Revitalizing the Post-COVID Church in New England: Cultivating Vitality for Multiplication
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to various aspects of human life, behaviors, and relationships. It also messed with religious practices and how people approach services and gatherings. Churches worldwide had to adapt rapidly to new circumstances, finding innovative ways to maintain spiritual connections with their congregations while adhering to health and safety guidelines. As we move into a post-COVID era with lingering events still stirring, the church faces an opportune moment for revitalization and embracing fresh strategies for growth and multiplication. The Church must explore the intersection of post-COVID church revitalization, cultivating vitality, and the biblical imperative of becoming a multiplying church.
Understanding Post-COVID Church Revitalization
The term "post-COVID church" refers to the physical aftermath of the pandemic and the evolving dynamics of worship, community, and engagement. Revitalizing the church in this context involves reimagining spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach strategies. Adapting to technological advancements, enhancing online presence, and creating hybrid worship experiences for all people groups are essential to this hope of revitalization.
Resource: COVID Church: The Before & After Church (BAC) Attendance Growth Idea by Marnie Swedberg
Vitality is the life force that propels a church toward growth, impact, and multiplication. Cultivating vitality requires intentionally focusing on spiritual, relational, and missional aspects.
Spiritual Vitality: Drawing from the Bible, Psalm 1:2-3 emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's Word day and night, likening it to a tree planted by streams of water. Post-COVID church revitalization necessitates an unwavering commitment to scriptural teachings, prayer, and worship. Bible study groups, online devotionals, and virtual prayer meetings can foster spiritual growth even amidst social distancing.
Relational Vitality: Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the communal nature of the early church, characterized by devotion to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The post-COVID church can foster relational vitality through small group gatherings, virtual coffee chats, and mentorship programs. These interactions build a sense of belonging and provide avenues for mutual support and growth.
Missional Vitality: Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 underscores the importance of making disciples of all nations. A post-COVID church should refocus on its mission, engaging in community outreach, social justice initiatives, and global partnerships with all people groups. By meeting tangible needs and sharing the love of Christ, the church can demonstrate its relevance and impact. We are a “go-and-be” generation, not a “come and see” one.
Resource: Pray & Go: Your Invitation to Become a Great Commission Christian By Thom Rainer
Becoming a Multiplying Church: A Biblical Imperative
Multiplication is deeply rooted in the Bible's narrative. From the creation mandate (Genesis 1:28) to Jesus' multiplication of loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:13-21), multiplication is foundational. The post-COVID church has a unique opportunity to embrace this biblical imperative.
Spiritual Multiplication: In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul encourages Timothy to entrust what he has learned to faithful individuals who can, in turn, teach others. This principle of spiritual multiplication emphasizes the importance of discipleship and mentorship. Churches can create intentional disciple-making pathways and training that empowers believers to become spiritual mentors.
Leadership Multiplication: The early church's model of appointing leaders (Acts 6:1-7) demonstrates the need for multiplying leadership to meet the demands of a growing congregation. Post-COVID church revitalization includes identifying and equipping emerging leaders through leadership development programs, internships, and mentorships.
Church Planting and Expansion: The apostle Paul's missionary journeys serve as a model for church planting and expansion (Acts 13-14). The post-COVID church can embrace the call to plant new congregations in physical locations and through digital platforms, catering to diverse audiences.
Resource: Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im's Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply provides practical guidance for churches considering the path of multiplication.
The post-COVID era presents the church with a pivotal moment for revitalization and growth. Congregations can thrive and impact their communities by cultivating spiritual, relational, and missional vitality. Grounded in biblical imperatives, focusing on multiplication encourages the church to be a place of worship and a force for transformation. As churches navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new era, embracing a vision of becoming a multiplying church can guide their efforts toward a vibrant and impactful future.
Dr. Gary Moritz serves as the church revitalization director at the Baptist Churches of New England.
