From May 15-16, clergy and lay leaders from across the Los Angeles Deanery of the Diocese of Western Anglicans gathered for a Regional Revive focused on church health, spiritual renewal, and faithful mission in a challenging ministry context. Representatives from eight congregations participated in the gathering, which marked the third and final Regional Revive held across the Diocese’s three deaneries.
The weekend began Friday evening with a large gathering centered on the renewal dimension of revitalization. Participants joined together for Spirit-filled worship, teaching, and extended prayer ministry focused on the truth that genuine church revitalization cannot be sustained apart from spiritual renewal. Throughout the evening, leaders were encouraged to return to their “first love” in Christ, seeking fresh dependence upon the Holy Spirit for the work of ministry ahead. There was a strong sense of encouragement and spiritual hunger throughout the gathering as clergy and lay leaders prayed together and sought renewed strength for mission.
Participants returned on Saturday for the remainder of the workshop, where the focus shifted toward practical revitalization strategy and congregational health. Discussions centered on cultivating healthy churches across five vital areas of ministry while also developing specific vision for local evangelism and outreach within their own communities.
A particularly important aspect of the weekend involved wrestling honestly with the realities of ministry in Southern California. The Los Angeles region presents unique challenges for Anglican churches seeking to proclaim the Gospel faithfully in an increasingly post-Christian culture. Participants reflected together on the difficulties of reaching communities that are often skeptical of Christianity, disconnected from the Church, or openly hostile toward Christian belief and practice.
At the same time, leaders recognized the tremendous opportunities for Gospel ministry throughout the region. Despite the immense wealth and cultural influence associated with Los Angeles, many communities continue to struggle with poverty, addiction, isolation, and other significant social challenges. Churches throughout the deanery discussed how they can faithfully serve their communities while bearing witness to the hope and healing found in Christ.
The practical realities facing congregations in the area were also part of the conversation. Many churches within the deanery do not own permanent worship spaces and must navigate the extraordinary costs and limitations associated with meeting space in Southern California. In some cases, even financially stable congregations face immense difficulty securing consistent locations for worship and ministry. These challenges require creativity, perseverance, and strong partnership among leaders across the Diocese.
Throughout the weekend, participants worked closely with The Very Rev. Bob Fabey, Bishop Phil Ashey’s point person for church revitalization within the Diocese, as well as The Very Rev. Rob Holman, Dean of the Los Angeles Deanery. Together, they helped guide discussions and prepare churches for the ongoing follow-up process that will continue in the months ahead.
Like the previous Regional Revives held in Arizona and San Diego, this gathering will continue through a coaching cohort model in which participating leaders meet regularly to discuss strategy, challenges, and implementation within their local church contexts. That ongoing partnership remains a critical part of the Revive process, helping churches move beyond one-time events toward sustained health, encouragement, and long-term mission.