Revitalize and Replant

Mark and Dan welcome Dr. Jamie Dew, President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. They discuss the valuable work of all six Southern Baptist seminaries and the great work at NOBTS. They also talk about the differences between residential and online education.

 In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss why thick skin is necessary for church replanters and revitalizers. Your peers may think you are nuts for going to that church. Your in-laws and family (and maybe even your spouse) may think you are nuts. You won’t get much praise or accolades for serving in a dying church…at least not from people. If you indeed leading Holy Spirit-directed change in a declining church, you will almost always encounter opposition – sometimes a lot of it. It’s likely to be very hard financially. Your wife and kids may not feel at ease with the tension around the change needed for revitalization. Some of the people who were the strongest supporters may become your greatest critics. You will step on landmines you didn’t even know existed.

In this episode, the hosts discuss cringey things worship leaders have said, such as inviting God to be present, asking if everyone is ready to have fun, and introducing old hymns as 'dusted off oldies'. They emphasize the importance of creating an atmosphere for genuine worship and focusing on connecting with God rather than impressing people.

Adversity is a gift to remind us that we are insufficient for this work. Adversity is a gift to manifest the life of Jesus through His servants. Adversity is a gift to bring life to your congregation. Adversity is a gift to prepare us for eternity. Resources mentioned on this episode: Facing Snarls and Scowls: Preaching through apathy, adversity, and hostility in church revitalization by Brian Croft & James B. Carrol

The podcast explores the challenges of preaching in church revitalization, emphasizing the importance of biblical preaching and the transformative power it holds. It encourages pastors to listen to valuable insights from those who don't like their preaching, embrace evaluation, and focus on exalting Christ. The significance of preaching the Word faithfully and trusting in God's transformative power is highlighted.

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson back to the podcast. Jared is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this episode, they discuss how nostalgia can be a trap for churches in revitalization. Resources mentioned: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-beauty-and-burden-of-nostalgia/

Sooner or later, most pastors will encounter a suicide. How do you minister to a family after they have experienced a suicide by a loved one? Acknowledge fears. Be available. Be a good listener. Defuse guilt. Offer practical support. Suggest counseling. Pray with them and for them often. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/ministry-deacon-reaching-out-following-suicide

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of suicides in our culture, particularly among younger people. Sooner or later, you will likely encounter a suicide in your ministry. Humanity is totally depraved. A Christian can commit any sin except the unforgivable one. Christ’s atonement forgives all sins past and future. David took Uriah’s life without invalidating his salvation. We must factor in the emotional distress and lack of clarity at the moment of suicide. It is an irrational act to be sure, but all sin is irrational. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-a-christian-commit-suicide/

Every church needs volunteers. And many churches struggle to find enough volunteers to fill all the needed spots. The guys discuss an article by Chuck Peters on recruiting volunteers. Stop leading with need and obligation. Communicate a clear and compelling “why.” Clarify expectations. Give them an in and an out. Make it personal. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://research.lifeway.com/2022/03/16/a-new-approach-to-volunteers-5-tips-for-getting-a-yes-in-a-culture-of-no/

The podcast explores the five major challenges facing churches in 2023, including significant decline, aging leaders and congregations, resistance to change, changing worship experiences, and exhausted pastors.