Ten Critical Barriers to Church Revitalization—and How to Overcome Them

by Bart L. Denny

Church revitalization is never easy. There are no silver bullets, quick fixes, or one-size-fits-all strategies. But if we’re honest, the root issue in most struggling churches isn’t a lack of programs or people—it’s a lack of Gospel focus. When Jesus Christ is no longer central, everything else begins to drift.

The path forward must be prayerful and Spirit-dependent, marked by repentance and renewed devotion to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Only when we place Christ and His mission at the center of our church’s life can true revitalization begin.

Below are ten of the most common barriers that keep churches from moving forward—along with general remedies to help overcome them.

1. Resistance to Change

Long-standing traditions and deeply ingrained preferences often create powerful resistance to change. Many congregants fear that letting go of the past means abandoning what’s sacred. But revitalization isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about realigning with the mission of Christ.

The Remedy: Communicate the "why" behind the change. Invite congregants into the process. Model flexibility. Teach the biblical precedent for transformation and adaptation in mission (see Acts 10–11). Encourage a culture that values mission over comfort.

2. Lack of Vision and Leadership

Without a compelling vision and courageous leadership, revitalization stalls before it starts. Drifting churches need more than maintenance—they need mission clarity and leaders who can guide the body toward renewal.

The Remedy: Develop a shared vision rooted in Scripture. Cast it clearly and consistently. Identify and empower leaders who embody servant-hearted courage and spiritual maturity.

3. Limited Resources

Many revitalizing churches face tight budgets and shallow volunteer pools. It can be disheartening—but scarcity often drives creativity and dependence on God.

The Remedy: Maximize what you have. Steward people, finances, and facilities with wisdom. Look beyond your church for partnerships, support, and training. Remind your church that loaves and fish, when placed in Jesus’ hands, can feed multitudes (John 6:1–13).

4. Inability to Attract and Retain New Members

If guests don’t return—or never come at all—revitalization efforts stall. Outreach, hospitality, and meaningful follow-up are non-negotiables.

The Remedy: Prioritize evangelism and relational outreach. Create a welcoming atmosphere. Develop a discipleship pathway that helps people not just connect, but grow into spiritually mature, missionally minded members.

5. Poor Communication

When communication is unclear, inconsistent, or top-down, trust erodes and momentum dies. Transparency is vital in seasons of change.

The Remedy: Establish open, honest, and consistent communication channels. Share updates regularly. Involve members in decisions where possible. Communicate not just the “what,” but the “why” and the “how.”

6. Inadequate Training and Development

Revitalization requires equipped people. But in many churches, the pipeline for leadership and discipleship is broken—or nonexistent.

The Remedy: Offer regular training. Teach people how to lead, serve, and share their faith. Create mentoring relationships. Embrace a long-term view of discipleship and leadership development (2 Tim. 2:2).

7. Demographic Disconnect

Your church cannot reach a community it doesn’t understand. Churches that don’t reflect the people around them struggle to grow.

The Remedy: Study your community. Know its demographics, challenges, and rhythms. Develop ministries and outreach strategies that reflect and serve your neighbors. Build bridges across generations, ethnicities, and cultures—especially in increasingly diverse communities.

8. Location and Facilities

A church’s building and location can either draw people in or push them away. While location is largely unchangeable, its stewardship is not.

The Remedy: View your address as part of God’s calling. Keep your building clean, safe, and accessible. Improve what you can with excellence and intentionality, even on a small budget. Create warm and inviting spaces—especially for children and guests.

9. Outdated Programs and Practices

Some traditions breathe life into a congregation. Others just drain it. Programs that once served a need may now hinder it.

The Remedy: Evaluate regularly. Ask hard questions. Is this ministry bearing fruit? Does it serve your mission, or just your memories? Prioritize efforts that align with Gospel purpose and current community needs. Especially pay attention to children's ministries and young families.

10. Infighting and Conflict

Disunity is one of Satan’s most effective tools. Gossip, turf wars, and unresolved tension can paralyze a church.

The Remedy: Preach and practice biblical unity. Address conflict quickly and redemptively (Matt. 18:15–17). Foster a culture of grace, respect, and mutual submission. Model Christlike humility from the top down.

The Deeper Problem—and the Real Hope

Let’s be clear: revitalization isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about refocusing our churches on Jesus.

Change will always bring opposition—especially from those who confuse personal preference with sound doctrine. But much of what struggling churches defend isn’t biblical orthodoxy—it’s just comfort. True revitalization, ironically, often involves returning to the actual essentials of the faith: loving God, loving others, and making disciples.

It’s hard work. It’s often slow. But it’s holy—and the Holy Spirit delights in breathing life into dry bones.

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About the Author

Bart L. Denny is a retired U.S. naval officer and serves as the lead pastor of Pathway – A Wesleyan Church in Saranac, Michigan. After entering ministry, he served on the staff of a large church in Florida and later led a struggling church through revitalization. Bart holds a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership, as well as Th.M. and M.Div. degrees from Liberty University. He teaches online seminary courses and is a certified Church Consultant and Church Revitalization Specialist.