https://youtu.be/ca3sd28_N4E

It is cliche to say the world is changing. And it is cliche that churches are changing. But churches are indeed changing. Some of the changes were predictable, but some were not. Thom looks at three of the major changes most people did not see coming. In this second of three episodes, he looks at the rapid growth in the number of teaching pastors.

The first wave of growth took place in larger churches.

The second wave of growth took place with multi-site churches (often called a campus pastor).

Became more common as a method of pastoral succession.

Many of these teaching pastors are "homegrown."

Now is becoming more common in smaller churches.

 

Resources:

Listen to Episode 1 - “The Dramatic Changes in Church Facilities”

“When God Builds a Church” by Bob Russell

Church Answers University

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/lxo7sQvmjyk

It is cliche to say the world is changing. And it is cliche that churches are changing. But churches are indeed changing. Some of the changes were predictable, but some were not. Thom looks at three of the major changes most people did not see coming. In this first of three episodes, he looks at the surprising changes in church facilities. 

The massive decrease in church construction: 2002: $8.7 billion/month. 2012: $3.9 billion/month. 2022: $2.65 billion/month.

The intentional reduction in worship center space.

The massive decline in education space.

The eager acceptance of non-traditional space.

The renovation of dying churches that were adopted.

 

Resources:

“The Pips (Without Gladys Knight)

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Brown Church Development Group

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/glgOlaAOP40

In this episode, Thom and Kevin explore the issue every pastor and staff member will face at some point: leaving your church. This episode focuses largely on the steps and processes you need to take.

Your type of departure determines how you should depart: retirement; resignation to go to another church; resignation but not going to another church, etc.

Major principle: Don't burn bridges.

Determine the order you will tell people, but remember you won't have much time before everyone knows.

Make certain you adhere to all the terms of departure such as the required notice.

Be as transparent as possible, but remember the bridge-burning principle.

Provide the congregation hope.

 

Resources:

NAMB Replant Summit 2022 

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/zq30byhnYns

Kevin and Thom look five years into the future to project what good church leaders will look like then. They provide insights about some steps you can take now to be that great church leader. In part three, they remind church leaders that evangelism has waned in most churches, and it must return.

Let the church know you personally prioritize evangelism.

Don't let six months pass without an emphasis on evangelism.

Inviting people to church serves as indirect evangelism.

Evangelize your new members' class.

Understand the inverse relationship between age and receptivity to the gospel.

 

Resources:

Listen to Part 1: "Learning to Lead in a New Culture"

Listen to Part 2: "The Basics Have Not Changed"

Life On Mission app

SEND Relief 

I Am a Christian: Discovering What It Means to Follow Jesus Together with Fellow Believers - by Thom S. Rainer

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/frANS9TBxwY

Kevin and Thom look five years into the future to project what good church leaders will look like then. They provide insights about some steps you can take now to be that great church leader. In part two, they review the basics that have not changed, and why they must be the leader's focus.

Acts 6:4 is still the priority.

Learn to lead your church through and in the Bible.

Demonstrate prayer in gathered worship.

There is power in groups.

Evangelism must return.

 

Resources:

Part 1: Learning to Lead in a New Culture

The Shape of Faith to Come: Spiritual Formation and the Future of Discipleship by Brad Waggoner

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/zTOZH2F_1Yg

Kevin and Thom look five years into the future to project what good church leaders will look like then. They provide insights about some steps you can take now to be that great church leader. In part one, they share what you need to know about this new culture to lead in it.

It's a post-cultural-Christian world.

Your community or neighborhood must be your focus.

There will be more horizontal growth opportunities than ever.

Receptivity to the gospel has not declined.

Your core leaders must understand this culture.

 

Resources:

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/35aGv9INnwI

We often hear from church leaders who desire to know exactly what success looks like in a church revitalization. The word "success" is loaded and tends to evoke a lot of emotions. In this three-part series, Mark and Thom provide clarity and guidance about this term. In the third episode, they look at revitalization successes that cannot be precisely defined.

People growing as disciples.

Great community involvement and impact.

The impact of members who were sent.

The return of joy to the church.

 

Resources:

Link to Part 1 - “Four Myths of Church Revitalization Success”

Link to Part 2 - “Why Numerical Growth Is Not Always the Best Indicator of Success”

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/rvMQdPB8l20

We often hear from church leaders who desire to know exactly what success looks like in a church revitalization. The word "success" is loaded and tends to evoke a lot of emotions. In this three-part series, Mark and Thom provide clarity and guidance about this term. In the second episode, they look at why numerical growth is not always a measure of church revitalization success.

At some points, slowing the decline rate is a success.

Most revitalization efforts will result in some members leaving.

The past is not always the measure for the present.

The size of the building is not the point.

Numbers simply cannot measure everything.

 

Resources:

Listen to Part 1: Four Myths of Church Revitalization Success

“Seven Traits of the Successful Pastor of 2027”

Le Car

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Collaborate with ministry leaders around the world! Join us at Church Answers Gold!

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/4r-LkXNXExU

We often hear from church leaders who desire to know exactly what success looks like in a church revitalization. The word "success" is loaded and tends to evoke a lot of emotions. In this three-part series, Mark and Thom provide clarity and guidance about this term. In the first episode, they look at myths of church revitalization success.

1. It's all about numerical growth.

2. Success is evident when conflict stops.

3. Success means that is easy to pay the bills.

4. The pastor will know when the revitalization is a success

Resources:

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Introducing Ministry Training and Certification That is Affordable, Accessible, and Attainable. Pre-enrollment is now open at Church Answers University!

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.

https://youtu.be/Lzxu4ezR4Hk

In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the new research from Church Answers detailing how churches are growing since the pandemic. In this third part, they provide an overview of five of the key actions churches are taking to grow in a post-COVID world.

1. Leading key church members to face reality

2. Developing a rhythm of conversion outreach

3. Moving to more horizontal growth

4. Dealing with remaining toxins

5. Developing a sustainable plan for the long-term (focusing more on the lag action than the lead action)

 

Resources:

Listen to, "How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World - Part 1: The Churches That Are Not Growing"

Listen to, "How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World - Part 2: The Attitudinal Shift in Growing Churches in a Post-COVID World"

Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer

Brown Church Development Group

NAMB Replant Summit 2022

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

 

Episode Sponsor:

Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.