Revitalization in seven previously declining, established, Baptist General Convention of Texas-related churches

The current study addressed the problem of decline and need for revitalization in established Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT)-related churches. The researcher used a multi-case study approach within a qualitative research methodology in order to research the churches. Two research questions guided the research: (1) How do pastors, pastoral staff, and lay leaders describe the phenomenon of church revitalization in seven previously declining, established, BGCT-related churches? (2) Why have seven previously declining, established, BGCT-related churches experienced revitalization? In each of the seven churches, the senior pastor, two pastoral staff members, and two lay members were interviewed. Within-case analysis was provided for each of the seven churches, and cross-case analysis was performed across the seven churches. The findings in the cross-case analysis were interpreted and provided four conclusions: (1) The internal factor of the experience of church in terms of the interviewees' feeling negative about the church during the decline and excited during the renewed group came from two sources: the interviewees' observing the numerical decline or the numerical increase, and the relationship the churches had with their pastors and how they led. (2) The external factor of where the churches relocated to or were located in was essential in that all of the churches were located in growing, suburban areas. (3) The internal factor of facilities provided a constant challenge to the church leadership by the churches not having enough space as they grew. (4) All of the churches prioritized the internal factor of contemporary music, and it was the dominant musical style.