Church Revitalization (Part 1)
- Nov 13, 2025
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions I get is: What do you see yourself doing in Greece?
Well, my quick answer is: Church Revitalization.
Why? Because I see a great need in my home country. When I look at the map of Greece, I count more than 20 evangelical churches that were once healthy and thriving—now either on the verge of closing or steadily declining. In a country where only 0.2%[1] of the population is considered evangelical (and where the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ is largely unknown), that’s huge!
However, I know I don’t have to walk this path alone. In God’s providence, there are always those who have gone before us. As the saying goes, we are standing on the shoulders of giants. Recently, the Lord brought Daniel Grell into my life—a man who has helped in the past struggling churches find new life. He shared with me some valuable guidelines for those interested in understanding what Church Revitalization is and how it differs from Church Planting.
Daniel:
Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of having a one-on-one conversation with Kostas Trigkas. It was then that I learned what God had planned for him when he returned to Greece, the country of his birth. God’s plan was that he begins the work that is called Church Restoration and Revitalization[2]. He shared there were many evangelical churches in Greece that had declined in church members, lost their way in the ministry direction they should pursue, and now sat on the “side line” patiently waiting for the time to literally close the door of their church for the last time and cease to be a witness for Christ in the community in which they were located.
During our time together, Kostas asked me about the various ministries God had brought me to. I shared that most of the ministries God had led me to had all been ministries that had various levels of needed CR&R. It was from this conversation that he asked that I share some reflections—important elements of this type of ministry that should be included in a plan for CR&R. Were there “do’s and don’ts” for this type of ministry?
When comparing the ministry of Church Revitalization to Church Planting, there is one major difference. With CR&R, you normally have a building you can use and a group of people to work with you and help in the ministry of CR&R.[3]
However, this can be both positive and negative. It is because these two factors can work both ways that I offer the following reflections from the various ministries God has given me over the years.
Focus on the True Savior
When you arrive at your ministry, do not portray yourself as their new Messiah, nor encourage them to think of you as such. Keep the focus on Jesus. Point them to Him—He’s the only Messiah.
Avoid presenting yourself as a “know-it-all,” and do not spend your time criticizing everything you think is wrong. Remember, the people of the church have been working hard and investing their lives and finances. Everything you see was started by someone who invested their “sweat and blood.” Someone owns those things. If you come in with a “slash-and-burn” mentality, you will burn bridges before you even start. You might as well turn around and leave.
Be Patient
Take your time. CR&R should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.
The present condition of the church didn’t happen overnight. In most cases, it has taken many years for the church to reach its current state. Therefore, the work of CR&R will also take time. You need to understand how the church arrived at this point.
Get to Know the People
Get to know the people God has called you to serve as their shepherd. It’s important to ask questions—questions about their family, their conversion, their spiritual journey, and how they have served in the life of the church. Understanding how they have served will give you insight into the ministry areas that matter most to them. This information will help you know whom you need to win over if a ministry area requires change.
Stay connected for Part 2!
In the meantime, here are some things you can be praying for Greece:
For more people to start reading their Bibles
For a thirst for the gospel
For a nationwide Christ-centered, true repentance.
[1] According to EFCA/ReachGlobal. Read it here.
Taken from ReachGlobal's booklet about the countries they currently have missionaries at. (Attached below)
[2] Throughout this article, Church Restoration and Revitalization shall be referred to as CR&R.
[3] In contrast, Church Planting lacks these two significant advantages—a building and a group of people already in place. These take time—sometimes years—to develop, and in some cases, they may never fully materialize.
