Rebuilding Trust in Revitalization

Dying or plateaued churches are often recovering from disengaged or morality-compromised leadership. Revitalization leaders must use wisdom and patience to garner trust from the remaining members. There are seven strategic steps every leader can employ to regain trust.

1. Be a good listener. Ask meaningful questions. Do not assume you know the concerns and fears of the congregation. When having conversations about the future of the church, listen to understand, not to respond. You do not have to agree with everyone’s assessment, but it is important that they feel heard.

2. Demonstrate humility. Congregations do not expect leaders to know everything. Humility in leadership is more important than the appearance of confidence. It is always appropriate to demonstrate confidence in God and the giftings of the congregation but leaders should avoid the appearance of prideful naivety.

3. Vocalize and live your values. Spiritual leadership must be seen as ethical and righteous. Avoid stretching the truth, taking shortcuts, morally questionable activity, or allowing members to witness your short temper. Church congregations are looking for pastors who can lead them to heaven. Regardless of the compromise among membership, leaders are held to a higher standard. Pastors must live their values.

4. Have difficult transparent, but inspiring conversations. The remaining members are often slow to grasp the desperate condition of the church. Incoming revitalization leaders should share a realistic assessment of the church, but present a recovery plan that is inspirational and practical.

5. Exhibit compassion for others. New leaders should look for pragmatic ways to show compassion. The early months of church revitalization will be filled with difficult decisions and conversations. Wise leaders identify the most influential people in the congregation and work to gain their favor. In Mark 6:34 Jesus was “was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.” The influence of revitalization leaders is built on the substratum of understanding and compassion. Leaders must be trusted to lead a church through revitalization. Compassionate leaders adjust their behavior to meet the needs of their congregation.

6. Be spiritual. Revitalization leaders should inspire others with their commitment to prayer, worship, and devotion. Pastors who demonstrate strong Biblical and spiritual competency will be trusted to make difficult decisions.

7. Develop and deliver systematic and dynamic teaching series. Members should feel like they are growing spiritually through the word. Systematic teaching and preaching give members a sense of progressive learning and build confidence in their leadership.

- Robert L. McKee