Corps Revitalization Guide: Helping Local Corps Thrive
Introduction
The Corps Revitalization journey is designed to empower leaders with resources, support, and community to seek God's will for ministry today and in the future. Lay leaders play a crucial role in this process, ensuring sustainability and growth.
Goals of Revitalization
Corps/Community Churches will:
- Connect with other churches and share the journey.
- Engage in studies, discussions, and workshops.
- Experiment and reflect on ministry practices.
- Set measurable progress goals.
- Strengthen community engagement and mission.
- Support corps officers/pastors in their development.
The Revitalization Journey
Support & Process:
- Corps receive guidance from Field Consultants, DHQ, and THQ.
- The process includes coaching, webinars, and small gatherings.
- A typical revitalization takes 3-5 years.
Steps:
- Contact – Corps officer reaches out to the Corps Mission Department.
- Clarify – Define ministry objectives and form an agreement.
- Contribution – Engage the congregation and create a timeline.
- Check-in – Regular progress reviews with leaders and Area Commanders.
Getting Started: The Pastoral Cohort
Purpose:A six-month preparatory phase for corps leaders, focusing on:
- Spiritual coaching
- Discernment skills
- Conflict management
- Revitalization process training
Three Movements of Revitalization
1️⃣ Spirituality (Church Health)
- Focus: Prayer, Bible study, and spiritual disciplines.
- Goal: Strengthen spiritual foundations before moving forward.
2️⃣ Community Connections (Missional Outreach)
- Focus: Understanding and serving the community.
- Goal: Align corps identity with God’s mission and discipleship.
3️⃣ Strategy (Sustainability & Future Planning)
- Focus: Leadership, discipleship structures, and long-term vision.
- Goal: Ensure a thriving and mission-focused corps beyond revitalization.
Key Considerations for Success
- Leadership and coaches set markers for movement progression.
- Corps leadership should meet regularly with revitalization coaches.
- Stability is key—officers should serve at least 5-7 years in revitalization corps.
- Annual spiritual growth weekends are encouraged.
- Celebration should be planned as the corps moves through each stage.
- THQ should provide expert support (spiritual directors, leadership coaches).
- Revitalization corps are exempt from the Annual Corps Review during the process.
Resources & Next Steps
A comprehensive set of revitalization materials is available here.
These resources cover discipleship, leadership, church planting, and more to support the journey.
"Don't let your church be a cul-de-sac on the Great Commission highway." - Ed Stetzer
