Revitalize and Replant

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some helpful questions for pastor search teams. “What is your church’s doctrinal statement – and how much attention has your congregation given to understanding and affirming it?” “What person is the most powerful member in the church? What group or committee is the most powerful?” “When’s the last time your congregation did church discipline – and would you do it again?” “How much freedom would I have to hire and fire staff members?” “Would you please connect me with your last 2-3 pastors (assuming they’re all available) for a conversation?” “What’s the financial condition of the church?” “Does the church have business meetings – and if so, what things must they vote on?” “Why are you interested in my becoming your pastor?” “Would you hire all your current staff again?” “What will be the most difficult things a new pastor will have to address in this church?” “What have you not told me that you should tell me if you were completely honest?” “In your opinion, is your church a church that makes hell shake?” Resources related to this podcast: “12 Questions I Might Ask a Pastor Search Team” by Chuck Lawless

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer about how pastoring has changed in the last few decades. Thirty years ago, most people in the community held the pastor in high esteem. Thirty years ago, most people in the congregation held the pastor in high esteem. Leadership skills are required more today than 30 years ago. Interpersonal skills are required more today than 30 years ago. Outreach was accomplished by getting people to come to church services 30 years ago. That is not so today. Thirty years ago, there were very few “nones.” The Internet and social media have made pastoring much more challenging than it was 30 years ago. Resources related to this podcast: 7 Ways Pastoring Has Changed in 30 Years by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about the importance of reading Scripture aloud in your weekly worship gathering. The public reading of Scripture demonstrates the priority and authority of the Bible. The public reading of Scripture protects against heresy and promotes unity in the truth. People who cannot read and/or do not have much access to God’s word are blessed by the public reading of Scripture. Resources related to this podcast: Should We Still Be Devoted to the Public Reading of Scripture? By Steve Burchett

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer on why smaller churches are making a comeback. Some statistics regarding church average attendance 31% – less than 50 37% – 51-99 24% – 100-250 8% – more than 250 The coming realities: More pastors and staff will be co-vocational and bi-vocational. Equipping church members to do the work of ministry is as vital as always. Ministry and theological training must adapt to this reality. Search committees will be looking for a different type of pastor. Church budgets will be smaller. Denominations must refocus their ministry and support of this new paradigm. More churches will need to be adopted or they will die. Resources related to this podcast: The New Very Large Church by Thom Rainer

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock share some ways pastors can effectively minister in churches with primarily older members. Helpful reminders when ministering in an older church: The people you tend to draw may provide a strategy for the future. Make much of fellowship. Meet the needs of your people. Resources related to this podcast: The Old Church by Jim Eliff

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss four realities that can help believers deal with anxiety. We’re not alone. We’re united to Christ. We’re part of a greater redemptive story. We have the hope of eternity. Resources related to this podcast: 4 Comforts for Anxious Christians by Beth Claes

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some major developments for churches in the last year. Local congregations will emphasize evangelism more than at any point in the past three decades. The increase in the growth of diversity in congregations will be its greatest ever in 2023. The year 2023 will be a record year for church adoptions. More churches will have specific global partners. The time between pastors for churches will be longer than ever. The number of interim pastors will be greater than ever. More churches will request consultations than at any point in American church history. Church autopsies will be the fastest growing area of research in American churches. More pastors and staff will become bi-vocational and co-vocational. More pastors and staff will get their theological and ministry training in the church. Resources related to this podcast: “Ten Major Trends for Local Churches in America in 2023”

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss sermon preparation. In 2001, Thom Rainer found that, on average, pastors spent an average of 4 hours in sermon preparation. Today, 75% of pastors spend between 8-15 hours in sermon preparation. Expositional preaching can require more in-depth study. If you aren’t spending adequate time in sermon preparation, your people will know it. If you are spending too much time in your office and away from your people, that’s a problem also. The hardest part of preaching is knowing what to leave out. Resources related to this podcast: “How Much Time do Pastors Spend Preparing a Sermon?” “Pastors and Time in Sermon Preparation: Some Good News”