Why should every Christian and church leader pray and hope for church revitalization? That's the question which kicks this issue of the 9Marks eJournal in motion. It contends that Jesus and the apostles wanted to see sick churches made healthy. So should we.

The issue begins with Andy Davis’ remarkable story of reforming one church. Readers will discover something that feels strangely like it’s from the Bible, as if Andy were only doing what the apostles did. Bobby Jamieson then offers a biblical justification for church revitalization. Expect his article to turn on a few light bulbs. Matt Schmucker's and Mike McKinley’s articles then round out the apologetic by offering crisp statements for why churches and pastors should pursue the work of revitalizing.

Pastors and other church leaders will especially benefit from the following section, where Jeramie Rinne, Greg Gilbert, John Folmar, J. D. Greear, and Brian Croft offer valuable and practical wisdom on how to proceed with the work of reform.