Revitalize and Replant

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

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”