Revitalize and Replant

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 IdentityLow ResourcesIsolation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andy Addis joins the conversation, bringing his expertise as the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board and pastor of Crosspoint Church. He emphasizes that true discipleship is all about presence with Jesus, not just methods. Andy shares a four-step Bible-reading process: summarize, expose, change, and prepare, while illustrating that genuine discipleship should make believers 'smell' like Jesus. He also discusses common devotional pitfalls and the importance of turning spiritual practices into two-way conversations with God.

A compelling discussion unfolds around discerning a call to ministry. The hosts delve into whether one's desire for ministry is genuine or imposed. Key character traits like humility and truthfulness are examined, alongside the importance of a healthy household. Affirmation from the church and awareness of gifting for teaching are essential themes. They emphasize the need for a love for God's people and a passion for the gospel. The conversation concludes with a powerful challenge about surrender to Christ as a marker of readiness for ministry.

This discussion dives into the art of Christlike hospitality for first-time guests. The hosts emphasize the importance of first impressions on Sunday mornings. They encourage taking initiative, greeting with genuine enthusiasm, and showing individual care—especially for families and children. Joyful authenticity is a must, and greeters should be trained to create a welcoming atmosphere. Clear communication through signage and guided experiences helps newcomers feel at home. Join the conversation on making every visitor feel valued and appreciated.

Pastors often grapple with discouragement, a theme revealed through historical examples from figures like Spurgeon and Luther. The discussion emphasizes yielding to God's providence and trusting His wisdom in tough times. Maintaining spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study is highlighted as crucial during storms of discouragement. Personal stories illustrate that trials can reshape faith, while cultivating worship offers an immediate remedy to reorient the heart. Each insight aims to uplift and encourage those in ministry.

The discussion centers on the revival of traditional Sunday School in modern churches. The hosts highlight its potential to deepen biblical knowledge and cultivate church leaders. They emphasize the strategic timing of Sunday mornings for community engagement. The benefits of structured curricula, like the Gospel Project, ensure unified teaching across age groups. Additionally, the need for intentional theological education to equip congregations for contemporary challenges is stressed. Overall, they argue for Sunday School's role in fostering community and outreach.

The hosts dive into the value of traditional Sunday school, emphasizing its core role in ministry. They discuss the need for clear purposes, organized leadership, and intentional training for small groups. Focus on outreach and community needs is highlighted as essential for growth. A unique approach to class multiplication and prioritizing the lost is presented, alongside the importance of having adequate meeting space. They also stress that the Bible must remain central to teaching while planning for family inclusivity.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to minister to toxic people in your church.Some Highlights:The Gossip/TalkerThe ExploderThe Passive-AggressiveThe Cynic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This discussion delves into alarming signs in pastoral ministry, highlighting issues like entitlement and greed among leaders. The hosts emphasize the dangers of controlling leadership that manipulates congregations and fosters a lack of tenderness. They explore the implications of tribalism in ministries and how social media can exacerbate cliques. Additionally, they critique an unbalanced gospel, urging a pursuit of holiness. The conversation wraps up with encouragement for self-assessment and spiritual renewal.

The hosts dive into the critical warning signs that pastors may overlook, starting with isolation and its detrimental effects on their ministry. They highlight the dangers of withdrawing from community and routine, which can lead to secrecy and temptation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability and setting boundaries to protect against defensiveness and distrust. Listeners gain insights on fostering humble responses to criticism, ensuring a healthier environment for both pastors and their congregations.