Church Revitalization Initiative (CRI)

About the CRI

The Church Revitalization Initiative is designed to come beside committed pastors and church leaders who are willing to do what it takes to revitalize their church. We know that we are living in difficult times; that is why we want to be of assistance to you. The regional staff and the CRI Coordinator have put together a process that we think will help you and we have also put together a team of qualified people to assist you in your area(s) of need. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have people who are willing to assist you.

The Church Revitalization Initiative (CRI) is designed to support pastors and lay leaders to use prayer, the gifts of the Spirit, written resources, and personal coaching to strengthen and revitalize churches seeking guided direction. There is no cost whatsoever to churches who choose to take part in CRI.

CRI Report December 2025

I heard incredible story about a little boy, and I would like to share it with you. It was the day
after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.
Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do
so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the little baby Jesus. Pastor Mike
walked up to Jimmy and said, “Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little baby?” Jimmy replied, “I
got him from church.” “And why did you take him? “With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, “Well, about a
week before Christmas I prayed to the little baby Jesus. I told him if he brought me a red wagon
for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.” How is your advent season going? Is
it full of joy or maybe someone or something has stolen your joy this advent season. This season
can really be difficult for some, so I want to encourage you to look to the savior with great joy
and anticipation. To me this season is not just about celebrating the birth of our savoir but also
looking forward to his return. And when he returns, we can give him something special which would
be our hearts.
It has been my pleasure this year to be working with a trusted friend and colleague, Jim Wolfe, in
the CRI ministry. Below is what he has to say about his role in CRI.
In January of this year, it was my pleasure to join the ABCGRR staff as assistant to CRI
Coordinator, Pastor Wally Holt. In this role I present CRI to interested pastors and churches,
provide periodic follow-up and support to pastors. Pastor Wally and I meet on a regular basis to
discuss the ministries of the churches in CRI and plan and promote the annual CRI retreat. We
engage in thoughtful discussion and prayer for the churches in CRI.