Signs of Hope: How Declining Rural United Methodist Churches Can Be Revived

Abstract

Rural churches hold a special place in their communities. They are part of the social center and when these churches are strong, they make their communities even stronger. Conversely, when these rural churches decline, their communities are weakened and social and spiritual connections are lost, making revival of these churches of utmost importance. This thesis explores the best practices and key factors that promote revival of declining rural United Methodist churches in eastern North Carolina. It includes research on the history and current problem of church decline, case studies on once-declining churches that have begun a turnaround, and various perspectives on what revival means. This research has been done by sending out surveys, conducting Zoom interviews, and making phone calls. Several best practices with related key factors that foster revival are described. Also, a closer look at one local congregation that has gone through a slight decline in past years is presented. Ultimately, there is hope for declining rural churches. It is not just wishful thinking for a church to be revived. Revival is defined as the church coming to life again. It involves celebrating the gifts of the church, refocusing on the ways that God is at work, intentionally growing in the spiritual disciplines and strengthening the relationship that the local church has with its community through engagement and outreach. When these steps occur, God can do amazing things through the rural church.