Revitalize and Replant

Mark and Dan discuss addressing ongoing issues in the Southern Baptist Convention. Tips include not unpacking it to the entire church, communicating concerns with trusted leadership, and recognizing the positive contributions of the denomination. They emphasize the importance of guarding against a critical spirit and assuming the best in fellow believers, while keeping disagreements off of social media.

Mark Clifton is joined by Dan Hurst and Mark Hallock to discuss 7 issues surrounding “The Billy Graham Rule.” Is it misogynist? Overkill or absolutely necessary? Functionally how can you make it work in the real world of ministry? How does this work in a church with one pastor and a secretary? What about email/texting/social medai Your spouse and your passwords When in doubt, leave it out

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 a previous episode, Dr. Chang discussed Spurgeon’s upbringing and background. In this episode, he discusses what pastors in the 21st Century can learn from the ministry of Charles Spurgeon. Resources mentioned: Spurgeon.org

Mark Clifton is joined by Dan Hurst and Mark Hallock to discuss 5 ways to deal with the pain of a dying church. Get them to turn that pain into a greater passion for prayer. Find the intersection of members’ passions, members’ gifts, and community needs. Celebrate more often. Help to remember the past to propel them to the future. Lead them to consider a replant.

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to lead the Builders (those born before 1946) in church revitalization. This generation is institutionally loyal. They love to tell stories. They are often fearful of the change taking place. The can confuse methods with doctrine.

In the third and final part of a 3-part series, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss 4 ways to improve your preaching. Simplify and clearly answer the “what,” “so what,” and “now what” questions. Practice. Do immediate reflection. Listen to and watch your own sermons or lessons. Resources mentioned: 15 Ways to Improve Your Preaching or Teaching by Chuck Lawless

The podcast discusses 4 ways to improve preaching: enlisting a prayer team, studying preaching, listening to other preachers, and inviting others to help with preparation. They highlight the importance of prayer in preaching, the value of lifelong learning, and the significance of collaboration and feedback in sermon preparation.

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.