Revitalize and Replant

Mark Clifton, a Christian counselor, and Mark Hallock, a pastor, discuss comforting truths for anxious Christians. They cover topics such as unity in Christ, being part of a redemptive story, and the hope of eternity.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss the top developments for churches in 2023-2024, including emphasis on evangelism, increasing diversity, church adoptions, global partnerships, longer pastor transitions, rise of interim pastors, church consultations, autopsies, bi-vocational pastors, and church-based training for pastors and staff.

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”

Experts Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock delve into dealing with dissension in church, inspired by Bill Eliff's article. They dissect behaviors of dissenters like secrecy, stirring up drama, and using deception. The discussion emphasizes the challenges pastors face in managing discord within congregations while highlighting the importance of integrity and discernment.

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

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss church junk room treasures like old organs, pulpits, and handbells. They explore preserving tradition in church revitalization and the theological stories behind church spaces and hymnals.

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

Church conflict resolution experts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share tips on preventing and restoring church conflict. They discuss bringing the gospel into conflicts, exposing driving idols, guarding against emotional reactions, and practicing clear communication and patience.

Thom Rainer discusses the future of megachurches in North America, redefining what qualifies as a megachurch. They explore the reasons behind the formation of megachurches and why Boomers played a significant role. The discussion touches on the decline of many institutions and the shift towards individuality over big establishments.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share tips on church revitalization: facing reality, celebrating small victories, and embracing failures. They discuss the importance of trust, vision, and learning from mistakes in leading the church towards growth and self-improvement.