Revitalize and Replant

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.

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