Revitalize and Replant

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss a blog from Thom Rainer on some current trends in church names. “Point” has become ubiquitous. “Life” has a new life. Tim Keller put Redeemer back into vogue. City Church, usually with another name in front of it. Christ Church. Five biggies the past ten years: Journey, Bridge, Foundry, Mosaic, and Generation Cross has made a surge: Cross Church, Cross Fellowship, etc. Simple Church. Meaningful Names: Impact. Potential. Epic. Transformation. Renovation. Innovate. “Fellowship” can be found in almost any town. Grace. Many churches like the new factor: New Life. New Hope. Moving on up: Elevate, Vertical, Summit. Not English (Greek or Latin): Eklessia, Ecclesia, Koinonia, Agape, etc. Resources related to this podcast: “Contemporary Trends in Church Names” by Thom Rainer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss insights from the unchurched on what they seek in a church. They emphasize the importance of showing love, community engagement, and displaying genuine joy to attract non-believers. The podcast explores the significance of serving in the community, overcoming challenges through faith, and promoting diversity in churches.

Experienced rural pastors Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss encouraging rural pastors to focus on changing lives, prioritize love in churches, and become the most loving church in the world. They emphasize the impact rural pastors have in their communities and the importance of building relationships and trust with the people they serve.

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and JimBo Stewart discuss some ways pastors can build up their prayer life. Come in Christ’s Name. Delight in Him. Express Your Longings to Him. Read a Psalm. Sing to Him. Intercede for Others. Place Your Day Before Him. Petition Him for Other Special Needs. Meditate on His Word. Offer Thanks to Him. Resources related to this podcast: “An Intimate Hour with God” by Jim Eliff

Experienced church leaders, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss reasons to stay in an uncool church, highlighting the importance of community, humility, and unity. They emphasize focusing on God's truth over cultural trends and using unique gifts to serve the church body.

Experienced preachers Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how preaching has evolved, emphasizing less reliance on sermon outlines, more focus on scripture, avoiding excessive personal anecdotes, and centering preaching on Jesus.

Music experts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss why people don't sing in churches, covering topics like unfamiliar songs, unsuitable keys, lack of connection with the congregation, and the shift towards spectator events in worship services.

In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some of the trends surrounding how baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed today. Here are some items discussed on this episode: How communion practices have changed over the years. The importance of “fencing the table” for communion. Some thoughts on spontaneous baptisms. Can you baptize someone without them becoming a member of your church?

Mark welcomes Jonathan Smith, Director of Church Health and Growth for Texas Baptists. Here are some highlights: Empty seats in churches are not a bad thing, that means that there’s room for new people! With the resurrected Christ, there is always hope for every church! Put on display the church that you want to become. Some principles for increasing baptisms in your church: Preach on baptism twice a year. Only baptize one person per week, unless they are family members. Don’t baptize at the very beginning of the worship service. A significant portion of your congregation will miss the baptism if it’s at the very beginning of the service. A 3-week baptism plan: Week 1 – Announce that there will be a baptism next week and provide invitations for the baptism candidate to invite friends and families. Week 2 – Shoot a video of the baptism candidate answering two questions: 1) How did you come to faith in Christ? 2) How did this church help you come to faith in Christ? Show this video before the baptism. Week 3 – Show a video of the testimony and the baptism. Resources mentioned on this podcast: Texas Baptists PAVE process: txb.org/pave

Experienced pastor Mark Clifton, ministry transition expert Mark Hallock, and family ministry specialist Dan Hurst share tips for smoother ministry transitions. They discuss recalling memories, managing grief, settling into a new place, prioritizing family time, exploring the community, and maintaining family worship during the transition period.