Revitalize and Replant

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.

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to the podcast. In this episode, they discuss Jared’s new book, Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ.

Factors contributing to children leaving their faith, importance of dad's involvement, emphasizing family engagement, daily scripture reading, connecting church and family, addressing real-life issues, and individualized shepherding, strategies to engage the next generation in the church.

Explore the alarming trend of young people leaving their faith at an early age. Discover the impact of secular media and lack of adventurous experiences on declining faith commitment. Understand the challenges faced by rural churches and the needs of young people in the digital age. Learn about the difficulties young people face in maintaining their faith and how the church can adapt. Dive into insights from 'You Lost Me' on why young Christians are leaving church.

In this episode, Mark, Mark and Dan continue their discussion of Barnabas Piper’s article about why pastors’ kids struggle with doubt and disbelief. No room for questions. No room for failure. An undefined identity. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://research.lifeway.com/2020/01/21/5-reasons-pastors-kids-struggle-with-doubt/