Thom and Mark take time to listen to the listeners. This is the first of a two part series where the listeners provide the content for the podcast. In today’s episode Thom and Mark answer questions about retirement and volunteer placement.

Episode highlights include:

* Churches should make certain they are providing resources for pastors and their retirement.

* Every pastor will be responsible for how they shepherd their congregations.

* Do everything you can to help faithful workers find a new place of ministry.

* Sometimes the best way to help people with good intentions is to tell them they are doing a bad job.

From Stan:

I have appreciated your podcasts on Revitalization. On the topic of transitioning pastoral staff, I have men who are getting older (without a retirement), but the church needs some younger men. I have some who could, but I can’t bring these other guys on in parallel to the older guys. This is very difficult. I guess it would be helpful to hear other experienced pastors speak to this. Maybe there’s something I’m not thinking of.

From James:

I am a pastor of a church in the UK of around 50 people currently going through a revitalization. New location. Back into the community where we were birthed. My question is how do you help others improve and develop their gifting without giving them the feeling you are telling them they are doing a bad job? Many thanks. Thank you so much for your wisdom and willingness to share so much. As a young and very much learning on the job pastor you have been such a blessing to me.

 

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.