Stop Searching for a Silver Bullet Pastor: What Declining Churches Really Need

by Bart Denny

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, the crisis of declining churches in America wasn’t new—it just accelerated the inevitable. Honestly, I tend to disregard 2020 – 2022 when measuring decline because of how chaotic those years were. But let’s be real: if your church had higher attendance and stronger giving in March 2020 than it does in March 2024—and we’re not talking just a slight dip—you’re in decline. If your children’s ministry was once thriving but now you’re lucky to gather a handful of kids each Sunday, you’ve declined. Your church needs revitalization.

Sure, church health isn’t measured by numbers alone. Are you evangelizing? Are you making disciples? Are you reaching your community with the hope of Jesus? If the answers to those questions aren’t a resounding yes, you’re not just declining—you’re in danger.

Kicking the Can… Until It’s Too Late

Maybe your church has started to face the music. Maybe you’ve taken bold steps toward revitalization—good on you! But let’s not kid ourselves—most churches don’t make changes until the situation is urgent. Often, the urgency is only clear when it’s nearly too late. By then, the congregation is aging, the building’s crumbling, and the only thing growing is the list of “used-to-be's.”

Thom Rainer, in his book Autopsy of a Deceased Church, observed that dying churches often become “pastor eaters”—resisting change until every attempt at revival ends in frustration or forced resignation.

The COVID Fallout: Pastoral Turnover & Congregational Conflict

The pandemic only made things worse. Pastors were exhausted by the whiplash of decisions, conflict over masks, hybrid worship models, and polarizing politics. It felt like no matter what choice you made, half the church threatened to leave. Many pastors did leave—and many churches are still scrambling to find their next leader.

Declining Churches and the Myth of the Silver-Bullet Pastor

Here’s the fantasy: “If we just hire the right pastor, everything will turn around.”

Daniel Im has rightly said there are no silver bullets in ministry. But declining churches often cling to the idea that the perfect pastor is out there—the one magical hire who will single-handedly grow the church, fill the pews, energize the youth, attract young families, and bring back the glory days.

So, search committees delay and delay, hunting for that mythical leader. They pass over deeply qualified, spiritually mature candidates because they don’t fit the imagined mold: a photogenic, seminary-educated 38-year-old with three small children, a worship-leading wife, and just enough experience to seem seasoned but not enough to seem “set in his ways.”

It’s not just an unrealistic expectation—it’s often blatant age discrimination, and it’s hurting the Church.

Real Story, Real Consequences

Take my friend Tanner (not his real name). A gifted young pastor in his mid-30s with a wife and young kids, Tanner took on a solo pastorate at a declining church near his seminary, agreeing that either party could walk away after six months. Six months in, he walked.

Why? Because the congregation expected Tanner’s family to magnetically attract young families—without making any changes themselves. They wanted revitalization without sacrifice. They assumed his wife would fill worship roles and his kids would populate the children’s ministry. They had no plan to connect with newcomers or disciple the next generation. The burden fell entirely on Tanner—and his LEGO was full.

Wait—His What?

One of my former pastors used to say, “We’ve only got so many nubs on our LEGO.” In other words, every person can manage only a limited number of close relationships. Even the most outgoing pastor can’t sustain every connection, disciple every new believer, and maintain every friendship. If the church doesn’t engage and “click in” their own LEGO pieces—building meaningful connections with newcomers—those newcomers will drift away. Worse, the pastor and his family may stop reaching out altogether.

Too many churches have chewed up and spit out “silver-bullet” pastors who never stood a chance. After a couple of years (often less), the pulpit is vacant again, and the church gains a fresh reputation as a pastor eater.

I’ve Done the Research: Silver Bullets Don’t Work

For my doctoral dissertation, I interviewed 11 solo or senior pastors who successfully revitalized smaller, declining evangelical churches. I analyzed their discipleship practices—but I also looked at their demographics, education, and experience.

How many fit the “silver-bullet” profile?

One. Just one.

The other ten were older—two over 50. All were second-career pastors. Most were military veterans—tough, tenacious, mission-driven leaders who didn’t flinch at resistance. Eight had graduate degrees; seven were pursuing or already held doctorates. They were smart, steady, and deeply committed. They weren’t flashy, but they were faithful—and most search committees would never have given them a second glance.

Let’s Be Honest About Ageism

Sam Rainer is right: too many older pastors—still full of energy and passion—are overlooked. Some committees assume older pastors can’t connect with younger generations. That’s simply not true.

As a pastor in my 50s, I’ve loved leading young adults, building contemporary services, and mentoring college students. That’s real multigenerational ministry. While churches chase silver bullets, they miss seasoned, humble, resilient leaders who could build a solid foundation for the future.

What Should Search Committees Do?

• Face Reality with Urgency. Decline rarely reverses by itself. Don’t act like any pastor would be lucky to serve you. The right pastor is making a sacrifice to come.
• Stop Believing in Silver Bullets. No pastor can revitalize a church alone. If the congregation isn’t willing to change, the most gifted preacher in the world won’t save it.
• Refuse to Commit Ageism. A 55-year-old pastor isn’t old. He can lay a foundation that sets the next young pastor up for long-term success.
• Look for Character Over Charisma. You don’t need trendy; you need tenacious. Find a pastor who will preach, pray, love, and stay.
• Create a Foundation for Young Leaders. Bring in a younger pastor only after you’ve empowered next-gen leaders to truly lead.
• Educate Yourself on Church Revitalization. Start with Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton and Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer.

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About the Author

Bart L. Denny, Ph.D., Th.M. is the lead pastor of Pathway — A Wesleyan Church in rural Ionia County, Michigan. A retired U.S. Navy officer and former coastal patrol ship commander, Bart also serves as an adjunct instructor in Grand Canyon University’s College of Theology. He is passionate about church revitalization, leadership development, and empowering the next generation of ministry leaders. Connect with him at LinkedIn or read more of his work at BartDenny.blogspot.com.