Revitalize and Replant

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.

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

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

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

The hosts discuss the negative impact of complaining on faith and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. They reflect on personal experiences and highlight the role of faith, prayer, and trust in combatting complaining. The chapter explores the importance of having faith in God's grace and the power of Christ's love in church revitalization.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss the issue of complaining and its negative impact on families and churches. They explore the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances and finding joy in the Lord. They also emphasize the significance of preaching the gospel daily and the temporary nature of present trials. The hosts share inspiring stories of individuals who remained faithful in times of suffering and encourage pastors to break the habit of complaining.

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

Exploring the growth of non-denominational churches, this podcast discusses the factors behind their success, including evangelism, financial investment in communities, and avoidance of conflicts. They also highlight the benefits of being newer churches without denominational baggage, and the need for churches to prioritize outreach, prayer, and budgeting for missions and ministry.

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.

Exploring the pitfalls of multiple worship services, including division caused by music genres. Reasons for different worship styles and the end-game for stylistic worship. The impact of worship services on church unity. Emphasizing the importance of God-centered worship and blending different styles gradually.