Just curious. Why are you reading this article? Several possible reasons, I’m sure, but the reason may be your own church is in bad shape. It’s declining, which is a nice way of saying it is dying. You may be thinking about packing it in, turning the keys in, and walking away. But before you do, please consider one thing.

Maybe God isn’t done with your church yet.

I want to tell you a story about a church that was as close to death as any I know.

The Determination of A Declining Church

First Southern Baptist Church of Vera, had a history of problems. Back in 2018, they were down to two members, a married couple in their 90s, who literally kept the doors of the church open, a congregation that had only recorded one addition since 2005 and no baptisms.

Each Sunday morning, this couple would show up, unlock the front doors, and do a Bible study, with hopes that someone would walk in the door.

But no one did.

When you think about it, they were as close to death as a church can be. Jesus talked about two or three people gathering as enough for Him to be present. Well, He didn’t say one person. They were just one person away from not being a church anymore. But God had a plan for them.

The Arrival of A Renewal Pastor

And He was at work in the life of Gary Butler, a deacon at Skiatook, First, who also served in the area as a supply preacher. Another ministry leader who lived around Vera, Joe Rozzell, would talk to him about pastoring the church. Both Gary and his wife were of the mindset that said, “No way!”

But God can make a way where there is no way, even in our own hearts. And He loves to resurrect things that are dead and dying.

Butler finally agreed to go to Vera in 2018, and Joe went as well to lead the worship and serve as an associate pastor. God has done great work over the past seven years, which includes seeing 22 baptisms and 51
other additions.

This last Easter, the church had more than 60 people in attendance and average about 48 each Sunday. They hold two revivals a year, spring and fall, and God is at work in their midst reaching children in the area.

And just like with all church revitalizations, God gets the glory for all of it.

The Encouragement of Partnering Churches

There’s an old saying, “If you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, you know he had help getting there.”

Vera was helped by other churches in the area. Skiatook, First and Immanuel churches served both Gary and Joe and provided some initial leadership for the congregation. Ochelata, First served as their sponsor for them to join Washington-Osage Association in 2019.

Partnership takes a lot of different forms, just like the work of renewal God did at Vera won’t look exactly like the one He wants to do at your church.

So, don’t pack it in just yet. Don’t turn the lights off, drop off the keys at the associational office, and start looking for another church to join.

Maybe God’s not finished yet with your church. Call your associational DOM or AMS and tell him that you read this article, and you’d like to talk to him about it. If needed, I’d welcome the opportunity to join in the conversation. Let’s start praying about how God might write a new chapter for your church.