Revitalize and Replant

Revitalize and Replant

By North American Mission BoardReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Revitalize and Replant episodes

  • Correctable Preaching Mistakes: Part 1

    On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk through some mistakes that preachers and teachers often make and how to correct them, based on an article by Steve Burchett. Even seasoned preachers can fall into habits that quietly undercut their message, from apologizing for lack of preparation to leaning too heavily on stories instead of Scripture.

    Discover the first 5 of 10 correctable mistakes every preacher and teacher should watch for:

    1.     Apologizing for lack of preparation

    2.     Overusing illustrations to the point of obscuring or leaving behind the biblical text

    3.     Speaking for too long

    4.     Taking on another man’s mannerisms and/or voice

    5.     Looking at notes too much

     Resources Related to This Episode:

    ·      "10 Correctable Mistakes We Make When Preaching & Teaching" by Steve Burchett


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  • Loneliness in a Hyper-Connected World: Part 2

    On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue their discussion on why many people feel lonely even in a world that is always connected. Building on Part 1, this conversation digs into practical, often-overlooked reasons loneliness persists inside the church, from generational disconnection to closed-off homes to people silently carrying heavy burdens. Together, the Marks and Dan discuss how intentional hospitality and cross-generational relationships can help churches become places where people are truly known—not just attended.

    Some Highlights:

    1. Younger and older believers are often disconnected. This weakens discipleship and encouragement.
    2. Hospitality is often neglected. Many homes are busy, private, or closed off.
    3. Many people suffer quietly. They carry grief, anxiety, addiction, or family pain alone.

     

    Resources Related to This Episode:

    • Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  • Loneliness in a Hyper-Connected World: Part 1

    On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock and Dan Hurst discuss why many people feel lonely even in a world that is always connected. Despite constant access to texting, social media, and video calls, isolation and loneliness continue to rise, even among Christians and church members. Mark, Mark, and Dan explore how digital connection often creates the illusion of community without providing the depth, presence, or accountability that real relationships require—and why the local church is uniquely positioned to offer a genuine antidote to loneliness.

    Some Highlights:

    1. Many people have lots of contacts. But they have very few deep friendships.
    2. Church is often treated like an event. It should be seen as a family.

    Resources Related to This Episode:

    Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min
  • 7 Characteristics of a Failing Church: Part 2

    Why do churches decline, and what can church leaders do to recognize the warning signs? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue their discussion of 7 characteristics commonly found in failing or declining churches. They explore how churches can respond to change, develop a clear mission, and cultivate healthy leadership as they pursue church revitalization.

    Some Highlights:

    5.     Change is perceived as negative or loss 

    6.     A vision with no mission

    7.     A lack of true leaders

    Resources Related to This Episode:

    • Land Ho: Seven Keys to Navigating the Adventurous and Challenging Waters of Change by Mark Hallock and Walker Armstrong

     


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    27 min
  • 7 Characteristics of a Failing Church: Part 1

    Why do some churches decline while others remain healthy and fruitful? On today’s episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss characteristics that can contribute to church decline and prevent churches from effectively making disciples and reaching their communities.

    Some Highlights:

    1. A failure to teach people to apply the Word
    2. Culture replaces mission
    3. Family control
    4. There is no strategy for new members to become established members

      5. Resources Related to This Episode:

      • Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger

        • Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

        23 min
      • Distrust, Deconstruction, and Shallow Formation

        Many churches are facing growing distrust of pastors and institutions, questions about the Christian faith, and a lack of deep biblical formation. On today’s episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss these cultural and Christian trends and how church leaders can respond with wisdom, truth, and grace.

        Some Highlights

        1. Many people distrust pastors and churches. Sometimes that distrust comes from real hurt.
        2. People have serious doubts. They need safe, biblical places to process their questions.
        3. Some people deconstruct their faith. But they often do not know how to rebuild it.
        4. Many Christians have strong opinions—but weak biblical foundations.
        5. Culture often rejects authority. Scripture teaches that godly authority serves and protects.

          6. Resources Related to This Episode:

          ·      Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing by Jonathan Leeman


          Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

          25 min
        6. 15 Ways to Recognize and Honor Church Volunteers

          Church volunteers are essential to healthy ministry, but they need to know their service is valued. On today’s episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss 15 practical ways church leaders can encourage, thank, and appreciate volunteers who faithfully serve their churches.

          Some Highlights:

          1. Commission volunteers at the beginning of the year.
          2. Write thank-you notes.
          3. Give them a coffee gift certificate.
          4. Provide childcare for a date night.
          5. Cater a volunteer appreciation meal.
          6. Pray for a “Volunteer of the Week” each week.
          7. Send birthday cards to volunteers.
          8. Send a thank-you note from the church staff to a volunteer’s spouse.
          9. Celebrate with a volunteer family picnic.
          10. Enlist a photographer to take a family photo for each volunteer.
          11. Sponsor a “Christmas in ____” stocking-stuffer event.
          12. Call 2 or 3 volunteers each week.
          13. Have children create thank-you pictures for their teachers and leaders.
          14. Create a volunteer appreciation team that continually looks for ways to say thank you.
          15. Always, always pray for more laborers (Matthew 9:37–38).

            16. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            22 min
          16. 5 Ways to Be a Team Player

            Healthy churches and effective ministries are built by people who know how to work well with others. On today’s episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss five characteristics of a great team player and how church leaders can build stronger ministry teams.

            Some Highlights:

            1. Be an effective communicator.
            2. Be reliable and accountable.
            3. Be adaptable and flexible.
            4. Be supportive and encouraging.
            5. Be joyfully collaborative.

              6. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

              23 min
            6. 5 Marks of a Church Ready to Reverse Decline

              How can church leaders know when a declining church is ready for revitalization, replanting, or a new approach to ministry? On today’s episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss 5 marks of a church that is ready to pursue renewal and reverse its decline.

              Some Highlights:

              1. A faithful church is willing to assess its health honestly.
              2. A faithful church knows when traditional revitalization may not be enough.
              3. A faithful church sees replanting or merging as stewardship, not defeat.
              4. A faithful church grieves what it has lost while trusting God’s mission.
              5. A faithful church is willing to die to itself so gospel ministry can continue.

                6. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                27 min
              6. 5 Keys to Leading Funerals for Unchurched People

                Funerals can provide unique opportunities for pastors to minister to grieving families and share the hope of the gospel with people who may have little or no connection to the church.

                In this episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss 5 practical ways pastors can faithfully and compassionately lead funeral services for unchurched people.

                5 Keys to Leading Funerals for Unchurched People

                1. Lead with compassion.
                2. Honor the person honestly.
                3. Speak clearly about hope.
                4. Keep it simple and understandable.
                5. Follow up after the service.

                  6. Whether you're leading a funeral for a longtime church member or ministering to a family with little connection to the church, these five principles can help you provide compassionate pastoral care while faithfully proclaiming the hope of the gospel.


                  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                  27 min

                About Revitalize and Replant

                From the publisher's feed

                Your church doesn’t have to die. God is moving, even in the most difficult places. The Revitalize and Replant podcast equips pastors to take their churches from declining to thriving by pointing them…