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.

CRI Report

August 2024

It is hard to believe that the month of August 2024 is already in our rearview mirror. The Church Revitalization Initiative is continuing to move forward with the Holy Spirit leading the way. As I continue to meet with pastors and church leaders, I hear them saying that God is doing wonderful things in their lives and in the lives of their churches. Read how one of our newest CRI churches is approaching Revitalization:

First Baptist Church of Sullivan, like many churches in the Great Rivers Region, has a wonderful history of ministering in many ways to our community and being a part of the body of Christ. We are in the beginning of an ongoing process to examine our ministry and becoming the servant of Christ that is vital to the sharing of God’s love and grace in our world.  We are looking forward to learning who we are in service to the Lord today and continue learning and growing into the future. Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” While this verse may be intended for an individual, we are learning that each part of the body of Christ has a purpose and is wonderfully made as well. We are anticipating a long ministry in our community and becoming the people God intends us to be sharing His love with the world.

Pastor Mark Bjornbak

First Baptist Church of Sullivan

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

Wally Holt

CRI Coordinator

SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 Great Rivers Region Gathering!

First Baptist Church, Peoria, IL

Many more details to come!