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 309-259-0065Opens in a new window or by e-mail at wallyholt63@gmail.com.
October 29 @ 2:04 pm
CRI Report
September 2024
As we continue to work with Pastors and church leaders of American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region, I find one particularly important trait that stands out in these leaders and that is their attitude. Let me explain. In his book, Great Attitudes, Chuck Swindoll says: I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a daily basis is my choice of attitude. The secret of a great attitude is choice. A boy was playing baseball alone and was heard saying, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world.” He tossed the ball into the air, swung, and missed. “Strike one!” Undaunted, he picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, “I’m the greatest hitter ever,” and he swung at the ball again. And again, he missed. “Strike two!” He paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. Then, a third time, he threw the ball into the air. “I’m the greatest hitter who ever lived,” he said. He swung the bat hard again, missing a third time. He cried out, “Wow! Strike three – what a pitcher! I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!” Like the little boy in the story, our attitude can keep us going or it can cripple our progress. When our attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too radical, no challenge too large for us. The apostle Paul, in his personal letter to the church at Philippi, didn’t mince words when it came to attitudes. Although the church at Philippi, for the most part was a happy and peaceful group of believers, they had a few personality issues creating problems that could hinder the church moving forward for Christ. Knowing how unproductive that would be, Paul came right to the point of the problem – their attitudes. Philippians 2:1-2 (NLT) 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. What does all of that mean? Well, let’s take a careful look at the scripture. There is encouragement in the Person of Christ. There is love. There is also plenty of “fellowship of the spirit” for us believers to enjoy. The same can be said about affection and compassion. Heaven is full and running over with these things, even though earth is pretty bleak at times. So, Paul pleads for us to tap into that positive, encouraging stockroom. Paul is telling us to take charge of our own mind, which is clearly a command – a commandment from God. Again, quoting Charles Swindoll. “We Christians have a God-given ability to put our minds on those things that build up, strengthen, encourage, and help ourselves and others. “Do that” commands the Lord. Thoughts, positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition. That may explain why so many who are gloomy and gray stay in that mood, and why those who are cheery and enthusiastic continue to be so. As a fellow believer in Christ, let me encourage you to take charge of your mind and emotions today. Let your mind feast on nutritious food. Don’t be like the man that left some limburger cheese on his upper lip, and thought the whole world smelled. Let your life generate a sweet, charming tune that this old world needs to hear. Your attitude is a choice you make each day. What kind of attitude will you choose today? Please continue to pray for our CRI pastors and their church leaders as they move their churches through Revitalization.
Wally Holt
CRI Coordinator
October 29 @ 2:04 pm
SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 Great Rivers Region Gathering!
First Baptist Church, Peoria, IL
Many more details to come!
2177267366