Revitalization is defined as " the act or an instance of bringing something back to life, public attention, or vigorous activity" by the online Merriam Webster dictionary (as found here ). Synonyms include: rebirth, regeneration, renewal, resurgence, and revival. Antonyms are listed as: death, expiration, and extinction.

A watchword in ecclesiastical circles is to think and to talk about church revitalization. It is easy to understand why. We hope to bring our local congregations "back to life, to public attention, and to more vigorous activity." We hope to avoid thinking of our congregations as dead, expired, or extinct.

Over the past 6 months or so, there have been conversations between the Growth Ministry Council, the Vitality Ministry Council, and the Center for Congregational Leadership on how to help our churches in a "church revitalization project." While these conversations are preliminary there are some themes that have emerged. First, how can we help our churches understand what revitalization is and what it may not be. Then, how can we help the churches engage in thinking about their unique place of ministry in their community. Finally, can we suggest some things that would be helpful for our churches to do that could help lead to revitalization.

There will be more planning to this project, but stay tuned. This looks to be something of importance for our local churches and a way that the NACCC can help support the ministry of our local churches.