Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer that addresses why so many churches are in decline and how leadership development is key to adjusting to the changing realities of our cultural climate. 

Some Highlights:

1. They don’t recognize the decline of cultural Christianity.
2. They have many “church rules.”
3. They have leaders who have never led in a highly unchurched mission field.
4. They confuse tradition with the truth.
5. They do outreach the way they’ve always done it.
6. They are experiencing significant conflict due to frustration.
7. They are very slow to respond.
8. They have significant facility challenges.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “8 Reasons Many Bible-Belt Churches Are in Decline” by Thom Rainer

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Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some areas that create tension in ministry.

Some Highlights:

1. Doing pastoral care vs. leading the organization
2. Focusing on private study vs. doing public ministry
3. Prioritizing new members vs. concentrating on longer-term members
4. Doing evangelism vs. doing discipleship
5. Budgeting for staff vs. budgeting for ministry and missions
6. Changing things too quickly vs. changing them too slowly
7. Spending time with family vs. being with the church family
8. Reaching our neighbors vs. reaching the nations
9. Honoring the past vs. preparing for the future
10. Ministering to older folks vs. ministering to the young
11. Extending grace vs. carrying out church discipline
12. Hanging out with non-believers who need the gospel vs. hanging out with believers who love their church staff

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “12 Balancing Acts in Ministry You Might Face This Week” by Chuck Lawless

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss what it looks like to raise up the next generation of leaders within your church.

Some Highlights:

• Raising up leaders from the next generation isn’t optional.
• Begin to pray for God to lead young leaders to your church.
• Set aside resources and/or find partners to help bring a young leader on as a resident.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/
• https://www.thecalvary.org/

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss ministry to the next generation of leaders.

Some Highlights:

• The importance of inter-generational ministry for raising up next-gen leaders
• Why potlucks still work for community

Resources Related to This Episode:

• https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/
• https://www.thecalvary.org/

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Colin Pugh, the urban strategist on the North American Mission Board’s Replant Team.

Some Highlights:

• The importance of transitioning leadership to a new generation of leaders
• Leadership development is key
• The impact of a church’s “footprint” in its community             
• Partnership with local businesses to minister to the community

Resources Related to This Episode:

• To connect with Colin, reach out to [email protected]

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to talk about some unique aspects of rural ministry.

“The Big Three” in Rural Ministry:

• Vocational Identity
• Low Resources
• Isolation

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to discuss transformational discipleship strategies.

Some Highlights:

1. Real disciples come away “smelling” like Jesus.
2. True discipleship is about presence.
3. The answer is not new discipleship material—it’s walking with Jesus.
4. A four-step process to read Scripture: summarize, expose, change, and prepare

Resources Related to This Episode:

• Reading It Right

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss Jason K. Allen’s book, Discerning Your Call to Ministry.

Some Highlights:

1. Do you desire the ministry?
2. Does your character meet God’s expectations?
3. Is your household in order?
4. Has God gifted you to teach and preach His Word?
5. Does your church affirm your calling?
6. Do you love the people of God?
7. Are you passionate about the gospel and the Great Commission?
8. Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?
9. Are you ready to defend the faith?
10. Are you willing to surrender?

Resources Related to This Episode:

• Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It by Jason K. Allen

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to show Christlike hospitality to first-time guests.

Some Highlights:

1. Take initiative and pursue first-time guests.
2. Welcome with enthusiasm.
3. Show individual care.
4. Be genuine and authentic.
5. Serve people with joy.
6. Communicate clearly.

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Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways that pastors can minister through their own discouragement.

Some Highlights:

1. Discouragements are about God’s reign—so yield to His wife and His loving providence.
2. Discouragements are about learning spiritual consistency—so maintain spiritual disciplines.
3. Discouragements are about the affections—so cultivate a heart of worship.

Resources Related to This Episode:

• “Pastor, Don’t Waste Your Discouragement” by Phil A. Newton

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