Revitalization consultancy models: Australian church case studies

Consultancy processes can help local churches that are plateaued or declining to revitalize. This article discusses six models of consultancies in Australian local churches or denominations: Alan Roxburgh's Future Directions used by Churches of Christ, Paul Borden and Salvation Army's Growing Health Corps, Natural Church Development with Brisbane Anglicans, Ken Morgan's Pathways for Melbourne Anglicans, 3DM adapted by Fitzroy North Church of Christ, and Neil Cole's Church Transfusion at Geelong's Central Baptist Church. The essential elements in a revitalization consultancy are to resource spiritual depth, reconnect with Biblical and congregational stories, facilitate congregational conversations, provide leadership in change, and foster creative dreaming.