Redeemer Network Podcast How a Dying Church Came Back to Life
Sep 15, 2025
David Ritchie, the Lead Pastor of Redeemer Christian Church, shares his inspiring journey of revitalizing a dying church in Amarillo, Texas. He discusses how a mentor and a groundbreaking book changed his perspective on replanting. David highlights the importance of prayer and humility in forming a new community and developing a strategic plan for revitalization. He shares signs of new life in the church, such as community engagement and the growth of church planting residents. His vision for the future includes a thriving legacy for Redeemer Network.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Church Plant Dream To Replant Call
- David describes being 27 and feeling called to plant, then unexpectedly invited to revive a dying church in Amarillo.
- He merged his core team with the remnant and shifted from a plant vision to a stepwise replant strategy.
Get Written Agreement On Early Steps
- Before being hired, David built a 12–18 month strategic plan and required the board to adopt the steps.
- Do secure upfront consensus on specific tactical changes to avoid later conflict and surprise departures.
Desperation Enables Openness To Change
- A healthy candidate for replanting shows providential desperation and radical openness, not financial comfort.
- When leadership admits it needs a miracle, they become willing to change and be replanted.