Pastor Evan Rose -- Church Health -- 6/17/2025

Renewed Together: What It Takes to Renew a Church

Church renewal isn’t about programs or hype—it’s about God reviving His people. Here’s how renewal begins in us, through us, and for His glory.

What Does It Take to Renew a Church?

Not long ago, someone asked, “Can a church really come back to life?” My answer? Absolutely—because God is in the business of breathing life into what feels dry or dormant.

Renewal isn’t a gimmick. It’s not about louder music or better coffee. It’s about God doing what only He can do: waking up hearts, strengthening hands, and uniting people for His mission. And here’s the good news—it doesn’t start with “someone else.” It starts with us.

1. Renewal Begins With Prayer

“Will you not revive us again so that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6)

Every renewal in history started the same way: people got on their knees. They didn’t just ask God to fix things—they asked Him to change them. When we pray, “Revive us,” we’re not just talking about the church—we’re talking about our own hearts.

Let’s be a praying church. Not just for problems to be solved, but for God’s presence to be known among us.

2. Renewal Grows Through Unity

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

God uses churches where people are devoted—not just to programs, but to each other. Unity doesn’t mean we all look the same or think the same. It means we’re pulling in the same direction, for the same mission: to make much of Jesus.

Every person matters in a renewed church. When each part does its job—serving, praying, giving, welcoming—something beautiful happens.

3. Renewal Bears Fruit Over Time

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Revival isn’t always flashy. Often, it looks like faithfulness—week after week, month after month. It’s a member inviting a neighbor. A deacon visiting someone who’s hurting. A child learning a Bible verse. An older saint mentoring someone younger.

Fruit takes time to grow. But when we keep showing up, God keeps working.

4. Renewal Attracts the Watching World

“They praised God and enjoyed the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number…”(Acts 2:47)

When a church is renewed, people notice—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s alive. In a world full of noise and distraction, a worshiping, praying, loving church shines like a light on a hill.

That’s why our renewal matters—not just for us, but for our neighbors, friends, and family who need the hope of Jesus.

Let’s Keep Saying “Yes” to Renewal

God isn’t done with our church. The best days of Lake Hills—or any church—aren’t behind us. They’re ahead, as we keep saying “yes” to what God is doing among us.

So let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep praying, serving, inviting, and loving.
And let’s trust that the God who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.

You are loved. And you are part of what God is doing.