Revitalize and Replant

On this very special episode, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Dr. Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology and the Curator of the Spurgeon Library. In this episode, they discuss Charles Spurgeon’s upbringing and background. Resources mentioned: Spurgeon.org

In the first of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching. Assume you need to improve. Consider the last time you intentionally improved your approach. Read the Bible and pray every day. Forsake sin in your life. Resources mentioned: 15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock consider 4 potential reasons that your church may be declining. Churches with a majority of older people Churches that focus on minor issues Churches that do not impact or invest in their community. Churches that develop a pattern of flexibility.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some ways small churches can be positioned to make an impact in the future. Millennials and Gen Z and they don’t value the “big” church experience like older generations did. The overhead cost of large campuses is becoming a bigger issue. The increasing use and availability of technology means smaller churches can function very well and maintain a high degree of excellence. There will be an increasing value on serving/relationships/community. More pastors have gifts better suited to lead a small churches than a larger ones.

Make worship meaningful. Emphasize the family aspect of church membership. Make expectations clear at the outset. Engage with those who are inconsistent in attendance. Engage members in small groups.

Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst are joined by Mark Dance, Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources. Mark discusses his new book, Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry. Highlights from this episode: Many pastors don’t take the time to care well for themselves. Pastors should model boundaries for the people in their churches. But that requires a healthy pastor. “I’ve never met a Great Commandment pastor that wasn’t a Great Commission pastor. I’ve met a lot of Great Commission pastors that were not Great Commandment pastors.”

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss reasons why people are less engaged in gathered worship. Increase in kids sports and recreation activities. Increase emphasis on vacation/travel/leisure. Blended families. Unwillingness to engage in commitments. Online options

The podcast discusses the value of preaching through the Gospel of Luke in church revitalization. It highlights the importance of context, humility, and understanding biblical themes. The significance of Jesus' fellowship with sinners and the need for churches to engage with the community is emphasized. Four reasons for preaching through Luke are outlined, including providing context to familiar stories and emphasizing foundational themes for revitalization.

This podcast discusses the negative consequences of not praying, including hindered evangelistic work, increased temptation, unfulfilled desires, and the inability to prove one's discipleship. The hosts emphasize the power of prayer in overcoming temptation and understanding God's ways, as well as its role in battling worry and bringing healing. They stress the importance of prayer in the life of a pastor and a church, highlighting its ability to glorify God and encourage righteousness.

Care centers provide an avenue to obey God, Who tells us to serve the downcast and rejected. Care centers offer numerous opportunities for evangelism. Care center residents will increase your trust in a sovereign God. Care centers make available a place of real and life-impacting ministry for young men contemplating or heading into the ministry. Care centers present a way to teach children to love their neighbor. Care centers remind us that sickness and death are coming. Care centers put you in the presence of older saints who are persevering in the Lord. Care centers put you in the presence of people who have hardened their hearts, rejected Christ, and may never again have a coherent thought. Care centers open doors to new relationships with those related to or associated with the residents. Care Centers provide a ministry environment where what really matters takes priority. Resources Referenced in this Episode: “10 Reasons Why Nursing Homes Are Great Places to Minister” by Jim Eliff