All churches have a life cycle, beginning with birth and a formative period when key elements of the congregational identity and culture take shape. Some churches arrive at a period of stability in their spiritual and institutional life. In order to maintain vitality, however, they must periodically revisit their foundational understandings: Who are we? What are we here for? Who is our neighbor? These foundational questions address issues of identity, purpose and context. Congregations rely on spiritual renewal, strategic planning, self-study, or other means to help them focus on the fundamentals and ask challenging questions about their identity, purpose and context.

At some point in their history, many churches slip from stability into stagnation or decline - not only in numbers and ministry, but in their institutional capabilities as well.  At this point in their life, processes of reflection and planning previously used by congregational leaders are no longer sufficient to generate vitality,  Rather it becomes necessary for them:

• to undertake a major reassessment of their life and work
• to gain new skills and insights
• to establish a new partnership for change among lay leaders and clergy

This major reassessment and reorientation is what is meant by redevelopment.

Redevelopment is a redirection of ministry in light of changes in need or circumstances among the membership, the needs of the community to be served, or both.  A congregation plans an intentional effort to increase its ability to carry on effective ministry where it's located.