10 ways to pursue renewal as a pastor

At the end of a long, difficult season, many of us need renewal. Pastor, church renewal starts with you. If you are not renewed and refreshed, it will be difficult for you to lead your church to renewal. Begin the work of personal renewal by taking the following ten steps.

1. I will stop denying and making excuses. 

Making a change starts with admitting the need to change. Begin by making a list of areas that need immediate change and working through the change with another Christ-follower. If you need help, reach out. Your BCNE staff and network are here for you.

2. I will trust in God’s provision. 

Jesus is still alive and building His church. Even if your church is going through a rough spot, you are the beloved Bride of Christ, and God wishes to use everything from your story for his honor. It does not matter how you start, but how you finish.

3. I will care again. 

Negativity can prevent you from fulfilling God’s calling in your life. Look at your attitude. Your attitude, not your aptitude, always dictates your altitude in life. Look to the Gospel, remember your mission, and recognize God’s provision. Then share the hope you have so that others catch your passion and find life again.  

4. I will be a pioneer, not a settler.

You can choose to settle for what you have or be a pioneer leading your church in a bright, new direction. It’s time to develop a sense of urgency. Develop a Kingdom of vision of what your church could look like with a laser focus on growing in Christ and sharing the Gospel.

5. I will embrace the future. 

Letting go of the past can be challenging. However, looking ahead is exciting. As pastors we should honor the past but embrace the future. One slight nudge can lead to a significant change in momentum. The first shift is in developing a personal attitude of “I can’t, but God can.”

6. I will focus on renewal over resistance. 

Resistance occurs when minor opposition impedes significant renewal. Don’t let this stop you from building change for the next generation and giving the entire church a hopeful future. Facing opposition and critics is normal. Find a small group of people who want a God-sized vision for their church, and others will follow. 

7. I will demonstrate commitment, not control. 

A few committed people can build momentum. Even though you’re the pastor, you don’t have to hold everything. Delegate, and release others to move ahead with your blessing. Your most important job is to live out the commitment you want others to have.

8. I will build a team. 

Take the time to pull some of the most committed people from your church into a room and dream again with them. Encourage them to get on board with build something that is going to outlast all of you. Better yet, have someone from outside the church who has already walked the path of renewal share their story and inspire your people to see what God can do.

9. I will choose church longevity over my legacy. 

The church’s long-term ability to multiply and reproduce disciple-makers should be the focus, not awaiting a retirement package. Be a leader who is willing to make needed changes instead of leaving it for “the next guy.” 

10. I will follow God’s calling.

Remember that God’s call keeps you and drives you. Without a call from God, you will ultimately quit. Go back to your call to follow Christ when you feel discouraged and look with joy to the new journey ahead.

Bonus option

Jesus has come to make things new, and that includes both you and your church. If you’re ready for renewal but need some time to think, plan and dream with other Christ-followers, we encourage you to consider joining the BCNE Church Growth Team for a renewal retreat. Email rbarnett@bcne.net to start the conversation.

Gary Mortiz serves as the church revitalization director at the Baptist Convention of New England.