

Revitalize and Replant
North American Mission Board
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 23min
Why We Need the Puritans, Part 1
The hosts delve into the rich wisdom of the Puritans and why their teachings matter today. They discuss how Puritans understood human sinfulness and viewed life through the lens of grace, challenging the common misconceptions about their strictness. Family as a 'little church' takes center stage, highlighting the role of both parents and the church in nurturing faith. The contrast between modern casualness and Puritan discipline leads to a humorous yet serious discussion about what today's church can learn from these historic figures.

Aug 7, 2025 • 22min
To Count or Not to Count
The discussion dives into the relevance of counting worship attendance, weighing both healthy and unhealthy motivations. It highlights how numbers can promote discipleship and connection while warning against legalism and the risks of charisma overshadowing true calling. The speakers share personal experiences to underline the importance of valuing individual souls over statistics. With insights on how attendance correlates with spiritual growth, they emphasize the need for authenticity in ministry rather than just focusing on numerical successes.

Aug 5, 2025 • 17min
Some Thoughts on Worship
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some issues surrounding worship in the local church.

Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
8 Reasons Spiritual Disciplines Matter
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

Jul 29, 2025 • 28min
5 Ways to Last 20 Years in the Same Church
Discover essential tips for thriving in church ministry through lasting connections and unwavering faithfulness. The discussion highlights the importance of humility and teachability for pastors while fostering genuine relationships with congregants. Emphasizing that faithfulness matters more than numbers, the speakers explore how emotional resilience allows leaders to balance toughness with compassion. With insights on identity and persistence, this conversation offers a roadmap for sustaining long-term commitment in church leadership.

Jul 24, 2025 • 24min
A 12-Point Cure for Complaining
The conversation takes a humorous turn as the hosts transition from tennis to tackling the habit of complaining. They delve into biblical teachings that encourage gratitude and joy, even during trials. There's a powerful reminder that suffering can serve a divine purpose, urging listeners to view hardships through a lens of grace. They emphasize how faith and prayer can replace complaints, fostering a hopeful spirit. Overall, the discussion blends personal anecdotes with spiritual insights, providing a refreshing perspective on challenges.

Jul 22, 2025 • 26min
6 Lessons on Holiness from Thomas Watson
Explore the fascinating insights from Puritan pastor Thomas Watson on personal holiness. Discover how holiness produces joy and requires intentional effort. Delve into the idea that true holiness stems from a relationship with God and that it doesn’t equate to strictness or joylessness. Understand the communal aspect of holiness and how it can revitalize church communities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing sin while highlighting the continuous journey towards sanctification driven by divine grace.

Jul 17, 2025 • 24min
How to Lead Effective Prayer Meetings
Discover innovative strategies to enhance prayer meetings in churches, focusing on meaningful engagement and personal stories. Explore collective journaling and 'conversational prayer' to cultivate deeper connections. Learn how to incorporate scripture, particularly Psalms, into prayers for a richer experience. The importance of authenticity and diverse backgrounds in group settings is highlighted, along with personal anecdotes and reflections on revitalizing struggling churches. Embrace a culture shift that prioritizes prayer in your community!

Jul 15, 2025 • 24min
How to Handle an Ineffective Church Staff Member
The hosts tackle the tricky dynamics of dealing with underperforming church staff, mixing humor with serious insights. They emphasize the importance of addressing ineffective team members to maintain church unity and morale. Leadership's role is highlighted, focusing on evaluation and honest feedback. Difficult decisions about staffing are explored, underscoring the necessity of tough calls for overall health. Personal anecdotes reveal how personality conflicts can hinder productivity, stressing the need for understanding individual traits to improve relationships.

Jul 10, 2025 • 20min
5 Ways to Know Your Church is Ready to be Revitalized
Discover how to diagnose your church's readiness for revitalization! Key traits include humility and a genuine desire to reach the community. The importance of biblical commitment and the willingness to take risks is emphasized. Learn how embracing local outreach over mere membership transfers can foster growth. Hope and faith in God’s plan for renewal are highlighted, reminding listeners that even struggling churches can experience revitalization.