Revitalize and Replant

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss the first five of ten “Church Diseases” from a fascinating article by Chuck Lawless about some afflictions that affect churches. Congregational Myopia Talking in Your Sleep Disease “Unrecoverable Void” Syndrome • You must be willing to be fired. • You can’t make decisions based on not losing people. Theological Self-Deception Ailment Baby Believer Malady Resources related to this episode: 10 Church Diseases That Might Be Afflicting Your Church by Chuck Lawless CP Stories: Missionary stories

Mark welcomes Bob Payne, a volunteer with Experiencing God Ministries. Some highlights from the episode: Bob’s unique health journey through the years. You cannot stay where you are and go with God also. Bob’s work around the world as a volunteer with Blackaby Ministries.

In this special episode, Mark Clifton answers questions during a live question and answer session from the 2024 Replant Summit. Listen in for some important insights from Mark on these topics: Should an incoming pastor accept a call if the former pastor remains in the church? What should we sing on a Sunday? How can our church begin the process to help other churches replant or revitalize? How do we balance the attrition of older, seasoned saints with gaining newer, spiritually immature believers? What are the next steps after a successful initial revitalization process?

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Replant Summit. Mark Clifton talks through some of the various models of replanting. Here are some highlights: What is the difference between revitalization and replanting? Most churches need some form of revitalization. Models of replanting: A church is adopted by a stronger, healthier church. Fostering – one or more churches come alongside a struggling church to nurture them back to health Campuses – a dying church becomes a campus of a healthier, stronger church Replanting from within – a new pastor works with existing resources, existing people, and some outside resources to bring a church back to health. Resources related to this episode: Replant Fostering Guide

Mark welcomes JJ Washington, Director of Personal Evangelism for the North American Mission Board, to talk about the importance of personal evangelism in the local church. Some highlights from the episode: What does a church look like when personal evangelism has left the room? How can your church develop an effective evangelism strategy? Resources related to this episode: NAMB Evangelism Kit NAMB Evangelism Kit Online Course

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways that pastors might stand in the way of church revitalization. Don’t make changes too quickly. Don’t ignore the needs of your community. Don’t fail to ask for help. Don’t have any non-negotiables except for sound doctrine and the gospel. Don’t neglect the pain it will cause your church members. Don’t neglect the impact on your family. Don’t neglect the importance of Christ-centered preaching.

Mark welcomes JJ Washington, Director of Personal Evangelism for the North American Mission Board, to the podcast. Some highlights from the episode: How God changed JJ’s life through calling him to a replant. What happens when a community changes, but the local church does not. Many times, the remaining people in a replant or revitalization are demoralized. So, one of the primary jobs of a new pastor is to reinspire hope. The importance of the mindset of “Whatever it takes” in ministry.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways that pastors might stand in the way of church revitalization. They spend too much time trying to placate nagging critics. They fail to be an example of an outward focus. They do not emphasize member expectations in an entry level or membership class. They fail to focus on corporate prayer. Resources related to this podcast: “Four Major Ways Pastors Hinder Church Revitalization” by Thom Rainer Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some reasons that pastors may fear entering into revitalization. Revitalization requires a long-term vision for a church. It requires facing reality. It demands patience. It requires prayer. It might requires asking for help. It requires “stick-to-it-ness” It might mean hurting people you love. It requires taking a risk. Resources related to this podcast: “Why Some Pastors Aren’t Ready to Lead in Church Revitalization” by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some tips from Thom Rainer on church revitalization. Substantive changes in a church typically don’t hold until has been at a church at least 4-5 years. The most common way to face reality in a church is to look at a 10-year attendance pattern. Revitalization is not something that happens with the snap of a finger. You don’t revitalize a church in your power. You do it through God’s power. There are a lot of pastors and church leaders who just don’t want to ask for help. If there were no risk in church revitalization, every church would be revitalized. Don’t get into revitalization if you’re afraid to lead by faith. Resources related to this podcast: No Silver Bullets by Daniel Im Pathways to Partnership by Bob Bickford and Mark Hallock

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways to be a “relentless encourager” in your church. People need encouragement because life is hard. People need encouragement because we have an enemy. There are plenty of discouragers, but not enough encouragers. Why don’t we encourage more? Pride Self-absorption Resources related to this podcast: The Relentless Encourager by Mark Hallock and Scott Iken

Mark Clifton welcomes Sam Rainer, Pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church and President of Church Answers. Here are some highlights from this episode: Sam’s story of revitalization at West Bradenton. What it means to believe that your church address is not an accident. The value of church fostering.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Crosswalk on how to deal with mean, cranky, and cantankerous people in your church. First, expect it. Don’t lose your cool. Don’t fuel the fire. Swallow your pride. Play the “happy ignorance” card Remember their brokenness Shower them with kindness Take a break Pray for the person. ALWAYS “Matthew 18” a conflict Resources related to this podcast: “10 Ways to Deal with Difficult People in Your Church” by Brittany Rust

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Lifeway Research on some simple, yet effective, ways to care for the widows in your church. Stay connected Say you are sorry for their loss Call and ask specific questions Refer to their husband’s acts or words – serious or humorous Invite them to anything Accept that they are where they are Walk the talk Resources related to this podcast: “7 Ways to Care for Widows in Your Church” by Miriam Neff

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss what faithful deacons do in the life of a local church. Deacons are the lead servants of a church. Deacons joyfully assist the pastor(s). Deacons facilitate God-honoring worship. Deacons help the poor, broken, and needy. Deacons mobilize others to serve. Resources related to this podcast: On Being a Deacon by Jim Noble, Scott Thistlethwaite, Phil Von Kaenel, and Mark Hallock

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about some marks to look for in prospective deacons. A love for the Lord. A love for people Humility Flexibility Sacrifice Resources related to this podcast: On Being a Deacon by Jim Noble, Scott Thistlethwaite, Phil Von Kaenel, and Mark Hallock

Mark Clifton welcomes Clint Pressley, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, to the podcast. Some highlights from the episode: The value of being a part of the Southern Baptist Convention. The value that normative-sized churches bring to the Convention. Some of the challenges that our Convention is facing these days.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss four priorities of pastors who shepherd their people well. Shepherd-pastors know their people. Shepherd-pastors feed their people. Shepherd-pastors lead their people. Shepherd-pastors protect their people. Resources related to this podcast: “Shepherding is a Two-Way Street” by Mark Hallock “5 Ways to be a Faithful, Healthy Church Member” by Mark Hallock The Priorities of a Shepherd-Pastor by Mark Hallock

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways to shepherd the people in your church. The importance of knowing your people’s names. Ask, “What kind of shepherd am I?” As a church member, ask yourself, “What kind of sheep am I?” 5 emphases for healthy church members: Attend regularly Engage deeply Preserve unity Serve faithfully Extend grace continually Resources related to this podcast: “Shepherding is a Two-Way Street” by Mark Hallock 5 Ways to Be a Faithful, Healthy Church Member by Mark Hallock The Priorities of a Shepherd-Pastor by Mark Hallock

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock toss some questions back and forth about revitalization. Here are some highlights: The importance of winning the hearts of your people. The importance of serving your community without expecting anything in return. Getting people to agree to a change and getting them to believe in a change are two different things. The importance of humility in pastoral leadership. Dealing with mistakes and regret in pastoral leadership.

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer on some dangers that come from denying the realities of a declining church. The problems will only worsen. Future generations are forsaken. Leaders will have regrets. Churches will miss opportunities for solutions. There is no urgency for change. Maintenance ministries engender frustration and conflict. Churches in denial are usually disobedient. Many of these churches will tolerate open and flagrant sin. The church will lose its best members. Comfort becomes an idol. Resources related to this podcast: “Dangers of Denial in a Declining Church” by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Barna research group about why some millennials are staying connected in a local church. Make room for meaningful relationships Teach cultural discernment Make reverse mentoring a priority Embrace the potency of vocational discipleship Facilitate connection with Jesus Resources related to this podcast: “5 Reasons Millennials Stay Connected to Church” by Barna Research

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an from Brian Croft on some unexpected lessons in church revitalization. Wait for the right time to implement change. Don’t underestimate the power of persistent love. Don’t underestimate the joy of winning those who were once hostile to you. Don’t neglect your elderly members – they’re one of your greatest gifts. Labor for the satisfaction of seeking unhealthy, dysfunctional church patterns broken. Resources related to this podcast: “Five Unexpected Lessons in Church Revitalization” by Brian Croft

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Outreach Magazine about some ways to make first-time visitors feel welcome at your church. Have a good great website. Easy parking Friendly greeters Interior signs Exceptional childcare Visitor-friendly sanctuary Acknowledge visitors during the service Post-service connection Follow up Resources related to this podcast: “10 of the Best Ways to Make Visitors Feel Welcome at Your Church” by Outreach Magazine We Want You Here by Thom Rainer Becoming a Welcoming Church by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some reasons that churches drift away from their mission. Nobody’s even talking about the possibility of mission drift – almost as if “it surely won’t happen here.” IF the church has a mission statement, it’s only a sentence on the website. The church ministries have been, and continue to be, siloed from each other. Pastoral leaders have lost any sense of vision for the church. Members have expected their pastoral leaders to take care of them primarily rather than reach outsiders. Recent – and sometimes, not so recent, conflict has left scars in the congregation. Leaders hesitate to make hard calls to keep the mission primary. The church has been large enough that the drift is so slow it’s almost imperceptible. The church’s leadership recruitment process is weak. Resources related to this podcast: “9 Reasons Churches Drift from Their Mission” by Chuck Lawless Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Brian Croft about some good reasons your church may not grow numerically. Members leave to help plant or revitalize a church. Your church sends missionaries to the field. Your church places pastors in other local churches. Members relocate to improve their family situation. Divisive or unconverted members leave. Resources related to this podcast: “5 Reasons a Shrinking Church May Be a Good Thing” by Brian Croft

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on prayerlessness among pastors and church leaders. Leaders are “fixers” by nature. We never learned how to pray. Prayer has become more about ritual than about relationship. Prayerlessness can be hidden. We don’t really believe prayer works. We have never been broken under God’s hand. Leaders read the Word in a one-sided way. Some leaders have simply lost hope. We miss the gospel focus on the prayer life of Jesus. We have no role models. We don’t have God-sized goals. Resources related to this podcast: “11 Reasons Church Leaders Struggle with Prayer” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Kevin DeYoung on some of the dangers of busyness. Busyness can ruin our joy. Busyness can rob our hearts. Busyness can cover up the rot in our souls. Resources related to this podcast: “Three Dangers of Being Crazy Busy” by Kevin DeYoung Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some church members who can create headaches for pastors. The “doom and gloom” member The “on the edge of leaving” member The “amateur theologian” member The “have you heard?” member The “church shopper” member The “constitutional lawyer” member The “internet sermon troll” member The “nostalgia” member The “unforgiving saint” member The “on permanent sabbatical” member The “unidentified ‘pot stirrer’” member The “financial threat” member The “professional critic” member Resources related to this podcast: https://chucklawless.com/2020/01/13-church-members-who-sometimes-drive-me-crazy/

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Jim Elliff about dealing with interpersonal conflict in ministry without losing your soul. I will accept whatever means God may use to make me more humble and therefore more dependent on Him. I will seek to peacefully and humbly to resolve the conflict face to face immediately, unless it is providentially impossible to do so. I will thoroughly repent of any known sin in my life and will sincerely express my repentance to those who are concerned, even if there is blame on the other side. I will be painfully accurate in my words about myself, even if it embarrasses or condemns me. I will gladly leave vengeance to God, who sees and evaluates with perfection. I will give thanks in everything, and rejoice in the Lord always, for this is safe for me. I will forgive from my heart when I’m asked to forgive. I will refuse to let Satan, the archenemy of believers, gain the ultimate victory in this conflict. Resources related to this podcast: https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/15-resolves-for-maintaining-spiritual-balance-in-severe-interpersonal-conflicts/

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Lifeway Research on some current trends in churches across North America. Shifting Attendance Patterns Shrinking Groups but Growing Importance Increasing Diversity Equipping Women to Serve and Lead Rising Prosperity Gospel Helping the Deconstructors Reconstruct Overcoming Economic Headwinds Calming Fears Resources related to this podcast: https://research.lifeway.com/2024/01/12/10-trends-impacting-the-church-in-2024/

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss how pastors can maintain (or regain) joy in the midst of ministry hardships. Find a Scripture passage to anchor yourself in the power of God and His call on your life. Find a song that calls you back to the heart of God and increases your affection for Him. Collect mentors like baseball cards. Set goals and get accountability for them. Celebrate something every day.

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss an article from Sam Rainer on some ways a church can become hypocritical. The church becomes fixated on external preferences and not internal devotion. The church falls in love with commitments but neglects people. The church leaders seek religious prominence instead of humble service. The church hides double standards with artificial religious rules. The church kills the heart of worship with a religious presentation. The church adds to the gospel to burden people. Resources related to this podcast: “Six Ways the Church Becomes Hypocritical” by Sam Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss an article from Thom Rainer for churches who want to be involved in church revitalization. An admission of a problem and a need Humility A willingness to do things differently – sometimes radically differently New leadership or renewed leadership Renewed focus on the community Members praying for revitalization Change in membership attitudes from selfish to selfless A focus on evangelism Resources related to this podcast: “8 Characteristics of Successful Church Revitalizations” by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why ministry can often hurt so much. We mourn when marriages fall apart. We hurt when young people make decisions that lead to trouble. We occasionally beat ourselves up when our sermon wasn’t nearly as strong as we thought it would be. We sometimes grieve the sin of others more than they do. We ache when our church must carry out church discipline. We struggle when the churches we lead aren’t growing. We sometimes hurt when we see the loneliness and struggles of our families. We quietly grieve funerals for persons who showed no evidence of Christian conversion. We wrestle with loneliness when we don’t know how to develop strong friendships. We often feel guilty even expressing any of these thoughts. Resources related to this podcast: “10 Heartaches of Being a Pastor” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss a blog from Thom Rainer on some current trends in church names. “Point” has become ubiquitous. “Life” has a new life. Tim Keller put Redeemer back into vogue. City Church, usually with another name in front of it. Christ Church. Five biggies the past ten years: Journey, Bridge, Foundry, Mosaic, and Generation Cross has made a surge: Cross Church, Cross Fellowship, etc. Simple Church. Meaningful Names: Impact. Potential. Epic. Transformation. Renovation. Innovate. “Fellowship” can be found in almost any town. Grace. Many churches like the new factor: New Life. New Hope. Moving on up: Elevate, Vertical, Summit. Not English (Greek or Latin): Eklessia, Ecclesia, Koinonia, Agape, etc. Resources related to this podcast: “Contemporary Trends in Church Names” by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss an article from Aaron Earls that discusses some insights from the unchurched about what they look for in a church. “I saw them treat others better because of their faith.” “I saw them caring for people’s needs because of their faith.” “I saw them be happier because of their faith.” “I saw them use their faith to solve problems in our community.” “I saw them use their faith to help them solve their personal problems.” “I saw multiple races/ethnicities working together in a church.” Resources related to this podcast: “7 Ways to Draw the Unchurched to Your Church” by Aaron Earls

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart offer encouragement for rural church pastors. Remember that you are entirely unaware of the impact of your ministry. Be happy to know that you may not be able to change much but lives. Be energized by the concept that your church could become the most loving church in the world. Resources related to this podcast: “The Rural Church Dilemma” by Jim Eliff

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss some ways pastors can build up their prayer life. Come in Christ’s Name. Delight in Him. Express Your Longings to Him. Read a Psalm. Sing to Him. Intercede for Others. Place Your Day Before Him. Petition Him for Other Special Needs. Meditate on His Word. Offer Thanks to Him. Resources related to this podcast: “An Intimate Hour with God” by Jim Eliff

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about some important reasons to stay in a church that just isn’t cool. It will teach you the nature of the church. It will teach you the nature of humility. It will teach you the nature of unity. Resources related to this podcast: “3 Reasons to Stay in a Church That’s Not Cool Enough” by Michael Kelley

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jason K. Allen about how his preaching has evolved, and why young preachers’ preaching should evolve as well. The sermon outline means less to me now. More Bible and fewer books. Fewer personal and family illustrations. More intentional about preaching Jesus. Resources related to this podcast: “4 Ways My Preaching Has Evolved (And How Yours Should Too)” – by Jason K. Allen

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst revisit a topic from a previous episode – why people aren’t singing in our churches. They don’t know the songs. We are singing songs not suitable for congregational singing. We are singing in keys too high for the average singer. The congregation can’t hear people around them singing. We have created worship services which are spectator events, building a performance environment. The congregation feels they are not expected to sing. We fail to have a common body of hymnody. Worship leaders ad lib too much. Worship leaders are not connecting with the congregation. Resources related to this podcast: “Nine Reasons People Aren’t Singing in Worship” by Kenny Lamm

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some of the trends surrounding how baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed today. Here are some items discussed on this episode: How communion practices have changed over the years. The importance of “fencing the table” for communion. Some thoughts on spontaneous baptisms. Can you baptize someone without them becoming a member of your church?

Mark welcomes Jonathan Smith, Director of Church Health and Growth for Texas Baptists. Here are some highlights: Empty seats in churches are not a bad thing, that means that there’s room for new people! With the resurrected Christ, there is always hope for every church! Put on display the church that you want to become. Some principles for increasing baptisms in your church: Preach on baptism twice a year. Only baptize one person per week, unless they are family members. Don’t baptize at the very beginning of the worship service. A significant portion of your congregation will miss the baptism if it’s at the very beginning of the service. A 3-week baptism plan: Week 1 – Announce that there will be a baptism next week and provide invitations for the baptism candidate to invite friends and families. Week 2 – Shoot a video of the baptism candidate answering two questions: 1) How did you come to faith in Christ? 2) How did this church help you come to faith in Christ? Show this video before the baptism. Week 3 – Show a video of the testimony and the baptism. Resources mentioned on this podcast: Texas Baptists PAVE process: txb.org/pave

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some tips to make ministry transitions easier on your family. Recall important memories. Try not to compare your last church and community with your new situation. Don’t under sell the stress of the transition. Expect to go through the stages of grief because you have lost close touch with friends, a church, a home., school and community Prepare your family for the sense of loss of identity as they come to a new place compared to the identity they had in the former Settle in as quickly as possible do everything you can do to make the new place seem like home even if you’re in a rented apartment for a while. Make sure you spend ample time with your family, even though you were busy trying to engage a new ministry Worship is even more important than ever. Take day trips to discover the joy and fun places of your new home. Begin a new scrapbook or memories of the new place. Group activities as quickly as possible for your children and spouse to engage so they become part of a new event outside the church

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Kris Eldridge on some traits of toxic leaders. They are works-filled vs. grace-filled. They are all about their reputation They use people. They surround themselves with “yes” people. Pushback or disagreement are highly frowned upon. They are full of pride. They don’t lead well through change. Their leadership style is autocratic. They are self-absorbed. The fruit of the Spirit seems to be absent in their life. Resources related to this podcast: “10 Traits of Toxic Church Leadership” by Kris Elridge

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why pastors bear scars from churches they serve. Few pastors fully expect the anguish that church members can sometimes cause. The arrows often come from formerly close friends. Wounds affect not only the pastor, but also his family. Many pastors hurt alone. Some pastors view conflict as ministry failure. Pastoral grief at times stretches a pastor’s theology uncomfortably. Some pastors experience pain in more than one church. Too many pastors are blinded to their own role in the conflict. Some criticism of pastors is simply unfounded. Pastors sometimes refuse to admit they have scars. Resources related to this podcast: “10 REASONS PASTORS SOMETIMES BEAR SCARS OF CHURCH WOUNDS–AND A CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS THEM” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Thom Rainer about why non-denominational churches are growing. Non-denominational churches tend to be more evangelistic. Non-denominational churches typically invest more financially in reaching their communities. Non-denominational churches usually do not engage in issues of conflict to the level that denominational churches do. Non-denominational churches do not carry the “name” baggage that a denominational church might carry. Non-denominational churches tend to be newer churches that grow faster than older churches. Resources related to this podcast: “5 Reasons Why Non-Denominational Churches Are Growing” by Thom Rainer “The Future of American Christianity is Non-Denominational” by Ryan Burge

Mark and Dan welcome Jonathan Howe, the immediate past Interim President, and current Vice President of Communications for the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, to the podcast. Some highlights from the episode: A behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for the SBC Annual Meeting. Why does the SBC Annual Meeting tend to only go to a few select cities? Bright days are coming for the EC as we look forward to Jeff Iorg’s leadership. What role does Baptist Press play in the life of Southern Baptists? Resources mentioned on this podcast: Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some helpful questions to ask church members when they leave your church. Why did you come to our church in the first place? How often did you attend and/or participate in church? Did you feel connected to the church? Were you involved in a small group? If so, which one? What did you most appreciate about the Sunday morning worship event? Least appreciate? What the PRIMARY reason you’re leaving? What ONE THING must the church continue to do? Are you already attending/joining another congregation? How can we pray for you now? Resources related to this podcast: “10 Things I’d Ask in an Exit Interview When Church Members Leave” by Chuck Lawless