When is it time for a church to close its doors? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu discuss how to discern whether your congregation should pursue revitalization or intentionally close. Using the analogy of CPR, they outline key indicators of church health, the realities of revitalization efforts, and kingdom-minded options if closure becomes the best step.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether your church is facing decline or you want to prevent it, this conversation offers both practical insight and hope.

In this episode:

[03:03] Understanding "critical mass" and why motivation matters more than money

[07:11] The CPR analogy for revitalization—why there's no harm in trying

[12:18] Why outside help is essential for near-death churches

[15:16] When closing may be the best option and how to plan for it

[17:57] Kingdom-minded ways to bless others with your church's assets

[21:34] How closure can still be a witness of resurrection and renewal

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/309

Website: https://malphursgroup.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup