Pastors Need This Too

“Church revitalization does not happen much, but it does happen sometimes. I have been struck by how infrequently it actually occurs.”
 —  (Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches)

A church planter assessment took place in Toronto last week. Eight candidate couples settled in for the three-day process. The assessment team had identified the key characteristics of an effective church planter, as well as some possible issues to avoid. The assessment team knew what they were doing, having worked with scores of planting couples before. The whole process was rigid but filled with grace, and honest feedback was given.

Since becoming a church planter, I’ve been impressed by the assessment, training, and coaching offered to church planters. It’s needed; in fact, we need more.

What boggles my mind is that so little of this is available to pastors who are called to revitalize an existing church. I’ve never seen an assessment process for a revitalizer, nor do I see a lot of ongoing support. I’d argue that it’s just as needed for revitalizers as it is for church planters.

“Every church leader needs a coach,” writes Scott Thomas. What would it look like for pastors, not just planters, to get the assessment, training, and coaching they need?