replant through fostering or adoption
If the existing church has run out of time and resources to engage in a protracted revitalization effort on their own or even at the hands of a revitalization coach, fostering or adoption may be required. The declining church may agree to be fostered for a defined time or permanently adopted by a stronger, healthier church plant or established church. Through a defined mutual agreement, the struggling church accepts leadership, guidance and in some cases resources. The
goal is to reestablish vitality so the church has greater kingdom impact.
Reinvestment
When the existing church no longer has the resources to sustain itself and fostering or adoption are not an option, the declining church closes with dignity and donates its building and assets to an approved Southern Baptist church plant or a Southern Baptist partner, such as the local association or state convention.