Revitalize and Replant

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some reasons that church announcements don’t usually lead to church member involvement. Folks aren’t listening to your announcements (or reading your emails…or newsletters). Announcements seldom include the “why” with the “what.” Listeners hear a corporate announcement (if they hear it at all) for everyone else – not for themselves. Some church members carry baggage that makes it difficult for them to hear a call for workers. The wrong people make the announcements. Announcements put the responsibility on the respondent rather than on the recruiter. The church is making announcements, but not one’s praying for the Lord to raise up the laborers. Resources related to this episode: 7 Reasons Why Announcements Don’t Usually Lead to Church Member Involvement by Chuck Lawless

Bob Payne, a passionate volunteer with Experiencing God Ministries, shares his insights on leading transformative experiences in faith. He discusses the Seven Realities of Experiencing God, illustrating how God is always at work and invites us into His mission. Bob emphasizes the importance of prayer, scripture, and community in hearing God's voice. He highlights how obedience and making significant adjustments can lead to profound spiritual transformations, along with fostering a deep sense of community during church initiatives.

Dan Hurst and Kyle Bueermann, both church consultants, shed light on common challenges facing churches today. They highlight that many church websites are outdated and uninviting, often failing to attract newcomers. Friendliness is often overlooked, with inadequate preparation for guests. They also stress the importance of clear markings within church facilities, better child protection measures, and the need for engaging worship music. Additionally, weak preaching can hinder congregational engagement, warranting a focus on vibrant biblical presentation and actionable takeaways.

Dan Hurst, a speaker on church leadership, and Kyle Bueermann, an expert in revitalization, share invaluable insights on building trust in ministry. They stress the importance of displaying confidence without arrogance and the necessity of following through on commitments. The discussion emphasizes valuing people over progress and extending grace while maintaining non-negotiable principles. Hurst and Bueermann also highlight the power of humility and active listening, advocating for leaders to be teachable and vulnerable in their approach.

In this discussion, Dan Hurst and Kyle Bueermann delve into Chuck Lawless's article on church diseases. They tackle the Community Disconnect Disease, emphasizing the importance of engagement with local issues. The duo examines Methodological Arthritis, highlighting the danger of inflexibility in church practices. They also explore 'The Grass is Greener' Syndrome, encouraging investment in existing congregations. Additionally, they address Program Nausea, urging churches to focus on genuine, impactful initiatives rather than fleeting trends.

Mark Clifton, Dan Hurst, and Kyle Bueermann discuss the first five of ten “Church Diseases” from a  fascinating article by Chuck Lawless about some afflictions that affect churches. Congregational Myopia Talking in Your Sleep Disease “Unrecoverable Void” Syndrome • You must be willing to be fired. • You can’t make decisions based on not losing people. Theological Self-Deception Ailment Baby Believer Malady Resources related to this episode: 10 Church Diseases That Might Be Afflicting Your Church by Chuck Lawless CP Stories: Missionary stories

Mark welcomes Bob Payne, a volunteer with Experiencing God Ministries. Some highlights from the episode: Bob’s unique health journey through the years. You cannot stay where you are and go with God also. Bob’s work around the world as a volunteer with Blackaby Ministries.

Mark Clifton delves into the complexities of pastoral transitions, discussing whether new pastors should take a call when the former pastor remains. He tackles the vibrant debate around selecting worship music that resonates with both traditional and contemporary congregants. The conversation highlights the significance of familiar hymns in fostering emotional bonds and reaching multiple generations. Additionally, strategies for enhancing church relationships and community outreach are explored, emphasizing the importance of meeting local needs for impactful ministry.

Dive into the fascinating world of church revitalization and replanting. Learn how stronger churches can adopt struggling ones, fostering a supportive community. Discover the concept of campuses, where dying churches transform into thriving branches of healthier congregations. Explore the importance of integrating new leadership with existing resources to breathe new life into declining churches. This vibrant discussion emphasizes the necessity of patience and love while engaging the community and prioritizing youth involvement for sustainable growth.

Mark chats with JJ Washington, the Director of Personal Evangelism for the North American Mission Board and a specialist in church evangelism strategies. They dive into what happens when personal evangelism fades from church life and explore effective methods to cultivate a vibrant evangelistic culture. JJ shares a structured approach for reinvigorating outreach efforts, particularly in smaller churches, and highlights resources that can aid pastors in engaging their communities and encouraging individual members to actively share their faith.