The term recovery is used in the medical field, and that makes it appropriate for church revitalization, because our goal should be to have a healthy church. So many pastors and church leaders today are striving for church growth, but that is putting the cart before the horse. The objective should not be church growth, but church health, because growth must proceed from health.”
–Harry L. Reeder, III; From Embers to a Flame, 46.
Always Reforming 
Thanks for your thoughts. My one pushback would be, how will you know when you’re ‘healthy’ enough to focus on growth? I know a bunch of churches that prioritize personal and church ‘health’ and they’re church became very inward-focused. Our church is passionate about growth (new conversions). But, growth can’t happen unless we’re healthy. So, instead of focusing primarily on ‘health’, we’re focused on growth and becoming healthier becomes a part of that process. Thanks for your thoughts. http://Www.refuelblog.com
I think that a good balance for both inward and outward focus is key. Leaders who will guide and support growth need to be developed in order to maintain continued health and growth. But leadership development that ignores evangelism and outreach will produce a stagnant church. Jesus developed healthy disciples and reached out to the lost. A good resource on this balance is the book The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne.