October 1, 2026
Helping Georgia churches rediscover clarity and courage for their mission
When I first joined the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, my heart was to help churches make disciples who make disciples. That has not changed. What has changed is my role and the scope of what we are renewing across the state. I now serve as Senior Consultant for Revitalization, helping pastors and congregations rediscover clarity, courage, and joy in the mission God has given their church.
Revitalization is not a last resort; it is the normal, ongoing work of God to bring new life to His Church.
Revitalization is about focus, not failure
The word revitalization can sound like a diagnosis. Biblically, revitalization is resurrection language. Jesus led revitalization when He spoke to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3through John, calling them to remember, repent, and return to their first love. God’s heart has always been to breathe new life into His people so that His glory might be seen “in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations” (Ephesians 3:21).
Across Georgia, many churches are plateaued or declining, including thousands in our SBCfamily. But behind every number is a story: faithful pastors, faithful members, and communities that still need the gospel. Revitalization is not about admitting failure; it is about rediscovering focus. Every revitalization story looks different, but each begins with renewed hearts before renewed ministries.
A gospel focused path forward
At the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, we use a six-step process called ReFocus. This biblical and practical pathway helps churches of any size gain clarity on their mission in the place God has planted them. This process has helped hundreds of churches across the country and is now being used across Georgia. Each step answers a key question:
Each step helps pastors and teams clarify where they are, where God is leading, and what faithful next steps look like.
A pastor-first approach
Revitalization is not about branding or a new program. It is about rediscovering the mission God already gave your church. That is why we start with the pastor, because care and clarity beginwith the shepherd.
A team approach: coaches and pathfinders
Georgia Baptists are building a statewide network of Pathfinders and Coaches who walk with pastors through five Engagement Zones:
Our Pathfinders pray, listen, and guide pastors and churches over time. We are already hearing testimonies of renewal! The goal is mission clarity, not only numerical growth but spiritual renewal. Some churches need stronger leadership alignment. Others need clarity in disciple-making or mission strategy. In every case, God uses the process to revive hearts and refresh the work. Revitalization is not about returning to the past; it is about realigning with God’s purpose for your future.
How Georgia Baptists can engage
If you are wondering whether revitalization is for your church, here is the good news: it is.
You do not have to be declining to benefit. Even healthy churches need seasons of refocusing. Whether your congregation meets on a rural road or in a growing suburban community, there is a next step for you.
The Georgia Baptist Mission Board exists to serve churches and advance the gospel so that every church can pursue its mission with clarity and courage. Revitalization serves growing, plateaued, and declining churches of all sizes.
So, as I begin this new chapter serving Georgia Baptists, my prayer is that every church would rediscover its mission, reignite its passion, and reflect God’s glory in its community.
Revitalization isn’t about survival; it’s about renewal. It’s about saying, "Lord, do again what only You can do." If your church would like to explore revitalization or schedule an initial conversation, contact pdunn@gabaptist.org.
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PJ Dunn is Senior Consultant for Revitalization, Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
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