EP 13 Church Renewal - Biblical Target and Means

In this episode of the Ministry Rhythms Podcast, the team welcomes new Church Renewal Strategist Nick Lingle to unpack what true church renewal looks like—moving beyond strategy and structure to rekindle a deep, spiritual love for Jesus at the heart of congregational life. With insights from Andy Davis and practical reflections, the conversation centers on restoring spiritual health through biblical means.

Resources Mentioned:

• Revitalize by Andy Davis

• Gospel Way Catechism – Thomas West & Trevin Wax

• Falling in Love with Jesus – David Jackson (Free via NAMB)

 

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Episode Timeline & Key Moments:

[00:00 – 01:00] Welcome & Updates

• Hosts return after a hiatus

• Introduction of new staff: Nick Lingle, Church Renewal Strategist (Westwood Pastor, started June 1)

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[01:00 – 02:00] Why Church Renewal Matters

• 80% of SBC churches (including 151 locally) need some degree of renewal

• Renewal can be slight or extensive

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[02:00 – 03:30] Defining Church Renewal

• Andy Davis' Definition:

  “The effort to restore by biblical means, a once healthy church from a present level of disease to a state of spiritual health as defined by the Word of God.”

• Focus: Both means (biblical methods) and target (spiritual health)

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[03:30 – 05:00] Renewal vs. Church Planting

• Difference between building from scratch and restoring something broken

• Renewal requires reintroducing Scripture-based methods into stalled structures

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[05:00 – 07:30] The Heart of the Church

• Warning signs of needing renewal:

  • Activity without love (Revelation letters, especially Ephesus)

  • Doctrinal correctness but relational coldness

• Key question: "Has your love for God grown?"

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[07:30 – 09:30] Role of Worship & Affections

• Worship gatherings should magnify the risen Christ

• It’s not just about saying “good sermon,” but being moved by Jesus

• Leaders must evaluate and nurture affections, not just actions

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[09:30 – 12:00] Discipleship & Love for Jesus

• Renewal is hindered by deficient discipleship

• Resources mentioned:

  • Gospel Way Catechism by Thomas West & Trevin Wax

  • Rhythms: Worship, Scripture, daily spiritual discipline

• It's not about Sunday alone, but continual spiritual rhythms

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[12:00 – 14:30] What Crowds Out Spiritual Renewal

• Concerns like finances, facilities, and survival often take center stage

• Renewal must begin with spiritual vitality, not just strategic change

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[14:30 – 16:30] The Pastor’s Heart

• Healthy churches begin with healthy pastors

• Leaders must maintain their own vibrant walk with Christ

• Organizational skill ≠ Spiritual leadership

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[16:30 – 18:30] Being With Jesus

• Phrase from Tim Wheat (NAMB): “Be with Jesus”

• Pastors must be spiritually present—not just programmatically active

• Prioritizing time with Christ fuels authentic ministry

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[18:30 – 20:30] Lessons from a Child

• Nick shares a conversation with his 8-year-old daughter:

  • “I love Jesus, I think about him, and I want to please him.”

• A simple model for personal spiritual health

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[20:30 – 22:00] Final Thoughts & Resources

• Books mentioned:

  • Revitalize by Andy Davis

  • Falling in Love with Jesus by David Jackson (NAMB – free resource)

• Structural changes are helpful but secondary

• True renewal is spiritual—it begins with the heart

 

 

 

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