How does a normative-sized church handle technology challenges based on limited budget, knowledge, training, and workers? What are some key considerations regarding sound, presentation video, lighting, and streaming? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses this topic with Tim Owens, director of operations at SES Integration. With a degree in electronics engineering and 25 years of experience in this field, Tim Owens advises churches to apply basic principles well rather than invest in the most expensive equipment. He says, “Find a good AV partner who can help you.”

“There is a sense in which every sermon ought to be an exposition of Scripture.” That was Dr. Mark Minnick’s comment to Marshall Fant in their discussion of expository preaching for episode 117 of RE:CHURCH, “Preparing to Preach with Mark Minnick.” This 16-minute segment reviews why a pastor should prepare expository sermons using the rhetorical processes of explanation, illustration, application, argumentation, and exhortation. Pastor Minnick has served as the senior pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, SC, since 1989 and has been in pastoral ministry for over 40 years. He is known as a pastor who diligently preaches the Word.

How can a church minister to its undershepherd when he is going through a season of loss? What are some practical ways for believers to practice the “one anothers” with their pastor and his family? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Gary Ledbetter and Chuck Herrell share with Marshall Fant their stories: a wife diagnosed with cancer, the pursuit of treatment options while managing ministry responsibilities, and her decline and homegoing. Gary Ledbetter entered the ministry in 1982 and has pastored four churches and served as an interim pastor in one. Chuck Herrell pastored 40 years in two different churches and now serves churches through GFA’s interim pastor ministry. Speaking of how God used his wife’s passing and his grief to encourage others, Pastor Ledbetter said, “We are inadequate, but He is more than enough!”

What types of conflicts surface in a church? Does the resolution require forbearance, repentance, reconciliation, or forgiveness? What role do pastors and church leaders have in resolving conflict? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant and Rick Arrowood discuss scriptural principles and share practical wisdom about resolving church conflict. Pastor Arrowood has 47 years of pastoral experience and currently serves as an interim pastor with GFA.

Resources: The Peace Maker by Ken Sande and Resolving Conflict: How to Make, Disturb, and Keep the Peace by Lou Priolo

What traditions in your community could inform your outreach? How could you use a Christmas Eve service as a first touch point with an unbeliever? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses with Matt Fagan and Andrew French how they plan a Christmas Eve service at Heritage Baptist Church in Windham, NH, to connect with people in their community. Matt Fagan moved to New Hampshire in 2001 to start Heritage Baptist Church, where he has served as pastor for 25 years. Andrew French joined the pastoral staff in 2013.

Do you struggle to manage your time? What should be your #1 priority when facing the demands of ministry? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses four non-negotiables of ministry with Dale Cunningham. At the top of the list is sitting at Jesus' feet. Speaking of the attitude that should drive us to the Source, Dale Cunningham quotes Oswald Chambers: “The greatest blessing that God gives to us is the knowledge of our utter destitution.” Dale Cunningham has been in ministry for 40 years, serving as the senior pastor at Boones Creek Bible Church in Johnson City, TN, for 23 years. He and his wife, Denise, now minister to ministry couples through D&D Ministries.

Who qualifies for minister’s housing allowance? What is the process for determining it, and what are the most confusing or misunderstood points? How can pastors and church leaders exercise good stewardship as they establish the 2026 church budget? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses minister’s housing allowances with Corey Pfaffe, CPA and Principal at MinistryCPA.com and retired dean of the school of business at Maranatha Baptist University. 

The following resources are available on the website of MinistryCPA.

Financial Health Questionnaire: https://ministrycpa.org/resources/other

Housing Allowance Worksheet: https://ministrycpa.org/services/tax-organizers

Should you create and host a podcast for your church? What are some considerations for the format, technology, and content? Can such a podcast enhance your shepherding or take away from it? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses this topic with Joe Fant, pastor of Community Baptist Church in South Bend, IN. Speaking of the opportunity a church podcast gave for informal ministry discussions, Joe Fant says, "If you can do it for your church, it’s an awesome opportunity to have conversations you couldn’t have in any other vein, but you have to be ready and make a commitment for a certain period of time."

How long was the time from when your husband announced his retirement to the church until you left the church? What were some of the biggest practical changes you noticed right away after your husband stepped down from the full-time pastorate? Did you feel a sense of loss, freedom, or both? In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses life after the pastorate with his wife, Gretchen, and Sue Goodwill. Sue Goodwill served as a pastor’s wife for 35 years, following her husband to three different churches. After retirement, Scott and Sue Goodwill began assisting churches through GFA’s interim pastors ministry. Gretchen Fant served as a pastor’s wife during the 21 years her husband replanted Harvest Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC. The Fants transitioned from that church to GFA, where Marshall Fant leads the interim pastors ministry and church-planting and revitalization efforts.

How does a church’s pulpit committee vet multiple pastoral candidates and narrow down its recommendation to one candidate for the entire church to consider? How does the committee keep the church informed of progress while maintaining confidentiality?  In this episode of RE:CHURCH, Marshall Fant discusses the function of pulpit committees with Kerry Baggett and Art Springer, chairman and member respectively of the pulpit committee of Faith Baptist Church in Taylors, SC. Kerry Baggett shares this encouragement for pastoral candidates, “For any pastor out there, the maturity you bring to the table—your spiritual maturity, your love for the Lord, your desire to want what God wants—is what will help keep you calm, knowing that you are wanting what God wants.”