Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss whether counting worship attendance still makes sense, based on an article from Sam Rainer.

Healthy reasons to count:

• Rhythms build discipleship.
• Presence enables connection.
• Trends reveal direction.
• Opportunities increase.

Unhealthy reasons to count:

• Legalism creeps in.
• Growth becomes a game.
• Charisma overshadows calling.
• Quantity replaces quality.

Resources Related to This Episode:

“Does Counting Worship Attendance Still Make Sense for Churches?” by Sam Rainer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some issues surrounding worship in the local church.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, Kyle Bueermann discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on why you and your church should be practicing the spiritual disciplines.

1. The disciplines slow us down.
2. They put us in a position to listen to God.
3. They emphasize relationships.
4. They force us to see where we place our dependence.
5. They uncover the sin that's hindering our walk with God.
6. They correct our sins of omission.
7. They prepare us to teach and lead others.
8. They produce in us godly confidence and excitement.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “8 Reasons Spiritual Disciplines Matter” by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Mike Ayers that covers some tips for longevity in church ministry.

Some Highlights:

1. Be teachable
2. Know your identity
3. Faithfulness first
4. Develop a hard shell; maintain a soft heart
5. Simply don’t quit

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “5 Ways to Last 20 Years in the Same Church” by Mike Ayers

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a few lessons they've learned from Christian Communicators Worldwide on the problem of complaining—and how Scripture offers us its cure.

Some Highlights:

1. God commands me never to complain.
2. God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance.
3. God commands me to rejoice always, especially in times of trial.
4. I always deserve much worse than what I am suffering now; in fact, I deserve hell.
5. In light of the eternal happiness and glory I'll experience in heaven, this present trial is brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime.
6. My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, yet He did not complain.
7. To complain is to say God is not just.
8. Faith and prayer exclude complaining.
9. This difficulty is being used by God for my good, and it is foolish for me to complain against it.
10. Those more faithful than I have suffered far worse than I and have done so without complaint.
11. Complaining denies that God’s grace is entirely sufficient for me.
12. The greatest suffering—the worst trial or difficulty—can never rob me of that which is of greatest value to me and my great joy: namely, the love of Christ.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “A 12-Point Cure for Complaining" by Bill Izard

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some lessons from Puritan pastor Thomas Watson on personal holiness.

Some Highlights:

1. Holiness produces joy.
2. Holiness takes intentionality.
3. Holiness will never be reached. 
4. Holiness comes from God working through His Word.
5. Holiness requires us to think rightly about sin.
6. Holiness does not save us; only Christ does.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• "Six Lessons on Holiness from Thomas Watson" by Cassie Watson
• The Godly Man’s Picture: Drawn with a Scripture Pencil by Thomas Watson

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Elliff on what to do when travel ball becomes an idol in the lives of folks in your church.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “When Ball Becomes Baal” by Jim Elliff

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Vanderbloemen on how to handle underperforming church staff members:

• Why firing staff members may prove more difficult in a smaller church
• What you must consider about the long-term health of both the church and the staff member
• What happens when you fail to address an ineffective team member
• What church leaders should do in these sticky situations!

Resources Related to This Episode:

• How to Handle an Ineffective Church Staff Member

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to diagnose whether your church is ready to enter into a season of revitalization and renewal:

1. Hearts that are humble – “This is the Lord’s church, not ours.”
2. Desire to reach the community with the gospel – “This is our mission and mission field.”
3. Commitment to submit to the Bible – “The Word of God is our authority.”
4. Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes – “We are desperate to see God move here.”
5. Belief that God can actually revitalize dying churches – “God isn’t done with us.”

Resources Related to This Episode:

• Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson
• Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby
• God’s Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to build trust in your local church:

1. Be you.
2. Listen actively.
3. Show consistency.
4. Pursue, but know when to give space.
5. Follow through on commitments.
6. Lean into the awkward.
7. Don’t be easily offended.