Revitalize and Replant

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/

It’s no secret that pastors’ kids often have a bad reputation. But what’s not as commonly known is how often pastors’ kids struggle with doubt and disbelief. This is the first of a two-part series discussing an article from Barnabas Piper. Peoples’ expectations vs. Jesus’s expectations Borrowed belief Resources mentioned in this episode: https://research.lifeway.com/2020/01/21/5-reasons-pastors-kids-struggle-with-doubt/

Mark and Dan welcome Andy Addis, pastor of CrossPoint Church in Salina, KS to discuss the CrossPoint story, which fostered the idea behind the Replant Hub. To learn more about Andy and CrossPoint’s story, check out the free ebook, Doing More Together, below. Resources mentioned in this episode: Doing More Together by Andy Addis

What should churches do with kids on Sunday morning? Should they have a separate “children’s church?” Should the kids join in the main worship gathering every week? Once a month? In this episode, the guys discuss this hot topic. The preaching of God’s word is transforming power – even for kids! God can communicate to even the smallest child in ways we can’t comprehend. Understood correctly, children are not a distraction in worship. Children learn songs VERY early. Children learn routines VERY early. Children need to see their parents and siblings worshipping. Worshipping together takes priority over parental ease. Resources mentioned in this passage: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-we-embrace-children-in-our-worship-service/ Every Kid Matters: How your church can effectively shepherd the next generation by Mark Hallock and Frank Trimble.

Church discipline can be a sticky subject. In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss an article from Jared Wilson about some ways to take the scariness and weirdness out of church discipline. Make disciples. Create clarity about church membership. Teach the process. Follow the process. Practice gospel-centeredness. Check out the full article here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-ways-to-keep-church-discipline-from-seeming-weird/

This podcast discusses good metrics for measuring progress in church revitalization including new Christians, total giving, first and second-time guests, community ministry involvement, worship attendance, and prayer involvement. They explore the flaws in using worship attendance as the sole indicator and emphasize the importance of evangelism, discipleship, and generosity. A personal anecdote about elderly ladies competing for attention highlights the impact of a church member's gift of giving. They also discuss scorecard metrics for church revitalization and the challenges in inviting others to attend.

What do you do when you have a church building that was designed for a much larger congregation than you currently have? Listen in as Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss some creative ways to use the extra space. Share it with other churches (as an incubator for church plants). Allow fellowship hall and kitchen to be used by community at no cost (with appropriate precautions). Create a birthday party room for the community to use. Partner with community nonprofits who need space. Consider allowing local business to use your fellowship hall or kitchen. Consider re-creating your space to bless the community.

Mark and Dan welcome Ryan Durham, the 2023 Billy Heriford Replanter of the Year. Listen is as Ryan discusses ministry in Loup City, NE. Check out more of Ryan’s story at the video linked below. Resources mentioned in this episode: Replanter of the Year Video

This is a question we hear often. Which form of church governance is better? Mark, Mark, and Dan break down the issues surrounding this important question. Both are used with great impact and both have been used to great distraction. Why Southern Baptist haven’t historically appointed elders. The historic role of deacons in Southern Baptist life. Why the recent increase in elders among Southern Baptists? Questions to ask when considering elders – Is what we are doing now working? Why do we need to change? How broad is the consensus of the leadership and membership to make the change? What happens if we don’t make the change at this time? Can we adjust our current model to adequately address the need?

Leading a church through a replant or revitalization process is very difficult. You don’t get to pick the folks who will be a part of your church. But that doesn’t mean you should love your preferred church more than the church you serve. In this episode, Mark, Mark, and Dan discuss the importance of loving the church you have. Your current members are not a hinderance to your ministry – they are your ministry. Your current church can be used by God to edify you. Loving another church, even an imaginary one more than the one you serve is adulterous. The key to loving your church more is to love the Savior more. If you can’t truly love them, then leave them.