Revitalize and Replant

The 5 C's Framework for Strategic Focus in Replanting and Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How do you stay focused when leading a struggling or declining church? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share a practical and biblical framework for maintaining strategic focus in church revitalization and replanting. They unpack “The 5 C’s”—five essential leadership principles for pastors navigating dying churches, conflict, and spiritual resistance.

Whether you’re leading a church replant, revitalization effort, or simply trying to refocus your ministry, this conversation will help you lead with clarity, courage, and Christ-centered conviction.

The 5 C’s of Strategic Church Revitalization:

Compassion for People in Dying Churches
Shepherd with empathy and patience as you walk with hurting congregations.
Conflict Awareness
Recognize and prepare for the inevitable tensions that come with change.
Courage for Spiritual Warfare
Lead boldly, knowing revitalization is both practical and spiritual work.
Confidence in God’s Work
Trust that God is at work—even when progress feels slow.
Christ-Focus
Keep Jesus at the center of every decision, strategy, and step forward.

Why This Matters:

Church revitalization requires more than strategy—it demands spiritual resilience, wise leadership, and unwavering focus on Christ. These five principles will help you stay grounded when ministry gets difficult.

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12 Ways to Confront Someone in Sin

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How should pastors and church leaders confront someone in sin with truth and grace? In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical, biblical guidance for church discipline and restoration, based on an article by Chuck Lawless.

If you’re navigating difficult conversations in ministry, this episode will equip you with a gospel-centered approach to confrontation that prioritizes humility, clarity, and restoration.

12 Ways to Confront Someone in Sin

1. Biblically
Follow the clear guidance of Scripture when addressing sin (see Matthew 18:15–20; Galatians 6:1).

2. Prayerfully
Seek God’s wisdom, discernment, and timing before and during the conversation.

3. Relationally
Confrontation is more effective when built on trust and an existing relationship.

4. Personally
Whenever possible, have the conversation face-to-face or by phone—not through text or email.

5. Humbly
Approach others with a posture of grace, remembering your own need for God’s mercy.

6. Prudently
Ask thoughtful questions rather than making assumptions or accusations.

7. Quickly
Address sin promptly before patterns become more deeply rooted.

8. Clearly
Speak truth directly and avoid vague or indirect language.

9. Redemptively
Keep the goal focused on repentance, healing, and restoration—not winning an argument.

10. Sorrowfully
Allow yourself to feel and express appropriate grief over sin, which can help communicate care and urgency.

11. Lovingly
Let love for God and others shape both your words and tone.

12. Mutually
Communicate your willingness to walk alongside them toward growth and victory.

Key Takeaways for Pastors and Church Leaders

Biblical confrontation is essential for healthy church leadership.
The goal is always restoration, not condemnation.
Tone, timing, and relationship matter just as much as truth.
Prayer and humility are foundational in every difficult conversation.

Resources Related to This Episode:

"12 Ways to Confront Someone in Sin" by Chuck Lawless

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Leading Change Without Getting Fired

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How can pastors lead meaningful change in their church without burning out—or getting pushed out? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share practical strategies for leading church revitalization wisely, patiently, and biblically.

How to Lead Change in the Church:

Move at a shepherd’s pace, not a CEO’s pace
Teach clear, biblical reasons for change
Honor the church’s past while guiding its future
Communicate vision consistently and clearly
Expect resistance—and respond with patience

Resources Related to This Episode:

Land Ho! Seven Keys to Navigating the Adventurous and Challenging Waters of Change by Walker Armstrong and Mark Hallock

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Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 3

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this final installment of our mini-series on guardrails for ministry over the long haul, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst revisit one of the most overlooked but essential leadership traits for pastors: gentleness. Pastors often underestimate how their tone, posture, and attitude shape their ministry effectiveness. This episode challenges leaders to reflect on how they shepherd others and what it means to embody the gentleness of Christ in pastoral leadership through the lens of 1 Timothy 3:3.

Key Takeaways:

Why gentleness is a biblical requirement—not a personality trait
How harsh leadership damages trust and discipleship
What it looks like to lead like a loving shepherd

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Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In part 2 of this mini-series on guardrails for ministry over the long haul, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst unpack three critical guardrails every pastor needs to maintain integrity and credibility in their ministry calling. These practical and biblical principles help church leaders avoid common pitfalls that can derail their calling.

Key Guardrails for Pastors:

1. Don’t Touch the Money
Maintain financial accountability and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Pastors should separate themselves from direct handling of church finances whenever possible.
“Not a lover of money.” — 1 Timothy 3:3

2. Don’t Be Weird with People
Healthy ministry requires emotional intelligence and relational integrity. Be approachable, safe, and above reproach in all interactions.
“Well thought of by outsiders.” — 1 Timothy 3:7

3. Don’t Be a Jerk
Leadership should be marked by humility, gentleness, and grace—not pride or harshness.
“Not violent but gentle.” — 1 Timothy 3:3

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Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share a foundational ministry guardrail for pastors and church leaders who want to finish well in the ministry entrusted to them: faithfulness in marriage.

Ministry longevity begins with personal integrity. Together, the hosts discuss what it means to truly be a “one-woman man” in today’s world—remaining faithful not just physically, but also emotionally and in the online world.

Key Takeaways:

Why marital faithfulness is essential for long-term ministry health
How emotional and digital boundaries protect your calling
The biblical standard for leadership from 1 Timothy 3

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5 Markers of Church Decline

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How can pastors and church leaders recognize when their church is drifting toward decline?

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss five common markers of church decline and what leaders should watch for as they seek to revitalize struggling congregations.

Understanding these warning signs can help churches respond in a timely fashion and refocus on their mission before decline becomes irreversible.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

How declining attendance and disengagement signal deeper health issues
Why an inward-focused church culture often leads to loss of mission
How resistance to change and innovation can stall gospel impact
Why pastoral burnout and lack of lay leadership weaken churches
How financial strain and neglected facilities often reflect broader decline

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

"12 Markers of a Church on the Downslope" by Chuck Lawless

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6 Lessons for Leading Through Adversity

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how pastors and church leaders can faithfully lead through adversity, conflict, and discouragement in ministry. Drawing from years of church revitalization experience, they share six practical lessons for staying faithful when leadership becomes difficult.

If you’re navigating church conflict, leadership pressure, or discouraging seasons in ministry, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical guidance for persevering in your calling.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why humility, forgiveness, and grace are essential when leading through conflict
How pastors can guard their hearts from bitterness and discouragement
Why it’s critical to keep the gospel central during difficult seasons
How to pursue restoration and reconciliation in church relationships
What it looks like to trust God to build His church
Why faithful leaders must resolve to stay and endure hardship

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Some Thoughts on the Decline of Baptisms

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Why have baptisms declined in recent years? Clifton and Hallock explore several contributing factors—from raising the theological bar for baptism to shifts in evangelistic practices and cultural polarization. They also discuss how fewer invitations, less evangelism training, and changing attitudes toward re-baptism may be affecting the numbers.

The conversation is honest, pastoral, and hopeful, calling churches back to evangelistic clarity and courage.

Key Topics

Higher theological standards for baptism
Re-baptism conversations
The decline of public invitations
Evangelism training gaps
Ministry in a polarized culture

Resources Related to this Episode:

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Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Preachin’

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Preaching remains central to church renewal. In this episode, Clifton and Hallock share their strong opinions on sermon preparation, expository preaching, technology in the pulpit, and even the furniture that pastors stand behind.

They discuss why a renewed commitment to text-driven, expository preaching is a gift to the local church—and why sermon preparation should never be casual. From the physical-Bibles-versus-iPad debate to the pulpit-versus-table dispute, this conversation explores how our methodology communicates our theology as pastors and preachers.

Key Topics

The seriousness of sermon preparation
The return to expository preaching?

Why It Matters

Church revitalization rarely outpaces the strength of its preaching. Faithful, text-driven proclamation anchors congregations in truth and builds long-term spiritual health.

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Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Singin’

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

If you can’t hear the congregation singing, something is wrong. In this episode, Clifton and Hallock discuss why congregational singing is a visible indicator of church health. They unpack how song choice shapes theology, why participation matters more than performance, and how gospel-centered songs can carry believers through seasons of suffering.

In struggling churches especially, singing isn’t filler—it’s fuel.

Key Topics

Why congregational volume matters
The theological weight of lyrics
Singing as discipleship
Songs as hope in hardship

Why It Matters

What a church sings eventually becomes what a church believes. Healthy churches cultivate participation, clarity, and courage through biblically rich worship.

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Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on the Lord’s Supper

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How often should a church celebrate the Lord’s Supper—and what does that decision communicate about your theology? In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss why many Baptist churches moved away from weekly communion, what it means to “fence the table,” and why recovering the weight and wonder of the ordinance can be catalytic for church revitalization.

They argue that the Lord’s Supper is not a routine add-on but a formative act of worship that shapes church identity, unity, and gospel clarity.

Key Topics

Weekly communion in Baptist life
How and why to fence the table
Teaching examination without creating confusion
The Lord’s Supper as spiritual formation

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Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Baptism

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What does a healthy church believe baptism actually does—and how should that shape the way it’s practiced? In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss the meaning, tone, and responsibility of baptism in the local church. They tackle whether baptisms should feel celebratory or solemn, who should perform them, and how pastors should approach baptizing children. For churches seeking renewal, baptism isn’t just a moment; it’s a declaration of conversion and a defining act of church identity.

Key Topics Discussed

Celebration vs. reverence in baptism services
Whether only pastors should baptize believers
The role of the congregation in affirming conversion
Wisdom and caution when baptizing children
Baptism as a marker of regenerate church membership

Photos

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Communicating with Clarity to the Unchurched

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Many churches want to reach first-time guests yet unintentionally confuse them. In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical ways churches can communicate clearly and remove barriers for unchurched visitors.

Discover how signage, printed programs, parking, announcements, and simple language choices can dramatically improve guest experience and help people feel comfortable attending church for the first time.

This episode is perfect for pastors, church planters, greeter teams, and hospitality volunteers who want to make their services accessible and welcoming.

Key Topics Covered

Making first-time guests feel comfortable
Church signage and parking best practices
Communicating clearly during worship gatherings
Avoiding insider church language
Effective—not overwhelming—announcements

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5 Lessons We've Learned Through Replanting

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share hard-earned lessons from years of church replanting and revitalization ministry. Learn why dying churches require deep compassion, how pastors can navigate conflict wisely, and why courage in spiritual warfare matters for long-term health. The conversation also explores confidence in Scripture and keeping a Christ-centered focus when leading a struggling congregation toward renewal. Whether you’re replanting a church, revitalizing a declining congregation, or preparing for pastoral ministry, these principles will help you lead with wisdom and endurance.

Key Topics Covered

Compassion for members of declining churches
Recognizing and navigating conflict
Spiritual warfare in church revitalization
Trusting the authority of God’s Word
Keeping ministry Christ-centered

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5 Common Anxieties Pastors Experience (And How to Address Them)

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Pastoral ministry is deeply rewarding—but it can also be deeply stressful. In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk openly about five common anxieties pastors face and offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating them faithfully.

From concerns about church growth to the pressures of preaching, pastors often carry unseen burdens. Naming these anxieties is the first step toward addressing them in a healthy, gospel-centered way.

In this episode, we discuss:

Anxiety about church growth and attendance
Anxiety about your family and balancing ministry at home
Anxiety about personal finances and financial stability
Anxiety about preaching and sermon preparation
Anxiety about church conflict and leadership challenges

Whether you’re a church planter, revitalization pastor, or long-term shepherd in a small church, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that God is faithful in every season of ministry.

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5 Reasons Why a Local Pastor is Better Than a Podcast Preacher

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In a world full of online sermons, Christian podcasts, and celebrity preachers, why does the local church pastor still matter most? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share five biblical and practical reasons why God’s design for spiritual growth centers on the local church—and the shepherd He has called to lead it.

While podcasts and online sermons can be helpful resources, they can never replace the personal shepherding, accountability, and spiritual oversight of a local pastor. Your congregation doesn’t just need inspiration—they need incarnation.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why a local church pastor knows your story, struggles, and spiritual needs
The difference between shepherding and simply inspiring
How growing under the same preaching builds unity in the congregation
Why supporting your pastor strengthens the entire church
God’s design for spiritual formation through the local church

If you’re a pastor navigating the influence of online ministry or a church member tempted to substitute digital sermons for faithful church involvement, this conversation will encourage you to embrace the beauty and responsibility of local church leadership.

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3 Reasons Why Church Buildings Still Matter

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss why church buildings still matter in today’s ministry contexts. From fostering community presence to supporting worship gatherings, they explore how physical church spaces can serve both congregations and their neighborhoods—especially in under-resourced communities.

In this episode, you’ll learn three key reasons church buildings still matter:

Every community needs a sacred space : why visible, physical churches remain a powerful gospel witness in local neighborhoods
A place for the corporate gathering: how church buildings support biblical worship, preaching, ordinances, and discipleship
A central space for under-resourced communities: the role church facilities play in serving practical needs and strengthening community life

This conversation is especially helpful for church planters, revitalization pastors, and church leaders thinking strategically about facilities, mission, and long-term ministry impact.

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When Bad Things Happen When You Preach

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Preaching rarely goes exactly as planned. In this episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk honestly about what to do when unexpected disruptions happen in the pulpit—and how pastors can respond with calm, wisdom, and grace.

From technical issues to personal and medical interruptions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for pastors and church planters navigating real-life preaching challenges.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn How to Respond When:

Technology fails during a sermon (microphones, slides, livestreams, and more)
You start coughing, sneezing, or lose your voice while preaching
You lose your place or your train of thought mid-sermon
A medical emergency or major interruption happens during the service

Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a new church planter, this episode will help you prepare for the unexpected and stay focused on faithfully proclaiming the gospel—even when things go wrong.

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10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching: Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation on the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue discussing how pastors can develop a faithful and effective preaching style over time. Building on insights from H.B. Charles Jr., this episode focuses on long-term growth, healthy evaluation, and the freedom that comes from trusting God with the process—especially in church revitalization and replant settings.

This conversation helps pastors pursue growth in preaching without becoming discouraged, defensive, or overly self-focused.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:

Practice thoughtful self-critique without losing heart
Seek and receive healthy feedback that strengthens your preaching
Strive for excellence while depending on God’s grace
Grow with patience instead of rushing maturity
Stop worrying about style and focus on faithful proclamation

Resources Related to This Episode:

“10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching from H.B. Charles Jr.” by Nathan Millican

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10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching: Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can begin developing a faithful and effective preaching style without imitation or performance pressure. Drawing from insights by H.B. Charles Jr., the hosts focus on foundational disciplines that shape a preacher over time—especially for pastors serving in church revitalization and replant contexts.

Rather than chasing trends or personalities, this episode emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, clarity, and consistency in the pulpit.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:

Grow as a preacher by consistently preaching the Word
Improve your craft by intentionally studying preaching
Stay anchored by focusing on the message, not yourself
Develop authenticity by learning to be yourself
Learn from others by exposing yourself to great preaching

Resources Related to This Episode:

“10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching from H.B. Charles Jr.” by Nathan Millican

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Preaching the Gospel at Funerals

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss key insights from Brian Croft on how pastors and church leaders can faithfully and compassionately preach the gospel at funerals. This conversation addresses the tension between honoring grief and clearly proclaiming the hope of Christ, offering practical guidance for gospel-centered funeral preaching.

Key Topics Covered:

Why acknowledging grief is essential in funeral services
How to clearly present the hope of the gospel in moments of loss
Calling hearers to respond to the gospel with wisdom and pastoral sensitivity

3 Principles for Preaching the Gospel at Funerals:

Acknowledge the need to grieve, honoring the pain and loss families experience.
Make the hope of the gospel clear, pointing to Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Call for listeners to respond to the gospel, inviting faith without manipulation or pressure.

Resources Related to This Episode:

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How to Minister to Children with Autism

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical, gospel-centered ways churches can minister to children with autism and special needs. Whether your church is revitalizing, replanting, or simply seeking to become more inclusive, this conversation offers actionable guidance for creating a welcoming, supportive environment for families of individuals with special needs.

Key Topics Covered:

Why acknowledging disabilities as part of God’s world shapes healthier ministry
How humility in leadership strengthens special needs ministry
The importance of training volunteers to serve children with autism
Creating inclusive, welcoming church environments
Providing quiet and safe spaces for children with sensory sensitivities

5 Practical Tips for Ministering to Children with Autism:

Acknowledge that disabilities are a part of our world and an opportunity for the church to reflect Christ’s compassion.
Lead with humility, recognizing that learning and listening are essential.
Train volunteers and ministry leaders to understand and support children with autism.
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children and their families.
Offer quiet, safe spaces for children who need sensory breaks during church activities.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Laying the Best Foundation for Starting a Special Needs Ministry” from the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention

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5 Tips to Connect with and Retain Senior Adults

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share practical and pastoral guidance for effectively ministering to senior adults within the local church. As many congregations face aging memberships and declining attendance among older adults, this conversation offers actionable steps to help church leaders reconnect with, value, and retain senior adults as vital members of the body of Christ.

These tips are especially relevant for pastors, replanters, and church revitalization leaders who want to foster unity across generations while honoring the faithfulness and legacy of older church members.

5 Practical Tips for Senior Adult Ministry

Publicly acknowledge senior adults and recognize their history, faithfulness, and foundational role in the life of the church
Visit senior adult Sunday morning classes to listen, build trust, and strengthen relational connections
Intentionally include senior adults in corporate worship, ensuring they feel seen, welcomed, and valued
Identify trusted leaders or representatives within the senior adult community to help foster communication and fellowship
Create and promote ministry opportunities designed for senior adults, allowing them to serve according to their gifts, experience, and availability

This episode emphasizes that retaining senior adults is not simply about programming—it’s about cultivating respect, belonging, and meaningful engagement within the church family.

Why Senior Adult Engagement Matters in Church Revitalization

Senior adults bring spiritual maturity, consistency, generosity, and volunteer leadership to the local church. Churches that fail to engage older members risk losing not only attendance, but wisdom, unity, and long-term sustainability.

Resources Related to This Episode

“What NOT to Name Your Senior Adult Ministry” from Texas Baptists

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Why Senior Adults are Leaving the Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a sobering trend impacting many churches today: the growing number of senior adults leaving the local church. This conversation is based on Thom Rainer’s article, “The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults,” and it explores both the causes and the consequences of this shift.

As churches focus on reaching younger generations, many senior adults feel overlooked, disconnected, or unable to fully participate. This episode helps pastors and church leaders better understand the challenges aging church members face—and why retaining and caring for senior adults is essential to healthy church revitalization.

Key Reasons Senior Adults are Leaving Churches

Since 2000, church attendance among adults age 65 and older has declined by approximately 15%
Physical limitations such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, and vision issues make attending church more difficult
The emotional impact of losing peers and longtime friends within the congregation
Shifting church priorities that emphasize young families and children, often at the expense of senior adult ministry
When senior adults leave, churches lose valuable financial support, institutional wisdom, and volunteer leadership

This episode challenges church leaders to consider how their ministry strategies, worship services, facilities, and programming communicate value—or neglect—to older members of the congregation.

Why This Matters for Church Replanting and Revitalization

Senior adults often carry deep spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and commitment to the local church. Ignoring their needs can weaken a church’s health, mission, and sustainability. This conversation equips leaders to rethink engagement, accessibility, and discipleship for aging members.

Resources Related to This Episode

“The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults” by Thom Rainer

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20 Relics of the Church's Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation around church revitalization trends that may be resurfacing in today’s ministry context. Drawing from Thom Rainer’s article, “Twenty Relics of Church Past,” they examine which historic church practices are making a comeback—and what that means for pastors, church planters, and leaders serving in replant and revitalization settings.

This discussion helps church leaders discern whether these returning practices are helpful tools for gospel ministry or remnants better left in the past.

Church Practices and Ministry Trends Discussed

Church choirs and their role in congregational worship
The church parlor as a space for fellowship and connection
Weekly home visitation as a discipleship strategy
The return of hymnals in worship services
Wednesday night fellowship meals and community-building
A casual approach to recruiting children’s ministry volunteers
Program-driven philosophies of ministry
Large pulpits and traditional sanctuary design
Special music and choir anthems
Food pantries as a community outreach tool
Use of the King James Version (KJV) in preaching and teaching
Office hours for ministry staff and accessibility
Landline phones and church communication methods

Whether you’re leading a declining church, revitalizing a legacy congregation, or planting with an awareness of church history, this episode offers practical insight into how the past can inform the future of local church ministry.

Resources Related to This Episode

“Twenty Relics of Church Past” by Thom Rainer

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20 Relics of the Church's Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Are some church traditions from the past making a comeback? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss insights from an article by Thom Rainer that examines historical church practices that may be re-emerging in today’s ministry context.

This conversation helps pastors and church leaders think critically about tradition, culture, and ministry effectiveness—distinguishing between meaningful practices and those that may hinder church revitalization.

In this episode, Mark and Mark discuss church practices that may be returning, including:

Sunday evening worship services
Stand-and-greet moments during worship
Suits and ties in church attire
The use of organs in worship services
Printed church newsletters
Prolonged and frequent business meetings
Referring to small groups as “Sunday School”

Whether you’re leading a traditional congregation, revitalizing an aging church, or navigating cultural change, this episode offers helpful perspective on how churches can honor the past while staying mission-focused.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Twenty Relics of Church Past” by Thom Rainer

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How Do I Know if I’ve Stayed Too Long?: Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How can a pastor discern whether it’s time to step aside for the health of a declining church? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their discussion of an article by Chuck Lawless, focusing on deeper, more sobering indicators that a pastor may have stayed too long in one place.

This conversation offers honest reflection for pastors, church leaders, and revitalization teams navigating leadership fatigue, declining momentum, and difficult transition decisions.

In this episode, you’ll learn additional signs that a pastor may have stayed too long:

The church has lost passion and excitement for its mission and ministry.
The remaining congregation consists primarily of long-term members with no new growth or generational reach.
Financial survival—paying the bills—has overshadowed ministry and mission.
The pastor increasingly isolates himself from the church family.
The pastor becomes resigned to allowing the church to die on his watch.

This episode is especially relevant for pastors serving in declining churches, those considering church revitalization or replanting, and leadership teams seeking wisdom about healthy pastoral transitions.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“8 Indications that a Pastor of a Declining Church May Have Stayed Too Long” by Chuck Lawless

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How Do I Know if I've Stayed Too Long?: Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 6 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

How can church leaders discern when a pastor’s season of leadership has come to an end? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss key insights from an article by Chuck Lawless that addresses what happens when a pastor stays at a declining church longer than he should.

This conversation helps pastors, elders, and church members recognize early warning signs that leadership transition may be necessary for the health of the congregation and the effectiveness of the church’s mission.

In this episode, you’ll learn three indicators that a pastor may have stayed too long:

The church continues to decline, and the pastor places blame on the congregation rather than addressing leadership challenges.
The pastor no longer has a clear vision for the future and operates in survival mode instead of mission-driven leadership.
The pastor would likely accept another ministry role if given the opportunity.

This episode is especially helpful for pastors serving in declining churches, revitalization leaders, and church leadership teams seeking wisdom and clarity around pastoral longevity and healthy leadership transitions.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“8 Indications that a Pastor of a Declining Church May Have Stayed Too Long” by Chuck Lawless

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Why Should We Revitalize Dying Churches?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Why should pastors and church leaders invest in revitalizing dying churches instead of closing their doors? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack the biblical, missional, and practical reasons why church revitalization and replanting are vital to the health of local congregations and their communities.

This conversation explores the heart behind revitalization and why declining churches remain important to God, their communities, and the Great Commission.

In this episode, you’ll learn why church revitalization is important because:

Revitalization creates gospel opportunities for people to come to faith in Jesus Christ.
The remaining members of declining churches still matter and deserve faithful pastoral care.
Local neighborhoods need healthy, gospel-centered churches.
Revitalizing churches ultimately exists for the glory of God.

Whether you are a pastor considering church revitalization, a leader in a struggling congregation, or someone exploring church replanting, this episode offers encouragement and clarity for the journey.

Resources Related to This Episode:

Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches by Mark Clifton

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7 Daily Pastoral Prayers

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can deepen their daily prayer life, reflecting on an article from Chuck Lawless about seven things Tom Elliff prays for every day. If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, church planter, or replanter, this episode will encourage you to build a more intentional, Scripture-shaped pattern of prayer.

In this episode, they walk through seven daily pastoral prayers:

1. A continual awareness of God’s presence

Praying for a “looming sense” of God’s nearness throughout the day.
Learning to live, lead, and make decisions with a constant God-consciousness.

2. A pure heart

Asking God to search your motives, cleanse hidden sin, and guard your integrity.
Understanding why personal holiness is essential for pastoral ministry.

3. The fullness of the Holy Spirit

Praying to be led, empowered, and sustained by the Spirit in every aspect of ministry.

4. The gifts and graces of the Spirit

Seeking spiritual gifts and Christlike character to serve your people well.
Asking God to bear visible fruit in and through your life.

5. Protection from bringing reproach on Christ

Pleading with God that you would do nothing that gives the enemy an opportunity to mock your Lord.
Talking honestly about temptation, spiritual warfare, and the fear of disqualifying yourself.

6. God’s hand on your family

Praying for your spouse, children, and loved ones serving God around the world.
Thinking about how to shepherd both your church and your home.

7. Faithfulness to God’s calling and vision

Asking the Lord to keep you true to the mission He’s given you.
Staying focused and steadfast in seasons of discouragement, transition, or slow growth.

This episode is especially helpful for:

Pastors wanting a daily prayer framework
Leaders in church revitalization and replanting
Anyone longing to grow in spiritual depth, dependence, and perseverance in ministry

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Article: “7 Things My Pastoral Hero Prays Every Day” by Chuck Lawless

Listen in for a practical, worshipful guide to daily pastoral prayer, learning to seek God for purity, power, protection, and perseverance in ministry.

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Christmas Special, Part 2: A Story of Peace and Hope with Dan Hurst

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 2 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst shares a personal and powerful Christmas story from his childhood as a missionary kid in Honduras, reflecting on what Christmas looks like in the midst of uncertainty, hardship, and fear.

Set during a season of political unrest and darkness, this story centers on a simple, candlelit children’s Christmas program in a small church with no electricity—and a child’s quiet declaration: “This year for Christmas, I need peace.” That moment became a lasting reminder that Christmas is not about what we want, but about what we need—and that true peace and hope are found in Christ alone.

Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this story encourages your heart and points you to the lasting peace that only Jesus can provide.

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Christmas Special, Part 1: The Story of Christmas from Luke 2 with Dan Hurst

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 1 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst reads Luke 2, sharing the story of Christmas and recounting the birth of Jesus Christ and the good news first announced to the shepherds.

This familiar passage reminds us that the Savior entered the world in humility—wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room for Him at the inn. Yet heaven itself rejoiced, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

As the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them, they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart, inviting us to pause and reflect on the wonder and meaning of Christ’s coming.

Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this Scripture reading draws your heart back to the hope, peace, and joy found in Jesus.

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How to Leave a Church Well

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how to leave a church well—in a way that honors Christ, loves His people, and protects your own spiritual health. Drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church,” they walk through practical steps for transitioning from one church to another with humility and integrity.

In this episode, they unpack 7 ways to leave a church in a healthy, biblical way:

1. Pray

Seek the Lord earnestly before making any decisions.
Ask for wisdom, clarity, and a heart that desires God’s glory above your preferences.

2. Examine your motives

Be honest about why you want to leave.
Evaluate whether your reasons are rooted in conviction, calling, or frustration and hurt.

3. Review the commitments you’ve made

Remember membership vows, ministry roles, and responsibilities.
Think carefully about how to finish well and hand off your areas of service.

4. Deal with unresolved interpersonal conflict

Don’t use a church transfer to avoid biblical reconciliation.
Whenever possible, seek peace, forgiveness, and restored relationships before you go.

5. Consider how your departure will affect others

Reflect on how your decision impacts your family, friends, small group, and church leaders.
Aim to leave in a way that builds up the church rather than causing division or confusion.

6. Know where you’re going before you leave

Don’t drift into churchlessness.
Identify another faithful, gospel-preaching church where you can plug in, submit to leadership, and serve.

7. Have an honest exit conversation with your pastor

Meet with your pastor or elders to share your decision respectfully.
Express gratitude, share concerns graciously, and invite them to pray for you as you transition.

This episode is especially helpful for:

Believers wondering how to leave a church well
Members processing a potential church transition
Pastors and leaders shepherding people through church moves

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

“When It’s Time to Leave a Church” by HB Charles

Listen in for pastoral, practical guidance on leaving a church biblically, guarding unity, and honoring Christ and His bride even in seasons of transition.

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Bad and Good Reasons to Leave a Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock walk through bad and good reasons to leave a church, drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church.” If you’re wrestling with whether to stay or go, this episode will help you think biblically and wisely about church membership, commitment, and discernment.

They explore “red light” reasons not to leave a church (bad reasons):

Sin: leaving instead of repenting or reconciling.
Disagreements over secondary doctrinal issues: elevating non-essential issues to a breaking point.
Disunity: walking away rather than pursuing peace and unity in Christ.
Personal offenses: allowing hurt feelings or misunderstandings to drive decisions.
Unwillingness to submit to spiritual authority: resisting God-given leadership rather than humbly engaging.
A low view of the church: treating church as optional, consumer-based, or disposable.
Disregard for the truth: leaving when God’s Word confronts your preferences or lifestyle.

They also talk about “green light” reasons that may indicate it’s time to leave a church (good reasons):

A gospel reason: the church no longer clearly preaches or guards the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A doctrinal reason: the church drifts into serious theological error or abandons biblical authority.
A personal reason: unique circumstances such as relocation, calling, or family needs that make joining another faithful church wise.

This episode is especially helpful for:

Believers struggling with whether to leave a church
Pastors and elders helping members process church transitions
Christians wanting a more biblical view of church membership and commitment

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

“When It’s Time to Leave a Church” by HB Charles

Listen in for a pastoral, gospel-centered conversation on leaving a church wisely, staying for the right reasons, and loving Christ’s bride well.

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10 Reasons Pastors’ Kids Stray

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk honestly about why many pastors’ kids (PKs) struggle spiritually or walk away from the faith, using Chuck Lawless’s article, “10 Reasons Preacher’s Kids Strayed,” as a starting point.

If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or parent in church leadership, this episode will help you better understand the unique pressures pastors’ kids face and how to care for their hearts with wisdom and grace.

In this episode, they unpack 10 reasons pastors’ kids stray from the church or from faith:

1. They weren’t (and aren’t) perfect.

PKs often feel pressure to be the “ideal Christian kid.”
Constant expectations and scrutiny can lead to burnout, resentment, or hidden struggles.

2. The church told them how to live, but didn’t personally walk with them.

They heard the rules and standards but lacked discipleship, mentoring, and real-life guidance.

3. They didn’t know what to do when their pastor-parent seemed too busy.

Ministry can crowd out family time, leaving kids feeling overlooked or unimportant.

4. They kept their struggles to themselves.

Fear of judgment or hurting their parents’ reputation can keep PKs silent about doubts and sin.

5. They felt overwhelmed by temptation and didn’t know how to respond.

Without safe, honest conversations about sin, grace, and repentance, temptation can isolate them.

6. They weren’t actually saved yet.

Growing up in a ministry home doesn’t guarantee genuine conversion or a personal relationship with Christ.

7. They wanted to experiment.

Curiosity, peer pressure, or a desire for independence can lead them to test boundaries and pursue the world.

8. They were rebelling against the church.

Hurts, hypocrisy, or church conflict can cause PKs to push back against the church and its expectations.

9. They saw too much of the “underbelly” of church life.

Witnessing criticism, conflict, betrayal, or gossip about their parents can deeply wound pastors’ kids.

10. They followed the lead of their church friends.

The influence of peers—whether spiritually apathetic or openly rebellious—can pull PKs away from the Lord.

This episode offers pastoral wisdom and practical ideas for:

Protecting and shepherding your own kids as a pastor
Creating a church culture that cares well for pastors’ families
Helping pastors’ kids process church hurt, doubt, and disappointment

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on pastors’ kids, church hurt, and helping PKs follow Jesus with authentic, lasting faith.

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6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can earn trust in their congregations, especially in revitalization and replanting contexts. If you’re a pastor, church planter, or replanter, this episode offers practical, real-life ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and lead your people with integrity.

In this episode, they unpack six ways to earn trust as a pastor:

1. Listen more than you speak

Learn how intentional listening builds pastoral credibility.
Discover why slowing down, asking good questions, and really hearing your people matters more than having all the answers.

2. Follow through on what you say you’ll do

Understand how consistency and reliability create trust over time.
Explore simple practices to keep your word and manage expectations in your church.

3. Be present in crisis—and in everyday life

See why showing up at hospital bedsides, funerals, and hard moments is crucial.
Learn the importance of being there for non-crisis moments too: ball games, coffees, and casual conversations.

4. Be a joyful pastor

Discover how genuine joy and hope influence the culture of your congregation.
Hear why a pastor’s attitude can either drain or energize a church family.

5. Celebrate what God is doing in your church

Learn how to highlight small wins and stories of God’s faithfulness.
Use celebration to encourage your people and shape a culture of gratitude and expectancy.

6. Stay—especially when it’s hard

Explore why long-term presence is one of the most powerful ways to build trust.
Hear insights on perseverance, calling, and staying put in seasons of discouragement or slow growth.

This episode is especially helpful for:

Pastors in church revitalization or replanting
New pastors seeking to build trust early in their ministry
Church leaders wanting to strengthen unity and health in their congregation

Listen in for practical, gospel-centered wisdom on building trust as a pastor, earning credibility in ministry, and shepherding your church with faithfulness over the long haul.

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How to Make a Big Impact in a Small Town: Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation on how churches can effectively reach small towns and rural communities, using the Converge article “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” as a springboard. If you’re a rural pastor, church replanter, or leader in a small-town church, this episode will help you think creatively about evangelism, outreach, and community engagement in your context.

In this episode, they explore how to:

1. Take your hobby out of the church lobby

Use your personal interests—sports, crafts, coffee, hunting, music—to build real relationships in the community.
Host hobby-based gatherings in neutral spaces like coffee shops, parks, or community centers to connect with unchurched neighbors.

2. Be a good neighbor in practical, everyday ways

Live out the gospel through simple acts of kindness, presence, and service in your small town.
Look for opportunities to help your literal neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations.

3. Turn your church’s “wow factor” up to 11 on one thing

Identify one outreach, ministry, or community event your church can do with excellence.
Focus your limited resources to make a big impact in a specific area that blesses your rural community.

4. Go “all in” on building bridges to your community

Invest time and energy in long-term relationships with schools, city leaders, nonprofits, and local families.
Create ongoing partnerships instead of one-time projects, so your church becomes a trusted presence in town.

Ideal for:

Rural and small-town pastors
Church replanters and revitalization leaders
Churches wanting to reach their rural community with the gospel

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Article: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge Network

Use this episode as a practical guide for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach strategies, and community engagement that keeps Christ and His mission at the center.

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How to Make a Big Impact in a Small Town: Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack practical ways churches can reach small towns and rural communities, drawing from the Converge article, “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community.” If you’re a pastor or church leader in a small town, this episode will help you think more strategically about evangelism, outreach, and community presence in a rural context.

In this episode, they discuss how to:

1. Make sure no second-time guest slips through the cracks

Create simple follow-up systems for visitors.
Help guests connect with real relationships, not just programs.

2. Get your church into the local news and community conversation

Look for ways to serve that are newsworthy in your small town.
Build relationships with local media, schools, and civic leaders.

3. Get “schooled” by engaging your local schools

Support teachers, staff, and students in practical ways.
Volunteer, mentor, and show up consistently at school events.

4. Be offensive—in the right way

Play offense by taking the gospel outside your building.
Move from a “come and see” mindset to a “go and tell” lifestyle.

5. Bust out of the Sunday morning box

Think beyond worship services to weekly rhythms of mission.
Use everyday spaces and everyday routines for intentional outreach.

6. Be a regular in your community

Build a faithful presence at local coffee shops, restaurants, and parks.
Become known as a pastor or church member who genuinely cares.

Ideal for:

Rural pastors
Replanters in small towns
Church leaders looking to reach their local community more effectively

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Article: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge Network

Use this conversation as a practical playbook for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach, and community engagement that keeps the gospel at the center.

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Thanksgiving Special: 5 Things Every Pastor Should be Thankful For

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss a few reasons why pastors should be thankful this holiday season.

Some Highlights:

Be thankful that God called you to be a pastor.
Be thankful for those who have shaped you.
Be thankful for those who have had patience with you.
Be thankful to God, who has not removed His calling from you.

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Revitalize and Replant LIVE at the 2025 Replant Summit

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst record a live episode from the 2025 Replant Summit answering listeners’ questions.

What decisions or circumstances help a church decide, “We can’t do this ourselves”?
Why churches of 200 or less must be involved in replanting other churches.
How to handle disagreements over secondary or tertiary issues in the work of revitalization/replanting.

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5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Kevin DeYoung for some helpful tips on preaching from the Puritans. Puritan preaching was characterized by these markers:

Expository
Doctrinal
Orderly
Plain
Focused on Christ

Resources Related to this Episode:

“5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans” by Kevin DeYoung

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5 Sure Ways to Fail in Leading Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some sure-fire ways to fail in revitalization.

Some Highlights:

Lack of humility
Lack of patience
Lack of faith
Lack of perseverance
Lack of love

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7 Ways to Grow in Your Preaching

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some simple tips from H.B. Charles for improving your preaching.

Some Highlights:

Read
Pray
Think
Write
Love
Rest
Live

Resources Related to This Episode:

“7 Ways to Grow in Your Preaching” by HB Charles

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10 Reasons Why You Should Feel Uncomfortable in Church This Weekend

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why pastors and church leaders should feel uncomfortable in church.

Some Highlights:

You will be worshiping the one and only, true and living God.
The Word of God penetrates to the depth of our being (Heb. 4:12).
All of us have sin to deal with.
Lost people should be there.
A supernatural enemy will want you to ignore or deny God’s Word.
You might have to deal with that person who “gets under your skin.”
The command of the Great Commission is still in effect.
If you’re a leader, you’ll answer for the way you care for the souls of the church (Heb. 13:17).
If you’re the preacher, your responsibility is great.
I say it again: None of us is perfect.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“10 Reasons Why Attending Church Should Make You Feel Uncomfortable This Weekend” by Chuck Lawless

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8 Reasons Many Churches are in Decline

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 6 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer that addresses why so many churches are in decline and how leadership development is key to adjusting to the changing realities of our cultural climate.

Some Highlights:

They don’t recognize the decline of cultural Christianity.
They have many “church rules.”
They have leaders who have never led in a highly unchurched mission field.
They confuse tradition with the truth.
They do outreach the way they’ve always done it.
They are experiencing significant conflict due to frustration.
They are very slow to respond.
They have significant facility challenges.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“8 Reasons Many Bible-Belt Churches Are in Decline” by Thom Rainer

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12 Balancing Acts in Ministry You Might Face This Week

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 4 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some areas that create tension in ministry.

Some Highlights:

Doing pastoral care vs. leading the organization
Focusing on private study vs. doing public ministry
Prioritizing new members vs. concentrating on longer-term members
Doing evangelism vs. doing discipleship
Budgeting for staff vs. budgeting for ministry and missions
Changing things too quickly vs. changing them too slowly
Spending time with family vs. being with the church family
Reaching our neighbors vs. reaching the nations
Honoring the past vs. preparing for the future
Ministering to older folks vs. ministering to the young
Extending grace vs. carrying out church discipline
Hanging out with non-believers who need the gospel vs. hanging out with believers who love their church staff

Resources Related to This Episode:

“12 Balancing Acts in Ministry You Might Face This Week” by Chuck Lawless

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Raising Up Next-Gen Leaders with Brandon Moore

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss what it looks like to raise up the next generation of leaders within your church.

Some Highlights:

Raising up leaders from the next generation isn’t optional.
Begin to pray for God to lead young leaders to your church.
Set aside resources and/or find partners to help bring a young leader on as a resident.

Resources Related to This Episode:

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Reaching the Next Generation with Brandon Moore

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss ministry to the next generation of leaders.

Some Highlights:

The importance of inter-generational ministry for raising up next-gen leaders
Why potlucks still work for community

Resources Related to This Episode:

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Urban Ministry with Colin Pugh

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Colin Pugh, the urban strategist on the North American Mission Board’s Replant Team.

Some Highlights:

The importance of transitioning leadership to a new generation of leaders
Leadership development is key
The impact of a church’s “footprint” in its community
Partnership with local businesses to minister to the community

Resources Related to This Episode:

To connect with Colin, reach out to cpugh_contractor@namb.net

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Rural Ministry with Andy Addis

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to talk about some unique aspects of rural ministry.

“The Big Three” in Rural Ministry:

Vocational Identity
Low Resources
Isolation

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Transformational Discipleship with Andy Addis

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to discuss transformational discipleship strategies.

Some Highlights:

Real disciples come away “smelling” like Jesus.
True discipleship is about presence.
The answer is not new discipleship material—it’s walking with Jesus.
A four-step process to read Scripture: summarize, expose, change, and prepare

Resources Related to This Episode:

Reading It Right

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Discerning a Call to Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss Jason K. Allen’s book, Discerning Your Call to Ministry.

Some Highlights:

Do you desire the ministry?
Does your character meet God’s expectations?
Is your household in order?
Has God gifted you to teach and preach His Word?
Does your church affirm your calling?
Do you love the people of God?
Are you passionate about the gospel and the Great Commission?
Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?
Are you ready to defend the faith?
Are you willing to surrender?

Resources Related to This Episode:

Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It by Jason K. Allen

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How to Make First-Time Guests Feel Welcome

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to show Christlike hospitality to first-time guests.

Some Highlights:

Take initiative and pursue first-time guests.
Welcome with enthusiasm.
Show individual care.
Be genuine and authentic.
Serve people with joy.
Communicate clearly.

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Pastor, Don’t Waste Your Discouragement

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 7 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways that pastors can minister through their own discouragement.

Some Highlights:

Discouragements are about God’s reign—so yield to His wife and His loving providence.
Discouragements are about learning spiritual consistency—so maintain spiritual disciplines.
Discouragements are about the affections—so cultivate a heart of worship.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Pastor, Don’t Waste Your Discouragement” by Phil A. Newton

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Should We Go Back to Sunday School?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 2 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about why churches should consider moving back toward traditional Sunday School.

Some Highlights:

To grow in biblical knowledge
To develop teachers
To foster deeper community
To engage the city better
To embrace the role of the church

Resources Related to This Episode:

“5 Reasons We Switched from Small Groups to Sunday School” by Jim Davis

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Ten Lessons from Old-Fashioned Sunday School

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some insights for small groups and Sunday School from Chuck Lawless.

Some Highlights:

The small group’s purpose must be clear.
Intentional organization matters.
Workers must be trained.
Concern must be focused on the lost.
Pastoral care via the small group must be organized.
The goal of the Sunday School class is to multiply, to “plant” another class from the current class.
Space matters.
The class must “go after” the lost.

Resources Related to This Episode:

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Ministering to Toxic People

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to minister to toxic people in your church.

Some Highlights:

The Gossip/Talker
The Exploder
The Passive-Aggressive
The Cynic

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More Pastoral Warning Signs

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Garrett Kell, on the topic of dangerous signs in the life of a pastor.

Some Highlights:

Entitlement
Greed
Control
Callousness
Tribalism
Unbalanced Gospel

Resources Related to This Episode:

“When to Distrust Your Pastor” by Garrett Kell

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Pastoral Warning Signs

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Garrett Kell, discussing the danger signs in the life of a pastor.

Some Highlights:

Isolation
Lack of accountability
Defensiveness

Resources Related to This Episode:

“When to Distrust Your Pastor” by Garrett Kell

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How Not to Help a Sufferer

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Gavin Ortlund on some ways that pastors unintentionally hurt those who are already suffering.

Some Highlights:

Appeal too quickly to God’s sovereignty
Launch into a story of how God used your suffering
Minimize the wrongdoing that caused the suffering
Emphasize character formation while neglecting comfort and compassion

Resources Related to This Episode:

“How Not to Help a Sufferer” by Gavin Ortlund

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11 Ways to Lead a God-Glorifying Weekly Worship Gathering

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to help inject new life into the weekly worship gathering.

Some Highlights:

Make sure the gathering is truly God-centered, not man-centered.
Help people feel the weight and joy of worshiping God, not shallow and joyless.
Let theological conviction shape every component, not pragmatism.
Preach the Word with precision, passion, and application, not sloppy, dull, and impractical.
Celebrate the Lord’s Supper consistently with intentionality, not as an afterthought.
Do what you can with excellence, not what you can’t and not half-way.
Keep it simple, not unnecessarily complex.
Choose songs that are singable and sound in doctrine, not simply what is popular.
Encourage congregational singing, not disengaged observing.
Make sacrificial giving a worship opportunity, not something to be avoided.
Regularly cast vision for how our worship of God must fuel the mission of God to make disciples, never assuming people drift toward the mission.

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AI or No AI?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some of the benefits and pitfalls of using artificial intelligence in sermon preparation.

Potential Benefits:

Time efficiency
Access to a large amount of research and language resources

Potential Pitfalls:

Risk of shallow theology
Pastoral integrity
Laziness

Resources Related to This Episode:

John Piper’s AI Prayer

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Some Thoughts on Preaching with a Manuscript

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss different ways to effectively preach with a manuscript.

Some Highlights:

Two cons of manuscript preaching:
- Your delivery can be too wooden.
- You can miss what the Spirit is doing in the worship gathering
A manuscript can provide clarity and coherence.
Even in a manuscript, leave room for what Hallock calls “rant time.”

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Some Thoughts on Preaching with No Notes

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to effectively preach without notes.

Some Highlights:

No notes DOES NOT mean no study
Some of the potential pitfalls of preaching with no notes
The importance of thinking through your introduction and closing
You must know how you’re going to “land the plane”

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Some More Current Trends for Pastors to Consider

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some current trends that pastors need to be aware of for their churches and communities.

Some Highlights:

More social media issues
Changing family dynamics
Increasing cultural headwinds

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Current Trends that Need to be on Pastors' Radars

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some current trends that pastors need to be aware of—both within their churches and throughout their communities.

Some Highlights:

Mental health issues
Senior life
The current political environment
Changing public schools
Social media issues

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Why Churches are Moving Back to One Worship Style

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some reasons why churches are moving from multiple worship services with different worship styles to a single worship style.

Some Highlights:

Multiple worship styles created an “us-versus-them” mentality.
The church did not have the resources to do multiple styles with quality.
The church moved from multiple services to one service.
The millennial generation has influenced many churches.
Worship wars are waning.
Multiple generations are becoming more accustomed to different types of church music and worship styles.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Six Reasons Some Churches are Moving Back to One Worship Style” by Kenny Lamm

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7 Ways to Love Your Community

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Sam Rainer on some simple and creative ways to love your local community.

Some Highlights:

Don’t go home.
Join the fun.
Live with your people.
Stop complaining.
Stay active.
Join a civic organization.
Try something new on a regular basis.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Seven Ways to Love Your Community” by Sam Rainer

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Why We Need the Puritans, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share more reasons why we need to learn from the Puritans, based on an article from Jeff Robinson.

Some Highlights:

Because they saw all of life as being lived coram deo—before the face of God
Because they were highly decorated soldiers on the spiritual battlefield
Because they were skilled physicians of the souls
Because they understood contentment in Christ as the key to genuine happiness

Resources Related to This Episode:

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Why We Need the Puritans, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some reasons why we need to learn from the Puritans, based on an article from Jeff Robinson.

Some Highlights:

Because they were mature and we are not
Because they understood the deep sinfulness of the human heart
Because they knew their best life was later
Because they viewed the family as a little church

Resources Related to This Episode:

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To Count or Not to Count

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 7 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss whether counting worship attendance still makes sense, based on an article from Sam Rainer.

Healthy reasons to count:

Rhythms build discipleship.
Presence enables connection.
Trends reveal direction.
Opportunities increase.

Unhealthy reasons to count:

Legalism creeps in.
Growth becomes a game.
Charisma overshadows calling.
Quantity replaces quality.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Does Counting Worship Attendance Still Make Sense for Churches?” by Sam Rainer

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Some Thoughts on Worship

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 5 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some issues surrounding worship in the local church.

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8 Reasons Spiritual Disciplines Matter

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, Kyle Bueermann discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on why you and your church should be practicing the spiritual disciplines.

The disciplines slow us down.
They put us in a position to listen to God.
They emphasize relationships.
They force us to see where we place our dependence.
They uncover the sin that's hindering our walk with God.
They correct our sins of omission.
They prepare us to teach and lead others.
They produce in us godly confidence and excitement.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“8 Reasons Spiritual Disciplines Matter” by Chuck Lawless

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5 Ways to Last 20 Years in the Same Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Mike Ayers that covers some tips for longevity in church ministry.

Some Highlights:

Be teachable
Know your identity
Faithfulness first
Develop a hard shell; maintain a soft heart
Simply don’t quit

Resources Related to This Episode:

“5 Ways to Last 20 Years in the Same Church” by Mike Ayers

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A 12-Point Cure for Complaining

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a few lessons they've learned from Christian Communicators Worldwide on the problem of complaining—and how Scripture offers us its cure.

Some Highlights:

God commands me never to complain.
God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance.
God commands me to rejoice always, especially in times of trial.
I always deserve much worse than what I am suffering now; in fact, I deserve hell.
In light of the eternal happiness and glory I'll experience in heaven, this present trial is brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime.
My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, yet He did not complain.
To complain is to say God is not just.
Faith and prayer exclude complaining.
This difficulty is being used by God for my good, and it is foolish for me to complain against it.
Those more faithful than I have suffered far worse than I and have done so without complaint.
Complaining denies that God’s grace is entirely sufficient for me.
The greatest suffering—the worst trial or difficulty—can never rob me of that which is of greatest value to me and my great joy: namely, the love of Christ.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“A 12-Point Cure for Complaining" by Bill Izard

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6 Lessons on Holiness from Thomas Watson

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some lessons from Puritan pastor Thomas Watson on personal holiness.

Some Highlights:

Holiness produces joy.
Holiness takes intentionality.
Holiness will never be reached.
Holiness comes from God working through His Word.
Holiness requires us to think rightly about sin.
Holiness does not save us; only Christ does.

Resources Related to This Episode:

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How to Lead Effective Prayer Meetings

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Elliff on what to do when travel ball becomes an idol in the lives of folks in your church.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“When Ball Becomes Baal” by Jim Elliff

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How to Handle an Ineffective Church Staff Member

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Vanderbloemen on how to handle underperforming church staff members:

Why firing staff members may prove more difficult in a smaller church
What you must consider about the long-term health of both the church and the staff member
What happens when you fail to address an ineffective team member
What church leaders should do in these sticky situations!

Resources Related to This Episode:

How to Handle an Ineffective Church Staff Member

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5 Ways to Know Your Church is Ready to be Revitalized

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to diagnose whether your church is ready to enter into a season of revitalization and renewal:

Hearts that are humble – “This is the Lord’s church, not ours.”
Desire to reach the community with the gospel – “This is our mission and mission field.”
Commitment to submit to the Bible – “The Word of God is our authority.”
Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes – “We are desperate to see God move here.”
Belief that God can actually revitalize dying churches – “God isn’t done with us.”

Resources Related to This Episode:

Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson
Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby
God’s Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock

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7 Keys to Building Relationships of Trust in the Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 8 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to build trust in your local church:

Be you.
Listen actively.
Show consistency.
Pursue, but know when to give space.
Follow through on commitments.
Lean into the awkward.
Don’t be easily offended.

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Reflections on the SBC Annual Meeting

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 3 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some thoughts on the recent SBC Annual Meeting:

Love the brothers
A wonderful Small Church Pastor’s Lunch
The SBC Pastor’s Conference
Our heart for missions
The miracle that is the SBC

Resources Related to This Episode:

2025 Replant Summit

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7 Reasons We Must be Patient with Church Members

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on the importance of patience in ministry.

Jesus, our role model, was patient with His disciples.
Patience is a witness of the Spirit in our lives.
In many cases, somebody has also been patient with us.
Many church members are themselves undisciplined.
They are often under stress unbeknownst to us.
Sometimes, they’re not truly believers.
We occasionally expect church members to quickly buy into something we’ve been considering for months.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“7 Reasons We Must Be Patient with Church Members” by Chuck Lawless

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More Reasons Why It’s More Difficult for the Church Today

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Farrer at Biblical Leadership about why some situations are more difficult for churches today.

Churches are filled with “ignostics”—they are ignorant of biblical truth.
Many people are dealing with problems that our churches have not been equipped to handle.

Resources Related to this Episode:

“10 Reasons Why It’s Harder for the Church Today” by Jim Farrer

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Some Reasons Why It's Harder for the Church Today

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Farrer at Biblical Leadership about why some situations are more difficult for churches today.

So much time and energy is spent on maintaining current strategies
The reality of transfer growth
The vast majority of growth is coming from churches planted in the last couple of decades
The world around us has changed

Resources Related to this Episode:

“10 Reasons Why It’s Harder for the Church Today” by Jim Farrer

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7 Causes of Church Conflict

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chris Crain, Executive Director of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association. Here are some causes for conflict in churches.

Pride
Spiritual and Emotional Immaturity
Change and Inflexibility
Abuses of Power
Church Politics
Unclear Authority
Personality Differences

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What Kind of Leader Are You?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some different styles of church leadership.

The authoritarian leader creates a culture of fear.
The disengaged leader creates a culture of floundering.
The directive leader creates a culture of flourishing.

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How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Protecting

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can feed the people in your church.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Leading Church Revitalization by Mark Hallock

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How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Leading

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can feed the people in your church.

The role of preaching in shepherding the church.
What is your strategy for raising up pastors and deacons in the life of your church?

Resources Related to this Episode:

Leading Church Revitalization by Mark Hallock

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How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Feeding

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 8 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can feed the people in your church.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Leading Church Revitalization by Mark Hallock

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How to Shepherd Your Church Well

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 1 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can shepherd well in their churches.

How can a pastor know his flock?
Feeding, leading, and protecting require knowing the flock

Resources Related to this Episode:

Leading Church Revitalization by Mark Hallock

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What to Change and How to Change it in Revitalization and Replanting

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can navigate leading through changes early in their ministry at a church.

Why “Don’t change anything in the first year” is a bit too simplistic.
Help your folks understand the “why” behind changes.
Am I the right person to lead this change, and if not, am I better suited for a second-chair ministry?

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Shepherding in Difficult and Awkward Situations

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some difficult situations that pastors may need to shepherd through in their churches.

How do you shepherd an unmarried couple who have been attending your church, but have been dishonest about their living situation?
A couple asks you to perform their marriage ceremony. They claim to be believers but are not actively involved in any church.
How do you shepherd church members who are unwise in their social media usage?
How do you shepherd a leader whose marriage is clearly not in a good spot, but they are unwilling to talk about it?
Issues surrounding alcohol usage.

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Key Questions to Ask When Welcoming Visitors

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about some ways to effectively connect with first-time visitors.

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5 Indicators that Your Church Has Been Revitalized

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 3 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Sam Rainer on some simple metrics to determine if your church is truly revitalized.

Children and students comprise 25% or more of average worship attendance.
Conversion ratio reaches 20:1 or better.
Giving consistently exceeds expenses.
Deferred maintenance is minimized.
The number of people in groups is 80% or more of average worship attendance.

Resources Related to this Episode:

“How to Know Your Church is Revitalized (5 Key Indicators)” by Sam Rainer

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A Conversation with D.J. Horton

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst welcome D.J. Horton, President of the 2025 SBC Pastor’s Conference, to the show! D.J. talks about his heart for bivocational pastors, church revitalization, and some things surrounding the 2025 SBC Pastor’s Conference in Dallas this June.

D.J.’s journey in ministry to this point, including his 20+ years at Church at the Mill.
D.J.’s life as the son of a bivocational pastor and his experience in smaller membership churches.
The heart behind the 2025 SBC Pastor’s Conference
Why pastors of smaller churches should make it to the Pastor’s Conference and SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas in June.

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When a Pastor's Kid Resists His Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Barnabas Piper about what to do when your children resist and even resent your ministry in the church.

Remember your family is your primary ministry.
Remember you are called to lead your family.
Acknowledge that ministry is hard on kids and costly to families.
Consider the stage your kids are in and the cost of ministry for them.
Take your kids’ challenges to your fellow leaders for prayer and care
Consider your home and family dynamics
Consider your church’s relational and cultural dynamics
Find outlets for relief
Consider stepping away from ministry.

Resources Related to this Episode:

“Help! My Kids Aren’t on Board with Ministry” by Barnabas Piper

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4 Difficult People You'll Encounter in Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Lifeway about some difficult people you will encounter in church and ministry life.

The Dominator
The Dodger
The Debater
The Drainer

Resources Related to this Episode:

4 Difficult People You’ll Encounter in Ministry – and How to Handle Them by Christ Surratt

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Preaching the Invitation

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors should prepare and preach the invitation.

Every sermon needs to lead to an intentional ask, call, or response.
Never assume the hearer knows what to do. In fact, assume their next move needs to be directed by clearly articulated direction.
Spend time in your preparation:
Identifying what response should be made after the message.
Craft thoughtful expressions of calling for salvation, service, or obedience.
Decide whether there should be application following each point, or one invitational call at the end of the meeting.
Make sure you plan to leave significant time and energy for your invitation and never let it be an afterthought.

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Revitalization Versus Renewal

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 6 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how the word “revitalization” can sometimes be uncomfortable, and why the word “renew” may better communicate what we mean.

Become a praying church.
Understand the church’s mission.
Focus on what God can do.
The Word is the Word to follow.
Serve God with glory.

Resources Related to this Episode:

5 Steps to Local Church Renewal by Desmond Barrett

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What Should a Pastor Wear?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how some things for pastors to think through when it comes to their attire on Sunday mornings.

Ask the question, “What does what I’m wearing communicate?”
You don’t want your clothes to distract.
Wear clothes that are culturally appropriate, but plain.

“Be prayerful and honest with yourself about this. Sure, not everyone will agree with where you fall on this issue, but I would encourage two things: 1) make sure your conscience is clear before the Lord in this and 2) always err on the side of plain and unimpressive.” – Mark Hallock

Resources Related to this Episode:

What Should a Pastor Wear by Mark Hallock

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3 Prayers for Prodigal Children

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about some ways to pray for children who have strayed from the faith.

Pray for a heart of brokenness, no matter the earthly cost.
Pray against the enemy’s desire to have them.
Pray specific Scripture over their life.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Pray Them Home by Sarah Walton

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5 Types of Sermons That Fall Short

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some types of sermons that just don’t hit the mark.

The “I want to show you how creative and clever I am” sermon.
The “I want to be real and authentic and vulnerable at all costs” sermon.
The “I am passionate about biblical and systematic theology, and you should be too” sermon.
The “I love to make the Bible practical for all people without explaining to them what it means” sermon.
The “I want you to live the purposeful, prosperous, victorious life you deserve” sermon.

Resources Related to this Episode:

5 Types of Sermons That Fall Short by Mark Hallock

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Fighting the "Respectable" Sins of Gossip and Slander

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about the danger of gossip and slander in the life of a church.

Here are good questions to evaluate whether the things you are hearing are information you need to know as a pastor or if it’s entering into the realm of gossip:

Does this information involve me or affect me directly?
What is the motive of the person who passed this information on to me?
What is going on in my heart?

Resources Related to this Episode:

Fighting the “Respectable” Sins of Gossip and Slander by Mark Hallock

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3 Things Pastors Should Know About Every Kid in Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about some things pastors should know about the kids in their church.

Know their names and basic info.
Know what they enjoy.
Know where they are spiritually.

Resources Related to this Episode:

3 Things Pastors Should Know About Every Kid in Your Church by Mark Hallock

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp

How does a Pastor Respond to: “When Is My Child Ready for Baptism?” by Mark Hallock

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How to Help an Older Church Think Younger

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss what to do when you have a church of primarily older adults.

Don’t use a cheesy name for senior adult ministries.
Don’t underestimate the value of senior adults.
Find ways to connect your older adults with younger folks in the church.
Find some way for an older church to be involved in children’s ministry.
Use people to read Scripture publicly in your worship service.
Use prayer warriors to lead your people to pray.

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5 Reasons Pastors Get Depressed

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 6 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss some reasons pastors get depressed and why they often don’t talk about it.

Spiritual warfare
The surprising reality of pastoral leadership
Sense of inadequacy
Critics and bullies
Loneliness

Resources Related to this Episode:

5 Reasons Pastors Get Depressed (And Why They Don’t Talk About It) by Thom Rainer

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Are Churches Getting Smaller?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 4 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss some of the dangers of focusing on church growth as the only metric you look at.

Love the church you have.
Love your community ministry footprint.
Change the scorecard.

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What to Do When Your Building is Too Big for Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how to handle church facilities that are too large for the current congregation.

Reconfigure your worship center to be an appropriate size for your congregation.
Use your building as an incubator for church plants.
Share your building with the community.
Share your building with appropriate non-profits.
Find ways to use your building to bless the community.

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5 Mistakes Mark Made in Revitalizing Wornall Road

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some mistakes that Mark C. made when he was leading Wornall Road Baptist Church.

I didn’t know the context.
I brought the wrong toolkit.
I wasn’t spiritually prepared.
I loved the church I wanted, not the church I had.
Initially, I saw the community as a prospect to grow my church, rather than loving the community.

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How to Protect Your Family in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how you can protect your family from the uglier sides of church revitalization and replanting.

Do not undersell the pain of revitalization to your family.
Make sure your wife has some friendships outside the church that can strengthen her spiritually.
Find places for your kids to grow spiritually, even if it means they’re involved in another church’s children’s or youth ministries.
As a family, find another local church that has weeknight home/life groups.

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Keys to Effective Business Meetings

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some important aspects of effective church business meetings.

Stick with Robert’s Rules of Order.
Be optimistic about the tone of the meeting.
Find ways to build consensus, particularly on contention issues, beforehand.
Have tactical patience when it comes to divisive issues.
Begin the meeting with worship and prayer.
Spend some time with the matriarchs and patriarchs of your church to get the history of business meetings in your church.

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5 Practical Ways Your Church Can Partner with other Churches

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways that your church can come alongside other churches.

Form a prayer partnership between your congregation and another congregation.
Proactively find a church plant or ethnic congregation and invite them to use your building.
Do a special event of some kind (worship night, community outreach, retreat, etc.) with one or more churches in your community.
Send 3 or 4 families from your church to intentionally serve and help strengthen a declining congregation in your community for 6-12 months.
Take the lead as a congregation in coming alongside a dying church and replanting it as a new congregation with fresh hope and vision.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Save the Date for the 2025 Replant Summit! – August 25-26 in Alpharetta, GA

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5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Being a Dad

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some things they would tell their younger selves about what it means to be a dad.

Be intentional about discipling your children.
Live out your love for Jesus in a genuine way in front of your kids.
Be cautious about how you talk about the church in front of your kids.
Laugh a lot with your kids.
If your kids see you quarrel with your spouse, make sure they see you make up too.

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5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Being a Husband

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 9 Jan 2025 14:30:29 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some things they would tell their younger selves about what it means to be a husband.

You must learn to be a better listener.
Don’t try to fix everything but just be a soft place to land.
Learn to love what your wife loves.
Be present.
Find ways to love her family.

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5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self About Being a Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 7 Jan 2025 17:51:10 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some things they would tell their younger selves about what it means to be a pastor.

Quit trying to worry about numerical results
Focus on the gospel and realize that my worth is found in Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished on the cross.
Listen more and talk less.
Cherish the small things and the small victories.
Only eternity will reveal the results of your labor.

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Starting the New Year Off Right

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 2 Jan 2025 11:00:10 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to prepare for new folks who may come to your church in the new year.

Why do folks not come to church?

We minimize the importance of the local church.
We worship the idol of activities.
We take a lot of vacations from church.
We do not have high expectations of our members.
We make infrequent attendees leaders in our churches.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Five Reasons Church Members Attend Less Frequently by Thom Rainer

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Reflecting on the Last Year, Setting New Goals for 2025

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:51 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to reflect on the last year, and to look forward to the new year.

Good questions to ask:

What’s going right?
What’s going wrong?
What’s missing?
What’s confusing?

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Pastoral Visits with Jim Elliff

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:54 +0000

On this episode, Dan Hurst welcomes Jim Elliff, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) to discuss how pastors can make pastoral visits more effective.

The value of systematic pastoral visits.
Some key questions to ask in pastoral visits.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Christian Communicators Worldwide

Spiritual Inventory for Pastoral Visits

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Leading Even the Cantankerous

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:00:20 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Elliff about how to lead difficult church members.

Invite them to your home.
Try to find out what drives them.
Within reason, give them some servant responsibility.
Confront them if they continue to cause problems in the church.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Leading Even the Cantankerous by Jim Elliff

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Christmas Eve Services and Follow-Up

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:15 +0000

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant gang! Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss Christmas Eve services and follow-up. We pray that you and your family have a blessed Christmas!

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7 Causes of Church Conflict

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:16 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chris Crain about some causes of church conflict.

Pride
Spiritual and Emotional Immaturity
Change and Inflexibility
Abuses of Power
Church Politics
Unclear Authority
Personality Differences

Resources Related to this Episode:

Seven Causes of Church Conflict by Chris Crain

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Embracing Awkward People and Situations

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:14 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some awkward situations that they’ve encountered (or created) through the years.

When you face awkward situations or personalities, as the leader you must keep it cool.
Recognize that everyone is awkward. Get comfortable with “Leaning into the awkward.”
The importance of emotional intelligence in leaders.
There is a difference in awkward behavior and sinful behavior.
Leaders cannot show favoritism with church members.
The importance of understanding your own awkwardness as a leader.

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A Conversation about House Churches with Jim Elliff

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:37:12 +0000

On this episode Dan Hurst welcomes Jim Eliff, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) to discuss how his house church network has designed their weekly meetings.

What does a typical house church meeting look like?
Where do these house churches meet?
What are the biggest challenges for house churches?
How does the house church network handle their finances and missions?
How is church discipline handled in the house church network?

Resources Related to this Episode:

Christian Communicators Wordwide

“Restoring Those Who Fall” – article on church discipline

Church on the Couch: One Way Believers Work Out Church Life in Homes

Christfellowshipkc.org

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10 Reasons Pastors Need Another Pastor as a Prayer Partner

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:44 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst celebrate their 200th episode and discuss some reasons that pastors need other pastors as prayer partners.

Many pastors have few prayer partners.
Only another pastor really understands the burdens pastors carry.
Pastors will answer to God for the spiritual care of the sheep they shepherd (Heb 13:17).
Pastors need friends.
Pastors face a real enemy who wants to destroy them.
Pastors need a prayer partner who is also a trusted listening ear.
Pastors sometimes struggle with hidden sin.
Some pastors wrestle with prioritizing their families – and they need prayer support and accountability.
Pastors never get done with their work.
Most pastors don’t pray enough.

Resources related to this episode:

10 Reasons Pastors Need Another Pastor as a Prayer Pastor by Chuck Lawless

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Our Top Book Recommendations

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:06 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss what they’re reading and have some book recommendations.

Mark Clifton’s Recommedations:

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Scripture-Guided Worship by Joe Crider
The Ways of God by Richard Blackaby

Mark Hallock’s Recommendations:

The Devoted Mind by Kris Lungaard
Spurgeon the Pastor by Geoff Chang
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
Into His Presence: Praying with the Puritans by Tim Chesster
The Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil
Pastors and Their Critics – Joel Beeke and Nicholas J. Thompson
Joyful Perseverance: Staying Fresh throught the Ups and Downs of Ministry by Ajith Fernando

Kyle Bueermann’s Recommendations:

A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotionals by C.H. Spurgeon (Edited by Geoffrey Chang)
Uncommon Greatness by Mark Miller
The Overlooked Americans: The Resilience of our Rural Towns and What It Means for Our Country by Elizabeth Curried-Halkett

Dan Hurst’s Recommendations:

Jesus the Revolutionary by H.S. Vigeveno
The Christian World Liberation Front by Jeanne C. DeFazio

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10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Dec 2024 11:00:17 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why churches get stuck.

Church leaders are not raising up new leaders.
The pastor may be feeling a tug toward some other opportunity.
The church is comfortable where it is.
The community is changing.
The church operates in maintenance mode.
The church doesn’t pray much together anymore.

Resources Related to this Episode:

10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Stop Growing by Chuck Lawless

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10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 3 Dec 2024 11:00:39 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why churches get stuck.

Nobody is paying much attention to the numbers.
The church has outgrown the pastor’s leadership style.
The church is out of space.
The church’s small groups have hit their maximum.

Resources Related to this Episode:

10 Reasons Why Churches Get Stuck, Stop Growing by Chuck Lawless

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The Lord's Supper, Part 2 - A Conversation with Jim Elliff

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Jim Elliff, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) to discuss how the observance of the Lord’s Supper can be more meaningful in the life of your church.

Why most of the instruction from Scripture about the Lord’s Supper is corrective.
We don’t “take” the Lord’s Supper, we “eat” the Lord’s Supper.
What it means to “examine yourself” before eating the meal.
The meal is an “apostolic tradition,” which is a command to obey.
“Eat a meal together” is just another way to express fellowship.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Free E-Book: The Lord’s Supper is a Meal by Jim Elliff

https://www.ccwtoday.org/

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Revitalize and Replant Thanksgiving Special

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:00:47 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst take some time to talk about what they are thankful for. We pray you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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7 Reasons Patience Matters in Church Change

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:51 +0000

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some reasons that pastors must be patient when it comes to making change.

The best change takes place on the wings of persistent study and prayer.
Many churches simply don’t recognize the need for change.
Some changes require structural change – even a change in the church’s by-laws at times – and that process usually takes a while.
Too much change in too little time can backfire.
Sometimes those members who’ve been the most faithful over the years are the ones who most need convincing of the change.
We’re often trying to change churches that have been in maintenance mode for a long time.
Some members aren’t unwilling to change; they’re just tired of change in general.

Resources related to this episode:

7 Reasons We Must Be Patient with Church Change by Chuck Lawless

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Answering Listener Questions

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann answer some listener questions on this episode.

Resources related to this episode:

How can a solo pastor begin to identify and train leaders to help in the work of the ministry?
How can you utilize parachurch ministries in the work of revitalizing your church?
How can you prepare your church to minister to and disciple folks from messy backgrounds?

Suggested Resources:

Every Man a Warrior

Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton

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Why It Hurts So Bad When Church Leaders Fall

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:51 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some why it’s so painful when church leaders experience moral failure.

We never expect church leaders to fall.
We genuinely love our leaders.
We watch a leader’s family suffer.
We watch a church grieve.
We know it’s not a good witness.
A call can create a faith crisis for others.
It makes us feel vulnerable.
It feels like it will never end.

Resources related to this episode:

8 Reasons the Fall of a Church Leader Hurts So Badly by Chuck Lawless

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The Lord's Supper, Part 1 - A Conversation with Jim Elliff

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 11:00:17 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Jim Eliff, founder and president of Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) to discuss how the observance of the Lord’s Supper can be more meaningful in the life of your church.

Why Jim says “The Lord’s Supper is a meal.”
The word for “fellowship” in the Bible means a meal.

Resources Related to this Episode:

Free E-Book: The Lord’s Supper is a Meal by Jim Elliff

https://www.ccwtoday.org/

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When Visitors Don't Come Back

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:00:32 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some reasons that visitors don’t come back to your church.

An unfriendly stand-and-greet time in the worship service.
Unfriendly church members.
Unsafe and unclean children’s areas.
No place to get information on the church.
Bad church website.
Poor signage
Insider church language
Boring or bad church services
Members telling guests they were in the wrong pew or chair.
Dirty facilities.

Resources related to this episode:

Top 10 Reasons Visitors Don’t Come Back by Thom Rainer

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When Churches Are Too Busy

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:07 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss what happens when churches become too busy.

Activities become synonymous with ministry.
Programs and ministries are added regularly, but few or none are ever deleted.
Programs and ministries become sacred cows.
The alignment question is not even asked on the front end.
Silo behavior among the different ministries of the church.
Lack of an evaluation process.
Ministry becomes facility-centered.
Lack of courageous leadership.

Resources related to this episode:

8 Reasons Churches Become Too Busy by Thom Rainer

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When Committees Are Out of Control

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 11:00:55 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss what happens when church committees go off the rails in a church.

When there are almost more committees in the church constitution than there are people in the church.
When the church has not examined, revised, and strengthened its committee structure in years (perhaps even a decade or longer).
When the progress of the church gets bogged down in competing or controlling committees.
When one committee is the power broker of the entire church.
When most committee members can’t tell you what their committee does.
When committees actually haven’t met or functioned for years.
When committees meet, but they don’t actually do anything.
When committee membership becomes a goal for church members who want power and control.
When the church still has business meetings simply so the committees can report.
When no one in the church will publicly question the value of these committees.

Resources related to this episode:

10 Indications That a Church’s Committees Are Out of Control by Chuck Lawless

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7 Reasons Why Church Announcements Do Not Work

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 5 Nov 2024 11:00:56 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some reasons that church announcements don’t usually lead to church member involvement.

Folks aren’t listening to your announcements (or reading your emails…or newsletters).
Announcements seldom include the “why” with the “what.”
Listeners hear a corporate announcement (if they hear it at all) for everyone else – not for themselves.
Some church members carry baggage that makes it difficult for them to hear a call for workers.
The wrong people make the announcements.
Announcements put the responsibility on the respondent rather than on the recruiter.
The church is making announcements, but not one’s praying for the Lord to raise up the laborers.

Resources related to this episode:

7 Reasons Why Announcements Don’t Usually Lead to Church Member Involvement by Chuck Lawless

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Experiencing God with Bob Payne

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 1 Nov 2024 10:00:54 +0000

Mark welcomes Bob Payne, a volunteer with Experiencing God ministries, to discuss Experiencing God weekends.

The Seven Realities of Experiencing God:

God is always at work around you.
God pursues a loving relationship with us.
God invites us to join Him in His work.
God speaks to us by prayer, Scripture, circumstances, and the church.
When God speaks, it takes us to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
We must make major adjustments to join God in His work.
We come to know God by experience as we see Him accomplish His work through our obedience.

Additional Resources:

Return to Worship by Ron Owens

Experiencing God by Henry and Richard Blackaby

Blackaby Ministries, Intl.

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8 Insights from Church Consultants

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:52 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some key insights that church consultants have gained from visiting churches.

Church websites are often outdated, boring…and useless.
Churches are not friendly.
Church facilities are not generally marked well.
Churches aren’t prepared for guests.
Churches are poorly equipped for protecting children.
Worship through music often needs improvement.
Preaching is often weak.
Churches are not always clear on “what to do” in response to worship.

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7 Ways to Earn and Keep Trust

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:09:34 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some ways to earn and keep trust in your church.

Display confidence, but never cockiness.
Follow through, which means you never over-commit.
To earn and keep trust, put trust in others.
Extend grace but be firm in some non-negotiable principles.
Don’t be a know-it-all.
Exhibit humility but have courage to do the hard things.
Value people more than progress.

Resources related to this episode:

7 Ways to Earn and Keep Trust by Ron Edmondson

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5 More Church Diseases that Affect Churches

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:00:32 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss the next five of ten “Church Diseases” from a fascinating article by Chuck Lawless about some afflictions that affect churches.

Community Disconnect Disease
Methodological Arthritis
“The Grass is Greener” Syndrome
Professional Wrestling Sickness
Program Nausea

Resources related to this episode:

10 Church Diseases That Might Be Afflicting Your Church by Chuck Lawless

Free NAMB Demographic Report

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5 Church Diseases that Affect Churches

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:06:44 +0000

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

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A Conversation with Bob Payne from Blackaby Ministries

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 10:00:47 +0000

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.

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Revitalize and Replant Live - Q and A at Replant Summit

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:58 +0000

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?

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Revitalize and Replant Live - Models of Replanting

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:41 +0000

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

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Creating a Culture of Evangelism with JJ Washington

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:00:46 +0000

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:

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What NOT to do in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 8 Oct 2024 10:00:03 +0000

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.

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A Conversation with JJ Washington

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 4 Oct 2024 10:00:53 +0000

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.

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4 Ways Pastors Might Hinder Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 3 Oct 2024 10:00:36 +0000

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

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8 Reasons Pastors Are Afraid of Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 1 Oct 2024 10:00:02 +0000

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

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7 Tips on Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:00:44 +0000

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

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The Power of Encouragement

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:34 +0000

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

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A Conversation with Sam Rainer

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:17:13 +0000

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.

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10 Ways to Deal with Difficult People in Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:00:51 +0000

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

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7 Ways to Care for Widows in Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:55 +0000

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

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On Deacons, Part 2: Duties of a Faithful Deacon

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:00:56 +0000

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

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On Deacons, Part 1: Marks of a Faithful Deacon

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:49:16 +0000

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

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A Conversation with Clint Pressley

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Mon, 9 Sep 2024 21:50:10 +0000

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.

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Priorities of a Shepherd-Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Sep 2024 10:00:21 +0000

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

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How Can I Shepherd My People?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 3 Sep 2024 10:00:07 +0000

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

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Revitalization Off the Cuff

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:00:17 +0000

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.

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Dangers of Denial in a Declining Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:00:16 +0000

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

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5 Reasons Millenials Stay Connected in Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 10:00:59 +0000

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

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Five Unexpected Lessons in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:16 +0000

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

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Helpful Tips for Making Visitors Feel Welcome at Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:00:22 +0000

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

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9 Reasons Churches Drift From Their Mission

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 10:00:03 +0000

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

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5 Reasons a Shrinking Church May Be a Good Thing

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 8 Aug 2024 10:00:34 +0000

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

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11 Reasons Church Leaders Struggle with Prayer

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 6 Aug 2024 10:00:37 +0000

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

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3 Dangers of Being Crazy Busy

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 1 Aug 2024 10:00:02 +0000

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

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13 Church Members Who Can Drive Pastors Crazy

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:57 +0000

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/

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Dealing with Interpersonal Conflict Without Losing Your Soul

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

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/

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Some Trends Impacting Churches in 2024

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:00:25 +0000

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/

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5 Suggestions for Regaining Your Joy in Hard Seasons of Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:41 +0000

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.

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6 Ways Your Church Can Battle Hypocrisy

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:00:28 +0000

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

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8 Things Any Church Who Wants to Be Involved in Church Revitalization Must Do

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 10:00:12 +0000

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

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10 Reasons Pastors Hurt So Deeply

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 Jul 2024 10:00:24 +0000

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

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14 Trends in Church Names

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 Jul 2024 10:00:55 +0000

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

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How to Attract Folks to Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 Jul 2024 10:00:11 +0000

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

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3 Encouragements for Rural Pastors

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:00:10 +0000

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

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10 Ways Pastors Can Strengthen Their Prayer Lives

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:00:08 +0000

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

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Staying in a Church That's Not Cool

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:00:15 +0000

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

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How Preaching Evolves

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:40 +0000

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

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Why People Don't Sing

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:00:53 +0000

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

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Trends in Baptism and the Lord's Supper

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:00:03 +0000

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?

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A Conversation with Jonathan Smith about Baptisms

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 7 Jun 2024 10:00:31 +0000

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

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Transitioning Your Family to a New Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 10:00:44 +0000

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

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Symptoms of Toxic Leadership

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 4 Jun 2024 10:00:45 +0000

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

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Reasons Pastors Bear Scars from Church Wounds

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 30 May 2024 10:00:25 +0000

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

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Reasons for Growth Among Non-Denominational Churches

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:18 +0000

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

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A Conversation with Jonathan Howe

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 24 May 2024 10:00:41 +0000

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

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Exit Interviews of Church Members

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:06 +0000

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

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12 Questions for a Pastor Search Committee

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:52 +0000

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

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7 Ways Pastoring Has Changed in 30 Years

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:44 +0000

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

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Thoughts on the Public Reading of Scripture

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:51 +0000

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

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Rethinking Church Size

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 9 May 2024 10:00:07 +0000

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

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How to Minister in Old Churches

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 7 May 2024 10:00:10 +0000

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

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4 Comforts for Anxious Christians

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 2 May 2024 10:00:50 +0000

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

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Top 10 Most Important Developments for Churches in 2023-2024

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:19 +0000

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”

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Some Thoughts on Sermon Preparation

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:00:09 +0000

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”

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How to Deal with Dissension in Your Congregation

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:25 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Bill Eliff on how to deal with dissension in your church.

The anatomy of dissension in Acts 6:9-15:

The rose up an argued.
They moved in secret.
They stirred up others.
They were unafraid to use deception.
The attacked God’s man with false charges.
They did their wickedness in the guise of spirituality.
They hated the loss of their kingdom and the status quo.

Resources related to this podcast:

The Anatomy of Dissension

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Ways Teenagers Can Contribute to the Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:15 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways teens can help serve in your church.

Greet people.
Help young parents with their little children.
Participate eagerly in the main weekly meeting.
Speak up in Bible studies and prayer meetings.
Give financially.
Serve in less glamorous ways.
Reach out to the younger children.

Resources related to this podcast:

7 Ways Teens Can Contribute When the Church Meets

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The Stuff We've Discovered in Church Junk Rooms

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:37 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some things they’ve found in church junk rooms and what that says about your church.

Old church organs
Old pulpits
Puppets
Handbells
Old RA/GA materials
Look for things in the junk room that can be redeemed.

Resources related to this podcast:

How to Throw Away Accumulated Junk in Your Church

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Preventing and Resolving Church Conflict, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:00:33 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some more ways to prevent and restore conflict in your church.

Teach your people to practice charitable judgements.
When you need to negotiate, PAUSE.
Diffuse explosive meetings with a six-part format.
Teach people to focus on the good before itemizing the bad.
Be approachable.
Unleash the power of confession.
Follow the example of Lincoln and Reagan.
Deploy God’s full array of peacemaking processes.
Practice redemptive, gospel-centered church discipline.
An ounce of prevention is worth many hours of conflict resolution.

Resources related to this podcast:

20 Ways to Prevent and Resolve Conflict in the Church

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Preventing and Resolving Church Conflict, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 Apr 2024 10:00:29 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to prevent and restore conflict in your church.

Remember the Golden Result.
Bring the gospel into every conflict.
Expose the idols that drive conflict.
Guard against any amygdala hijacking in yourself and others.
Weave relational wisdom into your church.
Communicate so clearly that you cannot be misunderstood.
Work patiently with people as they process their emotions and experiences.
Don’t be misled by the three faces of fear.
Practice the three P’s of satisfaction.
Constantly build passport.

Resources related to this podcast:

20 Ways to Prevent and Resolve Conflict in the Church

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A Conversation with Thom Rainer, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 5 Apr 2024 10:00:44 +0000

Mark welcomes Thom Rainer back to the podcast to discuss the future of megachurches in North America.

Megachurches have historically been defined as churches that have more than 2,000 in average worship attendance.
In the future, there will be a far fewer megachurches, but they will not disappear altogether.
There is a redefinition of megachurches taking places – some define it as more than 1,000 in worship attendance, some define it as more than 1,500.
Why did megachurches form?
Why the Boomers helped create the megachurch culture.
Many institutions are fading away.

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More Tips to Prepare Your Church for Long-Term Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 Apr 2024 10:00:30 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some more ways a pastor can prepare the church for a long-term revitalization.

Give the church members the same dose of reality.
Learn to be content with 3 steps forward and 2 steps backwards.
Be content and celebrate small victories.

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Tips for Preparing Your Church for Long-Term Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 Apr 2024 10:00:23 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways a pastor can prepare the church for a long-term revitalization.

Accept the reality of the time it will take.
Make certain your family is on board.

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6 Keys a Pastor Must Give His Church for Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:00:18 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some keys a pastor must give to his congregation to effectively lead church revitalization.

A healthy dose of reality
Unconditional love
Hope
A clear plan forward
A love for the community
Respect for their history and heritage

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Is Your Church Ready to be Revitalized?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:00:12 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst how to assess a church’s readiness to be revitalized. Here are some things the remaining leaders must share:

Hearts that are humble.
Desire to reach the community with the Gospel.
Commitment to the Bible.
Willingness to do whatever it takes.
Faith that God can revitalize churches.

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A Conversation with Thom Rainer, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:36 +0000

Mark welcomes Thom Rainer to the podcast to discuss denominational trends in North America.

Debunking the myth that conservative churches are growing and liberal churches and denominations are declining.
Simply holding correct beliefs (orthodoxy) without having a correct practice (orthopraxy) will not guarantee growth and vitality.
Are the declining numbers in SBC membership primarily due to churches cleaning up their rolls?
Non-denominational churches are the only consistently growing group among evangelicals, but even this can be misleading.
What are the benefits of being aligned with a denomination or convention?
What are some of the pitfalls of being aligned with a denomination or convention?
What is the future of entities in the world we live in now?

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A Look at Baby Dedications

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:53 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss the role of baby dedications.

Baby dedications are a relatively new thing in SBC churches.

We thank God for the life of this baby.
We remind the parents that they are making a commitment to raise this child in the Lord.
We remind the congregation that they are making a commitment to help raise the child in the Lord.

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7 Observations by Pastors Who Lead Church Revitalizations

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:53 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some observations from pastors who are leading church revitalization.

It is spiritual warfare
The longer the length of the decline, the longer it takes for the church to turnaround
Many of the leaders are tired
Many of the church members have heard before what you are telling them
Good people will leave
Everyone says they want change. Not many do
They want to know if you will be their pastor.

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A Look at Baptisms

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:58 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Eliff on how to make baptisms more meaningful and exciting.

Consider bringing the congregation forward and as near as reasonable to the baptistery when you baptize.
Print nice invitations for the baptism with the name of the one to be immersed.
Always include the testimony of the one being baptized.
If a son or daughter of godly parent(s) is being baptized, allow them to speak about their child’s conversion also.
If a father wishes to be in baptismal pool with a son or daughter, this is possible.
If your church is smaller (or even larger, if you can work it out), it is certainly possible to baptize in a location other than the church building.
During the baptism, ask for the church’s faithful commitment to the new believer.
Baptize as often as possible.
It is important to teach on baptism.

Resources related to this podcast:

Thoughts on Improving Baptisms

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On a Statement of Faith

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:33 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss the importance of a statement of faith for a local church.

Your church needs a statement of faith.
A statement of faith provides clarity about what your church believes on important issues.
The statement of faith provides a boundary for leaders in your church.
A church’s statement of faith is always subservient to Scripture.

Resources related to this podcast:

How We Use Our Statement of Faith by Christ Fellowship Elders

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4 Characteristics of a Sacrificial Deacon

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 7 Mar 2024 11:00:31 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some characteristics that are necessary in the life of a deacon.

Deacons understand the sacrifice of Christ to be the foundation of their own sacrifice.
Deacons understand the cost of living out sacrificial service.
Deacons strive to first lead sacrificially at home.
Deacons understand their sacrifice to be a source of joy.

Resources related to this podcast:

Joyful Sacrifice: How the Best Deacons Live and Lead

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5 Priorities of a God Glorifying Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 5 Mar 2024 11:00:47 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Peter Krol on conflict resolution within the church body, based on Acts 2:42-47.

Priority #1: Devotion to the Word of God

Priority #2: Devotion to One Another

Priority #3: Devotion to God’s Presence

Priority #4: Devotion to Radical Generosity

Priority #5: Devotion to Reaching the Spiritually Lost

Resources relate to this podcast:

Mark Hallock sermon

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7 Steps to Conflict Resolution

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:19:39 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Peter Krol on conflict resolution within the church body.

Rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4)
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone (Phil. 4:5a)
Remember the Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:5b)
Don’t be anxious about the conflict, but ask God to resolve it (Phil. 4:6)
Guard your heart and mind with the peace of God, even when it does not make sense to do so (Phil. 4:7)
Find something – anything – praiseworthy to focus on in your antagonists (Phil 4:8)
Find good role models and continue practicing these things (Phil. 4:9)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

7 Steps to Conflict Resolution

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Abiding in Christ

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:00:21 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss a recent quote that Mark shared that got quite a bit of pushback online: “I’ve never known a pastor to burn out when he was deeply abiding with Christ.” – Richard Blackaby

There’s a difference between struggles and burnout.
Burnout is one of the causes of moral failure in leaders.
Your rest is not found in cessation of activities, or in recreational activities. Your rest must be found in Christ.
If you’re abiding in Christ, you won’t experience burnout, because Christ will be your strength.
A good diagnostic question: What do you think about when you’re not thinking about anything?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Living Out of the Overflow by Richard Blackaby

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Better Prayer Meetings

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:00:15 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Christian Communicators Worldwide about how you and your church can have more effective prayer meetings.

Plan to pray.
Listen to the prayers of others instead of planning what you are going to pray next.
Don’t monopolize the prayer meeting.
When leading group prayer, be sure the people know what to expect.
If you break down into small groups, somebody might need to take the lead of each group.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Better Prayer Meetings and Prayer Groups by Steve Burchett

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How to Respond to Unfair Criticism

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:00:29 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Matt Henslee about how to respond when you hear these unfortunate phrases from church members.

“You couldn’t preach your way out of a paper bag.”
“We get it; we need to share the gospel. Find something else to preach.”
“I can’t look at you when you preach because you don’t wear a suit.”
“We aren’t going to get as close to you as the last pastor.”
“You obviously don’t look at my tithe amount.”
“Preacher, that was a good message. It would have been better if you weren’t so fat.”
“You can preach, but you’re a lousy pastor.”
“Stop preaching about our sin. We already know what we’re doing wrong; just preach love.”
“You’re an elder?!?! Wow! I don’t know what to say…”
“I’m leaving because it’s too cold in here. We need to keep it at 78.”
“You just canceled church during COVID so you could have more vacation time.”
“I didn’t vote for you, and I still wouldn’t. I just don’t like you.”
“Eventually, you’ll figure out how to preach.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

13 Things a Churchgoer Should Never Say to a Pastor by Matt Henslee

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Mark Discusses the Law Amendment

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:00:31 +0000

In this special edition of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton addresses the upcoming vote on the Law Amendment at the SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis this June.

Here are some highlights:

The Law Amendment (which states that a church cannot be in friendly cooperation if they have any female staff member with the title of pastor – children’s pastor, worship pastor, etc.)
The amendment passed last year in New Orleans, but it must pass again this year in Indianapolis in order to become a part of the SBC constitution.
There are good folks on both sides of this debate. We must treat one another with grace and love, even when we disagree.
A brief history of the Baptist Faith & Message and how we arrived at this point.
An balanced analysis of what might happen if the amendment does – and does not – pass.
The importance of praying, “Lord Jesus, what would you have us do with the Southern Baptist Convention?”

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5 More Findings About Church Conflict

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:07 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some more interesting findings regarding church conflict. This is the second of a 2-part series.

Conflict is not usually over tradition; it’s over
Much conflict reveals the spiritual immaturity of members of the congregation.
Somehow, prayer gets lost in the conflict.
Some conflict is scarring.
Conflict that leads to honest conversation, repentance, and renewal can be good for the church.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

10 Findings About Church Conflict by Chuck Lawless

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5 Findings About Church Conflict

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:41 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some interesting findings regarding church conflict. This is the first of a 2-part series.

Conflict is sometimes about issues, but it’s often about personalities and preferences.
Some church members are tools of the devil.
Sometimes today’s present-tense conflict is the residue of yesterday’s past-tense issues.
A track record of short-term pastorates is usually evidence of a problem with the people in the church more than it is a problem with pastors.
On the other hand, some pastors are the cause of conflict.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

10 Findings About Church Conflict by Chuck Lawless

Come to the Lord’s Table by Claude King

The Peacemaking Pastor: A. Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict by Alfred Poirier

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A New Approach to Volunteers

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 8 Feb 2024 11:00:36 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how to recruit volunteers.

Stop leading with need and obligation.
Communicate a clear and compelling “why.”
Clarify expectations.
Give them an in and an out.
Make it personal.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

A New Approach to Volunteers: 5 Tips for Getting a “Yes” in a Culture of “No” by Chuck Peters

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5 Signs You're an At‐Risk Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 6 Feb 2024 11:03:11 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss four profiles of at-risk pastors, and five questions to ask if you may fall into one of these categories.

4 Profiles of at-risk Pastors

The narcissistic star who rises quickly.
The narcissistic star who doesn’t rise.
The no-boundaries leader.
The floater.

5 questions that could raise a red flag on an at-risk pastor

Do you resist authority?
Do you resist critique?
Are you isolated?
Do you see it as your church?
Are you a young pastor leading a large church?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

5 Signs You’re an At-Risk Pastor by Jim Davis

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7 Ways to Battle Discouragement

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:46 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how pastors and church leaders can deal with discouragement in ministry.

Resist the tendency of comparison.
Keep the long game in mind.
Find your value in the cross.
Celebrate discipleship growth among your flock.
Love the church you have, not the church you wish you had.
When you feel discouraged, that’s your cue to plead with God to give you a heart for evangelism.
Create a strategy to go after the sheep.

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Ministering to Senior Adults in Your Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:33 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how to minister to senior adults in your church.

Stop treating senior adults like children.
Senior adults need to be challenged with meaningful opportunities for ministry.
Lean into their experiences and use them!
Use senior adults in worship leadership.
Don’t just entertain them; disciple them.
Help senior adults lay down the idol of church as they know it.

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9 Reasons People Aren't Singing in Your Worship Gathering

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:53 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton is joined by Kyle Bueermann to discuss some reasons people may not be singing in your worship gatherings.

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 hae 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 mentioned:

9 Reasons People Aren’t Singing in Worship by Kenny Lamm

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7 Ways to Minister to Children in Your Worship Service

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:10 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways pastors and church leaders can minister to kids in their primary worship gathering.

Greet them by name and engage them in conversation.
Acknowledge to the parents in the worship service how grateful we are that their children are here.
Acknowledge the children in the worship service, and say something specifically to them.
Provide clear direction about our children’s ministry every Sunday morning and the options that are available.
Provide a packet of worship materials just for children that they can pick up and bring with them into the worship service.
Take a moment to explain, especially to children, the purpose of baptism and Lord’s Supper each time those are celebrated.
Find ways to actually include the children in your worship service leadership.

Resources mentioned:

Every Kid Matters by Mark Hallock and Frank Trimble

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3 Reasons Ministry to Kids Matters

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:15 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock call an audible from their original topic and discuss why ministry to children matters in revitalization.

Kids matter because they are created in the image of God.
Kids need to experience intergenerational worship.
How the pastor treats young kids will impact young families’ involvement in church.

Resources mentioned:

Every Kid Matters by Mark Hallock and Frank Trimble

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A 12-Point Cure for Complaining, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:15 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their discussion of an article from Daryl Wingerd.

To complain is to say that God is not just.
Faith and prayer exclude complaining.
This difficulty is being used by God for my good, and it is foolish for me to complain against it.
Those more faithful that I have suffered far worse than I and did so without complaint.
Complaining denies that God’s grace is entirely sufficient.
The greatest suffering, the worst trial or difficulty, can never rob me of that which is of greatest value to me and my greatest joy, namely, the love of Christ.

Resources mentioned:

Daryl Wingerd – A 12 Point Cure for Complaining

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A 12-Point Cure for Complaining, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 Jan 2024 11:00:23 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Daryl Wingerd about complaining.

God commands me never to complain.
God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance.
God commands me to rejoice always, and especially in times of trial.
I always deserve much worse than what I am suffering now.
In light of the eternal happiness and glory that I will experience in heaven, this present trial is extremely brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime.
My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, and He did not complain.

Resources mentioned:

Daryl Wingerd – A 12-Point Cure for Complaining

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10 Obstacles to Church Growth

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 Jan 2024 11:00:56 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about obstacles to church growth.

A worn-out pastor.
Inward focus.
Bad preaching.
Evangelistic apathy.
No growth strategy.
Turf wars.
Prayerlessness.
Space issues.
Poor discipleship.
Retreat mentality.

Resources mentioned:

Chuck Lawless: 10 Obstacles to Church Growth

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Why Non-Denominational Churches are Growing

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 Jan 2024 11:00:54 +0000

We must be careful with our attempts to explain the growth of the non-denominational movement.

Our information is anecdotal, rather than data-based
Non-denominational churches are far from monolithic

5 reasons 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 mentioned:

Thom Rainer: 5 Reasons Non-Denominational Churches are Growing

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God is Our Only Hope In Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:00:14 +0000

As we close out the year on Revitalize and Replant, we want to encourage you to seek the Lord in the work of revitalization.

Christ will build His church.
Your identity is in Christ, not in your ministry.
We have confident hope in Christ Jesus.
The Lord’s grace is sufficient for you in ministry.
Only eternity will reveal the fruit of your labor.
His strength is perfect, even when we feel like we have no strength.
The church that you lead is not the church that will be there for all eternity.

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Multiple Worship Services?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 11:00:37 +0000

What are some of the pitfalls of having multiple worship services? Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss some of the issues that arise when a church moves to multiple worship gatherings.

One of the primary traits God desires in his church is unity.
Historically, music divides.
Are there reasons for multiple worship services that contain different genres of music?
What is the ultimate end-game for “stylistic’ worship?
Is it too often enabling ‘bad behavior?’

Resources mentioned on this episode:

Scripture-guided Worship by Joseph R. Crider

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A Conversation with Jamie Dew

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 11:00:44 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Dr. Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Dew has served as a pastor and at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary before he came to New Orleans in 2019.

Here are some highlights:

Southern Baptists should be proud of all six of our seminaries. They are each doing valuable work.
The great work that God has done at NOBTS over the last several years.
The differences in residential versus online education.

Resources mentioned:

To find our more about New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, check out NOBTS.edu

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8 Reasons You Must Have "Skin Like Samsonite" to Be a Revitalizing Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:42 +0000

In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss why thick skin is necessary for church replanters and revitalizers.

Your peers may think you are nuts for going to that church.
Your in-laws and family (and maybe even your spouse) may think you are nuts.
You won’t get much praise or accolades for serving in a dying church…at least not from people.
If you indeed leading Holy Spirit-directed change in a declining church, you will almost always encounter opposition – sometimes a lot of it.
It’s likely to be very hard financially.
Your wife and kids may not feel at ease with the tension around the change needed for revitalization.
Some of the people who were the strongest supporters may become your greatest critics.
You will step on landmines you didn’t even know existed.

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10 Things I Wish Worship Leaders Would Stop Saying

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:00:52 +0000

In a more light-hearted episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss an article from Jared Wilson about some cringey things that worship leaders have said from time to time.

10. Are we ready to have fun this morning?

9. How’s everybody feeling?

8. You can do better than that.

7. I can’t hear you!

6. [Introducing an old hymn] Here’s an oldie we dusted off.

5. “Rockin’” worship

4. Lord, we invite you to be here.

3. God showed up.

2. Let’s give God a hand.

1. Turn to your neighbor and __________.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/top-10-things-i-wish-worship-leaders-would-stop-saying/

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4 Gifts of Adversity

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:44 +0000

Adversity is a gift to remind us that we are insufficient for this work.
Adversity is a gift to manifest the life of Jesus through His servants.
Adversity is a gift to bring life to your congregation.
Adversity is a gift to prepare us for eternity.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

Facing Snarls and Scowls: Preaching through apathy, adversity, and hostility in church revitalization by Brian Croft & James B. Carrol

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5 Imperatives for Preaching in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:00:29 +0000

Determine whether you believe the Word builds the church.
Listen to those who don’t like your preaching and why.
Remember the Word never returns void.
Embrace a supportive, but unimpressed, evaluation of your preaching.
Know there is nothing like a congregation who grows hungry for the Word.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

Facing Snarls and Scowls: Preaching through apathy, adversity, and hostility in church revitalization by Brian Croft & James B. Carrol

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A Conversation with Jared Wilson, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 8 Dec 2023 11:00:27 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson back to the podcast. Jared is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode, they discuss how nostalgia can be a trap for churches in revitalization.

Resources mentioned:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-beauty-and-burden-of-nostalgia/

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How to Minister Following a Suicide

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 7 Dec 2023 11:00:25 +0000

Sooner or later, most pastors will encounter a suicide. How do you minister to a family after they have experienced a suicide by a loved one?

Acknowledge fears.
Be available.
Be a good listener.
Defuse guilt.
Offer practical support.
Suggest counseling.
Pray with them and for them often.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/ministry-deacon-reaching-out-following-suicide

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Can a Christian Commit Suicide?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 5 Dec 2023 11:00:44 +0000

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of suicides in our culture, particularly among younger people. Sooner or later, you will likely encounter a suicide in your ministry.

Humanity is totally depraved.
A Christian can commit any sin except the unforgivable one.
Christ’s atonement forgives all sins past and future.
David took Uriah’s life without invalidating his salvation.
We must factor in the emotional distress and lack of clarity at the moment of suicide.
It is an irrational act to be sure, but all sin is irrational.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-a-christian-commit-suicide/

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Ways to Enlist and Care for Volunteers

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:50 +0000

Every church needs volunteers. And many churches struggle to find enough volunteers to fill all the needed spots. The guys discuss an article by Chuck Peters on recruiting volunteers.

Stop leading with need and obligation.
Communicate a clear and compelling “why.”
Clarify expectations.
Give them an in and an out.
Make it personal.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://research.lifeway.com/2022/03/16/a-new-approach-to-volunteers-5-tips-for-getting-a-yes-in-a-culture-of-no/

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5 Major Challenges Facing Churches in 2023

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:00:33 +0000

The church is always facing challenges. That’s nothing new. But the kind of challenges and how to tackle them is always changing. On today’s episode, the guys explore some recent research on the five greatest challenges churches are facing today.

More churches are in significant decline.
Aging leaders and aging congregations.
Increasing resistance to change
Navigating changing worship experiences
Exhausted pastors

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://research.lifeway.com/2023/09/26/5-current-challenges-facing-u-s-churches/

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A Conversation with Jared Wilson, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:00:24 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to the podcast. In this episode, they discuss Jared’s new book, Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ.

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More Reasons Why the Next Generation Is Leaving Their Faith

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:43 +0000

Home Factors

Make sure dad is involved.
Enjoy church as a family.
Model and encourage daily Bible reading.

Church Factors

Foster and environment of trust by helping them deal with their life issues.
Youth workers must go the extra mile to express genuine concerts for the individual young persons – not just the “group.”
Get them involved with more adults (multi-generational discipleship).
Crate some rites of passage.
Let them provide real leadership.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

https://www.baptistmessenger.com/lifeway-research-the-next-generation-is-leaving-the-faith-earlier-than-you-realize/

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4 Reasons the Next Generation Is Leaving Their Faith Sooner Than You Realize

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:53 +0000

There seems to be an overall trend that young people who were raised in the church are leaving the faith at an earlier age than previous generations. In this episode, the guys discuss a Lifeway Research article that gives insight into this alarming trend.

Kids are walking away from their faith at a younger age than previous generations.
When does the shift away from their faith and toward secular ideation begin?
Why do so many dying churches have so few young people?
What is the last and first thing a dying church needs, as it relates to young people?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.baptistmessenger.com/lifeway-research-the-next-generation-is-leaving-the-faith-earlier-than-you-realize/

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More Reasons Pastors' Kids Struggle

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:00:46 +0000

In this episode, Mark, Mark and Dan continue their discussion of Barnabas Piper’s article about why pastors’ kids struggle with doubt and disbelief.

No room for questions.
No room for failure.
An undefined identity.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://research.lifeway.com/2020/01/21/5-reasons-pastors-kids-struggle-with-doubt/

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Some Reasons Pastors' Kids Struggle

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:44 +0000

It’s no secret that pastors’ kids often have a bad reputation. But what’s not as commonly known is how often pastors’ kids struggle with doubt and disbelief. This is the first of a two-part series discussing an article from Barnabas Piper.

Peoples’ expectations vs. Jesus’s expectations
Borrowed belief

Resources mentioned in this episode:

https://research.lifeway.com/2020/01/21/5-reasons-pastors-kids-struggle-with-doubt/

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A Conversation with Andy Addis about Rural Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:00:20 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Andy Addis, pastor of CrossPoint Church in Salina, KS to discuss the CrossPoint story, which fostered the idea behind the Replant Hub.

To learn more about Andy and CrossPoint’s story, check out the free ebook, Doing More Together, below.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Doing More Together by Andy Addis

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Children in the Worship Service?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 9 Nov 2023 11:00:18 +0000

What should churches do with kids on Sunday morning? Should they have a separate “children’s church?” Should the kids join in the main worship gathering every week? Once a month?

In this episode, the guys discuss this hot topic.

The preaching of God’s word is transforming power – even for kids!
God can communicate to even the smallest child in ways we can’t comprehend.
Understood correctly, children are not a distraction in worship.
Children learn songs VERY early.
Children learn routines VERY early.
Children need to see their parents and siblings worshipping.
Worshipping together takes priority over parental ease.

Resources mentioned in this passage:

https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-we-embrace-children-in-our-worship-service/

Every Kid Matters: How your church can effectively shepherd the next generation by Mark Hallock and Frank Trimble.

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5 Ways to Keep Church Discipline from Seeming Weird

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 7 Nov 2023 11:00:26 +0000

Church discipline can be a sticky subject. In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss an article from Jared Wilson about some ways to take the scariness and weirdness out of church discipline.

Make disciples.
Create clarity about church membership.
Teach the process.
Follow the process.
Practice gospel-centeredness.

Check out the full article here:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-ways-to-keep-church-discipline-from-seeming-weird/

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7 Church Revitalization Scorecard Metrics

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 2 Nov 2023 10:00:08 +0000

Every church wants to know if they’re making progress. But what if many are asking the wrong questions? In this episode, the guys discuss some good metrics for measuring progress in church revitalization.

New Christians
Total giving (more than weekly, per-capita giving)
First-time guests
Second-time guests
Community ministry involvement
Worship attendance
Prayer involvement

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6 Ways to Leverage a Building That's Too Big

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:00:15 +0000

What do you do when you have a church building that was designed for a much larger congregation than you currently have? Listen in as Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss some creative ways to use the extra space.

Share it with other churches (as an incubator for church plants).
Allow fellowship hall and kitchen to be used by community at no cost (with appropriate precautions).
Create a birthday party room for the community to use.
Partner with community nonprofits who need space.
Consider allowing local business to use your fellowship hall or kitchen.
Consider re-creating your space to bless the community.

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A Conversation with Ryan Durham - 2023 Billy Heriford Replanter of the Year

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:00:51 +0000

Mark and Dan welcome Ryan Durham, the 2023 Billy Heriford Replanter of the Year. Listen is as Ryan discusses ministry in Loup City, NE.

Check out more of Ryan’s story at the video linked below.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Replanter of the Year Video

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Should We Be Elder-led or Congregational-led?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:00:21 +0000

This is a question we hear often. Which form of church governance is better? Mark, Mark, and Dan break down the issues surrounding this important question.

Both are used with great impact and both have been used to great distraction.
Why Southern Baptist haven’t historically appointed elders.
The historic role of deacons in Southern Baptist life.
Why the recent increase in elders among Southern Baptists?
Questions to ask when considering elders –
- Is what we are doing now working?
- Why do we need to change?
- How broad is the consensus of the leadership and membership to make the change?
- What happens if we don’t make the change at this time?
- Can we adjust our current model to adequately address the need?

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Love the Church You Have, Not the Church You Want

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:16 +0000

Leading a church through a replant or revitalization process is very difficult. You don’t get to pick the folks who will be a part of your church. But that doesn’t mean you should love your preferred church more than the church you serve.

In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss the importance of loving the church you have.

Your current members are not a hinderance to your ministry – they are your ministry.
Your current church can be used by God to edify you.
Loving another church, even an imaginary one more than the one you serve is adulterous.
The key to loving your church more is to love the Savior more.
If you can’t truly love them, then leave them.

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6 Tips for Dealing with Denominational Drama in Your Church In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss how you should (or shouldn’t) address ongoing issues in the Southern Baptist Convention with your church.

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:53 +0000

In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss how you should (or shouldn’t) address ongoing issues in the Southern Baptist Convention with your church.

You likely don’t need to unpack it to the entire church – especially as you preach.
You may need to carefully explain the issues to trusted leadership (elders- deacons).
Be sure to not ignore all the benefits of cooperation.
Be sure to communicate any concerns with overall desire to love our brothers and sisters and only want what is best for the kingdom.
Resist a critical and spiteful heart.
Keep it off social media.

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The Billy Graham Rule

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:00:33 +0000

Mark Clifton is joined by Dan Hurst and Mark Hallock to discuss 7 issues surrounding “The Billy Graham Rule.”

Is it misogynist?
Overkill or absolutely necessary?
Functionally how can you make it work in the real world of ministry?
How does this work in a church with one pastor and a secretary?
What about email/texting/social medai
Your spouse and your passwords
When in doubt, leave it out

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A Conversation with Geoff Chang, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:00:18 +0000

On this very special episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Dr. Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology and the Curator of the Spurgeon Library. In a previous episode, Dr. Chang discussed Spurgeon’s upbringing and background. In this episode, he discusses what pastors in the 21st Century can learn from the ministry of Charles Spurgeon.

Resources mentioned:

Spurgeon.org

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Dealing With the Pain of a Dying Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:52 +0000

Mark Clifton is joined by Dan Hurst and Mark Hallock to discuss 5 ways to deal with the pain of a dying church.

Get them to turn that pain into a greater passion for prayer.
Find the intersection of members’ passions, members’ gifts, and community needs.
Celebrate more often.
Help to remember the past to propel them to the future.
Lead them to consider a replant.

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Leading Builders in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:00:04 +0000

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to lead the Builders (those born before 1946) in church revitalization.

This generation is institutionally loyal.
They love to tell stories.
They are often fearful of the change taking place.
The can confuse methods with doctrine.

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Even MORE Ways to Improve Your Preaching

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 5 Oct 2023 10:00:36 +0000

In the third and final part of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching.

Simplify and clearly answer the “what,” “so what,” and “now what” questions.
Practice.
Do immediate reflection.
Listen to and watch your own sermons or lessons.

Resources mentioned:

15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

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More Ways to Improve Your Preaching

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 3 Oct 2023 10:00:34 +0000

In the second of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching.

Enlist a prayer team.
Study preaching and teaching.
Listen to other preachers.
Invite others to help you prepare.

Resources mentioned:

15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

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A Conversation with Geoff Chang, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:18 +0000

Resources mentioned:

Spurgeon.org

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Ways to Improve Your Preaching

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:00:54 +0000

In the first of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching.

Assume you need to improve.
Consider the last time you intentionally improved your approach.
Read the Bible and pray every day.
Forsake sin in your life.

Resources mentioned:

15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

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Why Is My Church Declining?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:51 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock consider 4 potential reasons that your church may be declining.

Churches with a majority of older people
Churches that focus on minor issues
Churches that do not impact or invest in their community.
Churches that develop a pattern of flexibility.

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The Future Belongs to the Small Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:00:56 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways small churches can be positioned to make an impact in the future.

Millennials and Gen Z and they don’t value the “big” church experience like older generations did.
The overhead cost of large campuses is becoming a bigger issue.
The increasing use and availability of technology means smaller churches can function very well and maintain a high degree of excellence.
There will be an increasing value on serving/relationships/community.
More pastors have gifts better suited to lead a small churches than a larger ones.

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5 Ways to Increase People's Commitment to Gathered Worship

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:22 +0000

Make worship meaningful.
Emphasize the family aspect of church membership.
Make expectations clear at the outset.
Engage with those who are inconsistent in attendance.
Engage members in small groups.

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A Conversation with Mark Dance

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:19 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Dance, Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources. Mark discusses his new book, Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry.

Highlights from this episode:

Many pastors don’t take the time to care well for themselves.
Pastors should model boundaries for the people in their churches. But that requires a healthy pastor.
“I’ve never met a Great Commandment pastor that wasn’t a Great Commission pastor. I’ve met a lot of Great Commission pastors that were not Great Commandment pastors.”

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5 Reasons Why People Become Less Regular in Church Attendance

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:00:43 +0000

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss reasons why people are less engaged in gathered worship.

Increase in kids sports and recreation activities.
Increase emphasis on vacation/travel/leisure.
Blended families.
Unwillingness to engage in commitments.
Online options

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4 Reasons You Should Preach Through the Gospel of Luke in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:21 +0000

Luke provides your congregation with the context of some of the most familiar passages in the scripture: Prodigal Son, is an example because Luke 15:1-3 provides critical context to the parable.
Luke observes God’s opposition to the proud and grace to the humble – This theme is repeated throughout the gospel of Luke.
In Luke, we witness Jesus welcoming sinners to his table, Robert Karris observes in Luke Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal or coming from a meal.
Luke reveals the consist way Christ prays, depends on prayer and the Spirit.

Resources Referenced in this Episode:

“Four Reasons You Should Preach Through the Gospel of Luke in Your Church Revitalization” by Philip Howell

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Losses of a Prayerless Pastor and a Prayerless Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 7 Sep 2023 10:00:22 +0000

Evangelistic work will be hindered.
You will enter into more temptation.
You will not get what you want.
You cannot successfully prove you are His disciple.
You will not have all the joy you could have.
You will forfeit some of God’s protection and deliverance.
You will often misunderstand God’s ways.
You will continue to be worried.
Some may not be healed.
You will not glorify God as much as you could.

Resources Referenced in this Episode:

“Losses of a Prayerless Christian” by Jim Eliff

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10 Reasons Care Centers Are Great Places for Ministry

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 5 Sep 2023 10:00:58 +0000

Care centers provide an avenue to obey God, Who tells us to serve the downcast and rejected.
Care centers offer numerous opportunities for evangelism.
Care center residents will increase your trust in a sovereign God.
Care centers make available a place of real and life-impacting ministry for young men contemplating or heading into the ministry.
Care centers present a way to teach children to love their neighbor.
Care centers remind us that sickness and death are coming.
Care centers put you in the presence of older saints who are persevering in the Lord.
Care centers put you in the presence of people who have hardened their hearts, rejected Christ, and may never again have a coherent thought.
Care centers open doors to new relationships with those related to or associated with the residents.
Care Centers provide a ministry environment where what really matters takes priority.

Resources Referenced in this Episode:

“10 Reasons Why Nursing Homes Are Great Places to Minister” by Jim Eliff

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The Big D’s: Discouragement, Depression, and Disappointment

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:00:09 +0000

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist seeks out Jesus and asks Him, “Are you the one, or should we look for another?”

Why did John question?

His circumstances – He was in prison, facing suffering and death.
Outside influences – “Jesus has healed strangers, why doesn’t he even visit you?”
Wrong expectations
Incomplete Revelation

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A Revitalized Church Requires A Revitalized Pastor

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:47 +0000

Repent of Every Known Sin
Forsake All Questionable Habits and Activities
Make Right Any Wrongs Between Yourself and Others
Commune with God in Prayer and be Personally Instructed Through His Word
Trust God to Use You as His Specially Designed Tool for Revival in Others

Resources Referenced in this Episode:

“Five Resolves for Personal Revival” by Jim Eliff

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How to Develop Tactical Patience

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:06 +0000

You are here for the long haul – this isn’t a mission trip.
Learn to discover and rejoice in the work of God even in the small places.
Engage with other revitalizers so you can learn from their journey.
Confident that nothing done in obedience to Christ is”wasted” your work no matter how slow it may appear matters.
Take time to enjoy life, especially your family.
Develop a deeper walk with Christ and learn what it means to pray without ceasing.

Resources Referenced in this Episode:

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Five Unspoken Obstacles in Church Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:54 +0000

The members simply will not put forth the effort.
Pastors who are unable or unwilling to put forth the effort to engage their members and develop servant leaders.
A lack of spiritual depth (carnal attitudes).
Unregenerate members.
Pastors who “quiet quit.”

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A Conversation with Richard Blackaby

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:00:20 +0000

On today’s episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Richard Blackaby, President of Blackaby Ministries International. He discusses his new book, The Ways of God. Richard addresses the following issues:

How do I respond when I’m laboring for the sake of the gospel, but God doesn’t seem to bless?
God cares just as much about how you do something as what you do. You can do the right thing, but do it in a sinful way.
Often times, we don’t allow people the chance to respond to the power of the gospel that has been proclaimed.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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Autopsy of a Deceased Church, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:23 +0000

The preference-driven church
Pastoral tenure decreases
No praying together
No clear purpose
Obsession over facilities
Neglect of facilities

Resources Referenced:

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Autopsy of a Deceased Church, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:00:23 +0000

Slow erosion
The past is the hero.
The church refuses to look like the community.
The budget moves inwardly.
The Great Commission becomes the Great Omission.

Resources Referenced:

The Great Omission by Dallas Willard

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6 Things Needed in Every Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:22 +0000

A healthy dose of reality.
Unconditional love.
Hope.
A clear plan forward.
A deep and abiding love for the community.
Respect for their heritage and history.

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Should We Change Our Church's Name?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 8 Aug 2023 10:00:22 +0000

The unchurched community simply doesn’t care what you name your church.
There must be an overwhelmingly compelling reason to do this (creating a new brand is not an overwhelmingly compelling vision).
The new name may cause more confusion than you might anticipate.
Think long and hard about the longevity and place in the community you are so quickly walking away from.
It’s better to reclaim the name for God’s glory.

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A Conversation with Nathan Lorick

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Fri, 4 Aug 2023 10:00:07 +0000

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst welcome Nathan Lorick, Executive Director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. He discusses some of the characteristics of healthy churches. Some of the things he mentions:

The necessity of healthy pastors
The importance of prayer in the local church

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When Life Comes Crashing in Upon You

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 3 Aug 2023 10:00:52 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Hallock to discuss some principles from pastor Frank Lewis concerning dealing with the storms of life.

You will encounter storms even when you are obediently traveling with Jesus.
No matter how skilled a sailor, you might encounter some storms are more powerful than you.
The time to prepare for a storm is before the wind starts to blow.
The wind and the waves know his voice even when he is asleep in the stern.
- Have a song or hymn.
- Have a scripture.
- Have a friend.

Related Resources:

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6 More Realities of Worship and Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 1 Aug 2023 10:00:42 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Hallock to discuss the role of worship in church revitalization and replanting.

Worship helps your people understand what Jesus wants for their church they have to grow closer to Christ.
Structured worship matters.
A call to worship.
Focused prayer and scripture reading.
Responding to God enter the scripture rather than to a leader or a person.
Congregation involvement through congregational reading of scripture.

Related Resources:

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4 Realities of Worship and Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:52 +0000

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Hallock to discuss the role of worship in church revitalization and replanting.

Church members must be willing to relinquish the idol of the church as they know it.
This relinquishing requires a church to embrace a higher joy/security than the one they currently have.
A church will only experience this higher joy and security as they move closer and closer to Jesus.
Corporate worship is one of the primary ways to draw people’s hearts toward Jesus.

Related Resources:

The Role of Worship in Revitalization
Touch Not the Glory – Ron Owens

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The Southern Baptist Convention: 5 MORE Reasons to Stay

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:10 +0000

Building off of the last episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Hallock to discuss 5 more reasons churches should stay engaged in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Send Relief/Disaster Relief
Chaplains
Our six seminaries
Unique partnerships with state in association
Local church governance of the entire convention

Resources related to this episode:

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The Southern Baptist Convention: 3 Reasons to Stay

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:00:03 +0000

In the last few months, there has been a lot of talk about the Southern Baptist Convention. On social media, it seems many pastors and churches are wondering why they should remain a part of, or why they should join, the SBC. In this episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Hallock to discuss why churches should stay in (or join!) the Southern Baptist Convention.

The extended family of churches, wonderful pastors, great leaders, and mission-focused strategists.
The commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture by our seminaries, institutions, and agencies.
Our mission boards.

Resources related to this episode:

Baptist Faith and Message 2000

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I Am a Church Member, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:00:25 +0000

I will lead my family to be healthy church members.
I will be a functioning church member.
I will treasure church membership as a gift.

Resources:

I Am A Church Member

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I Am a Church Member, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:00:36 +0000

I will be a unifying church member.
I will not let the church be about my personal preferences and desires
I will pray for my church leaders.

Resources:

I Am A Church Member

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Experiencing God, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:07 +0000

Reality 5 – God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

Reality 6 – You must major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.

Reality 7 – You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

Resources mentioned:

Experiencing God

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Experiencing God, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 6 Jul 2023 10:00:12 +0000

Reality 1 – God is always at work around you.

Reality 2 – God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal

Reality 3 – God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.

Reality 4 – God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the Church to reveal Himself, His Purposes, and His Ways.

Resources mentioned:

Experiencing God

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Flickering Lamps, Part 6: Discovering Christ’s Pre-Eminence in His Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 4 Jul 2023 10:00:59 +0000

Someone is pre-eminent in your church. Who is it?
Is your church bringing glory to God, and how?
Do your church members behave in a God-glorifying way?
What role does church discipline play?

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Richard & Henry Blackaby

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Flickering Lamps, Part 5: Discovering Christ’s Provision for His Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:22 +0000

How would you currently describe your church? Are you weak, poor, or rich? What do you base your evaluation upon?
Is there anything in the recent past that you can point to and say, “If God hadn’t done this, we wouldn’t be where we are”?
Is your church characterized by giving itself away or holding on to what it has?
God will always provide what His church needs right when His church needs it.

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Richard & Henry Blackaby

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Flickering Lamps, Part 4: Discovering Christ’s Power in His Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:46 +0000

If you are not experiencing God’s power in your church, what is the issue?
A dying church, more than anything else, needs the power and presence of the risen Savior.
Sin is not something to be toyed with, it is something to war against and put to death.
Christ’s power will only be present in His church when God’s people – beginning with the pastor – are pursuing holiness.

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Henry & Richard Blackaby

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Holiness by Grace by Bryan Chapell

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Flickering Lamps, Part 3: Discovering Christ’s Presence in His Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:22 +0000

Christ is always present with His church.
How does Christ’s presence visible in your church?
How do you encourage the people in your church to repent when they sin against God?

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Henry & Richard Blackaby

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Flickering Lamps, Part 2: Discovering Christ’s Plans for His Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:54 +0000

How has your congregation sought to find out what Jesus wants your church to do?
What one ministry in our church could only have been developed because God showed us how to do it?
Is your church focused only on your own ministry, or are you kingdom-focused?

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Henry & Richard Blackaby

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Flickering Lamps, Part 1: Discovering Christ’s Purpose for His Church?

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:00:54 +0000

Why was your church founded?
How is the church different now than when it was founded?
How does your church glorify God?
In what ways is your church making disciples?
What are some sins for which your church needs to repent?

Resources:

Flickering Lamps by Henry & Richard Blackaby

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5 Often Unseen Signs of a Declining or Dying Church

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:00:13 +0000

Sign 1: The commute

Sign 2: Worn out ministries

Sign 3: Declining ministry funds for children and students

Sign 4: The pastoral parade

Sign 5: The aging facility

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A Conversation with Bart Barber

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 8 Jun 2023 10:00:45 +0000

We are thrilled to welcome the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Bart Barber, to discuss the importance of revitalization, particularly in smaller, rural, churches.

Episode Highlights:

Small rural churches have great value for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus has a plan for every church.
Over half of the churches in the SBC average less than 50 people on Sunday morning.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton

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9 Characteristics of a Successful Revitalization, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 6 Jun 2023 10:00:22 +0000

1. The church boldly confronted the traps of tradition.
2. Leadership developed a clear and compelling vision
3. Leadership communicated a sense of urgency
4. The pastor was willing to endure a season of intense criticism
5. The leadership of the church was willing to let go of members

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9 Characteristics of a Successful Revitalization, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 1 Jun 2023 10:00:54 +0000

The church stopped blaming past experiences or outside circumstances.
The pastor formed an alliance of key influencers in the church.
The influencers made a commitment to pray daily for revitalization.
The church made a commitment to look like the community.

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Am I Ready to Be a Revitalizing Pastor?, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:52 +0000

1. Will I be a continuous learner?
2. Will I be content?
3. Will I be Jesus’ example in my community?
4. Will I take care of my family?

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Am I Ready to Be a Revitalizing Pastor?, Part 1

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 25 May 2023 10:00:42 +0000

1. Will I pray daily for my church, her members, and my own leadership?
2. Will I see this opportunity as a mission field?
3. Will I make a commitment for the long haul?
4. Will I love my critics and those who leave the church?

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Biblical Church Revitalization by Brian Croft

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors, Part 6

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:12 +0000

Willingness to Confront

Confront over theology
Confront over sin
Confront over methodology
Confront over personality

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom Rainer

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors, Part 5

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:00:02 +0000

Affinity for Multi-Generational Ministry
Respect for a Church’s Legacy

To learn more about becoming a replanting pastor, or to explore resources about revitalization for your own church, visit https://www.namb.net/church-replanting/

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors, Part 4

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:24 +0000

Initiative
Emotional Intelligence

To learn more about becoming a replanting pastor, or to explore resources about revitalization for your own church, visit https://www.namb.net/church-replanting/

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors, Part 3

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 11 May 2023 10:00:39 +0000

Resourceful Generalist
Tactical Patience

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Songs from Joyland by Mark Hallock

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors, Part 2

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 9 May 2023 10:00:43 +0000

Organizational Awareness
Pastoral Grit
Spousal Perseverance

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13 Characteristics of Revitalizing Pastors

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 4 May 2023 10:00:52 +0000

This is the first-part in an upcoming series covering the 13 Characteristics of a Revitalizing Pastor. Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by special guest Mark Hallock to cover:

Visionary Shepherd
Gospel Orientation
Missional Focus

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

“Replanters are Visionary Shepherds” by Mark Hallock
“Essential Characteristics of Effective Replanters: Gospel Orientation” by Bob Bickford
Essential Characteristics of Effective Replanters: Missional Focus by Keelan Cook
- Part 1
- Part 2

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Sermon Preparation in Revitalization

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Tue, 2 May 2023 10:00:38 +0000

What to preach
How much time to spend
Collaboration with others in sermon prep
Trusting the Holy Spirit
Seeking honest evaluation

Helpful Resources

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5 Things You Can Do to Immediately Improve Your Building

webmaster@namb.net (North American Mission Board) — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:00:59 +0000

Deal with the outside look.
Deal with restrooms & children’s area
Address audio and video
Consider the imaging your church is projecting with its signs and graphics.
Be aware of bad or weird smells

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