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.

There are presently 16 churches in the CRI ranging in size from 20 to over 100. Pastors and church leaders are working very hard to help their churches go through the process of revitalization.

If you are interested in getting involved in the CRI, contact the CRI Coordinator, Wally Holt, at 309-259-0065 or by e-mail at wallyholt63@gmail.com.

CRI Report

October 2024

We certainly have been blessed with a beautiful fall season. As we have been traveling through this beautiful time, we have had the great opportunity to usher in two new churches into the Church Revitalization Initiative: First Baptist Church, Stonington, under the leadership of Pastor Scott Parks and Bethel Baptist Church in Taylorville under the leadership of Pastor Steve Robinson. I look forward to starting the process of Revitalization with these two pastors and their churches. I also want to say that it is my privilege to have Pastor Jim Wolfe partner with me as we continue to grow our network of churches.

This month I would like to share with you what is happening at the First Baptist Church, Cordova.

Pastor Carmen Weaver says one of the most exciting things that she has seen: …is the creation of a dedicated “youth room.” This room was originally a meeting space with several bookshelves, tables, & odd and ends that accumulated through the years. Now it is a comfortable room that our middle and high school students have made their own with modern seating and lighting. The return of our youth group gatherings has been a joy and encouragement to our congregation.

Another exciting thing is that one of our committed young members has decided that he wants to serve the church by helping our trustees with the lawn care. This summer, the help with mowing the lawn was a much-needed help and it allowed others to see the gifts that God has given us in our children and youth.

Please continue to pray for our CRI pastors and their church leaders as they move their churches through Revitalization.

Wally Holt

CRI Coordinator