
Revitalize and Replant
Your church doesn’t have to die. God is moving, even in the most difficult places. The Revitalize and Replant podcast equips pastors to take their churches from declining to thriving by pointing them to a new future and a new hope. Tune in for weekly encouragement and practical advice for your pastoring journey.
Latest episodes

Jun 26, 2025 • 24min
7 Reasons We Must be Patient with Church Members
Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst humorously delve into the necessity of patience in ministry. They highlight Jesus as the ultimate role model for connecting with church members. The discussion reveals that many congregants face unseen struggles, making understanding and compassion vital. Patience isn't just a virtue; it's key for spiritual growth and community development. The hosts share personal anecdotes, emphasizing that many members may not quickly align with new ideas, reminding us that everyone’s journey is unique.

Jun 19, 2025 • 24min
More Reasons Why It’s More Difficult for the Church Today
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

Jun 12, 2025 • 25min
Some Reasons Why It's Harder for the Church Today
Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst delve into the hurdles churches face today, emphasizing a shift from maintenance to outreach. They share humorous anecdotes from the early days of church planting, revealing the struggles of revitalizing older congregations. The discussion highlights the rise of newer churches and the need for strategic planning to foster genuine growth. They also tackle the complexities of balancing pastoral care with congregational engagement, encouraging authenticity in outreach amidst a challenging cultural landscape.

Jun 5, 2025 • 27min
7 Causes of Church Conflict
The discussion dives into seven key causes of church conflict, emphasizing pride as a major contributor. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and emotional maturity in leadership. Challenges like resistance to change and power dynamics are examined, alongside a story of reconciliation among diverse church members. The conversation stresses the need for clear authority and fostering a culture of love and support. Personal anecdotes illustrate how kindness can bridge personality differences and cultivate unity within congregations.

May 29, 2025 • 24min
What Kind of Leader Are You?
Explore the intriguing dynamics of church leadership styles in this conversation. Authoritarian leaders create fear, while disengaged leaders lead to chaos. In contrast, engaged leadership revitalizes communities, fostering meaningful connections. The hosts emphasize the importance of compassionate, directive approaches to empower congregants. They discuss how self-worth rooted in faith can guide leaders away from unhealthy practices and toward cultivating thriving church environments. Tune in for insights on leadership that inspire growth and connection!

May 22, 2025 • 23min
How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Protecting
Delve into the essential role of shepherding in church life, emphasizing the importance of knowing and feeding the flock. Explore how pastors can cultivate holiness through self-awareness and integrity. Learn about practical safety measures for children's environments, like nursery monitoring. Discover the importance of establishing boundaries for women's safety and fostering respect. Enjoy a lighthearted discussion on cultural gestures in leadership, complete with the amusing 'Honduran hug'!

May 15, 2025 • 23min
How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Leading
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

May 8, 2025 • 24min
How to Shepherd Your Church Well: Feeding
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

May 1, 2025 • 28min
How to Shepherd Your Church Well
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 flockResources Related to this Episode:Leading Church Revitalization by Mark Hallock

Apr 24, 2025 • 21min
What to Change and How to Change it in Revitalization and Replanting
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?