GFA’s desire is to assist local churches by helping them assess their ministry and advise them in fulfilling God's mandate to the church. This ministry is best accomplished by forming strong relationships with pastors as they seek to lead their churches to evangelize the lost and disciple the saved.

Dr. Marshall Fant leads this ministry to local churches. Dr. Fant has 21 years of experience as a pastor and 20 years of experience as a business owner. Dr. Fant earned a D.Min. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, an M.Div. from Bob Jones University, and a B.S. in administrative management from Clemson University. He is certified as a church consultant with the Society for Church Consulting. He is available to meet with pastors and church leadership at their church or by phone. You may contact him by email.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a charge for this service? GFA’s first priority is to assist the local church. We ask churches to help offset the cost when they are able. This cost would include time, travel expenses, and reports such as a demographic survey. We realize some churches may not be in a position to pay for this service. Please contact Dr. Fant to discuss your church’s situation.

2. Are there different levels of church reviews?  Yes, please contact Dr. Fant to discuss. The church review will be tailored to meet the needs of your church. 

3. How long does the church review last? This will vary from church to church. A typical on-site church review schedule would be:
   1. Thursday evening: Arrive.
   2. Friday morning/afternoon: Meeting with the senior pastor and/or pastoral staff.  Survey church facilities and ride through the community.
   3. Friday evening: Two-three hour meeting with pastor and church leadership for prayer, observations, questions/answers, discussion of the study of the churches in Acts 2 and Revelation 2-3, and to set the agenda for Saturday.
   4. Saturday morning: Meeting with pastor, leadership, and congregation to review assessment, questions/answers, encourage, and identify priorities.
   5. Saturday afternoon: Conduct any personal interviews if needed.
   6. Saturday evening: Dr. Fant will need time to prepare for presentation on initial findings.
   7. Sunday morning:
      1. Combined Sunday school time to present initial findings.
      2. Sunday AM worship service: Observe the service and assist in ways determined by pastor and leadership.  
   8. Sunday late afternoon/evening: Depart.
4. What are the components of the church review? There are five primary components to a typical church review. They are theology/philosophy, leadership/staffing, finances, church website, and facilities. Some of the secondary components that may be covered are strategic planning, security, church website, financial reviews, conflict resolution, etc.

5. Is there follow-up after the church review? Yes. The follow-ups are an important part of our ministry. The follow-ups are at three months, six months, one year, and two years. The three-month and six-month are normally by teleconferencing. We prefer to do one-year and two-year in person.

6.  Is it possible for revitalization to take place in churches today? Yes. We can provide a list of pastors and churches that are experiencing the blessings of people coming to Christ, being baptized, joining the church, and then making disciples of others.

7. Are there resources available to equip our church for revitalization? Yes. There is good material for training your church members in areas of evangelism, discipleship, counseling, and community outreach.

8. When is it better to close a church or merge with another church (instead of revitalization)? That is a very good question and a hard question to answer. We cannot advise you without an on-site consultation. Any decision like this must also be covered in prayer by all parties involved.