The Church Answers Podcast

https://youtu.be/3OQi4SlrrNQ

It is cliche, but church revitalization is tough. Almost every revitalization leader has to deal with resentment toward people and situations at some point. In this episode, Thom and Mark offer some advice and encouragement about dealing with resentment.

It depends.

What is the issue? How important is it?

Focus on the positive in a Philippians' way.

Acts 6:4

Have a trusted confidant.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

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

Link to R&R Episode # 273 - "An Interview with Keith Getty: The Queen of England, a New Album, the Resurgence of Hymnody in the Church, and a Few Funny Thoughts (Part 2)"

 

 

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/Kg6zx93SCWg

Part 2 of Thom and Mark’s interview with Keith Getty on a wide range of thoughts, including:

Keith's recognition from the Queen of England and thoughts about her influence

A  new album.

The incredible success of Sing! What's in store for the future?

How the Gettys have influenced the growth of hymnody in churches.

Advice from Keith to church worship leaders of small churches.

What is it like to lead a ministry with your spouse?

And much more!

 

Resources:

Part 1 - An Interview with Keith Getty 

Getty Music

Sing! Worship Conference

“Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” album by Keith and Kristyn Getty

“Rejoice” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

“The Lord Almighty Reigns” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

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/PVPZRohTJIo

Part 1 of Thom and Mark’s interview with Keith Getty on a wide range of thoughts, including:

Keith's recognition from the Queen of England and thoughts about her influence

A new album.

The incredible success of Sing! What's in store for the future?

How the Gettys have influenced the growth of hymnody in churches.

Advice from Keith to church worship leaders of small churches.

What is it like to lead a ministry with your spouse?

And much more!

 

Resources:

Getty Music

Sing! Worship Conference

“Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” album by Keith and Kristyn Getty

“Hymns, Hymnody, and Hymnals: Five Significant Trends” by Thom S. Rainer

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/mpvWZj0yiXw

Aging does have its advantages, such as wisdom and experience. Mark and Thom, taking the roles of older pastors, share five pieces of advice with their younger selves.

1. Consider the five-year perspective.

2. Make evangelism your personal priority.

3. Learn how to create healthy accountability.

4. Make your spouse and children your first-line church members.

5. The greatest gift you can give to your older self is integrity.

 

Resources:

“The Lifecycle of a Pastor”

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/WdJwyJu0FdQ

More churches are combining worship services than at any point in recent history. Mark and Thom look at several issues you should first consider if this possibility is on the table.

Make sure you know the "why."

Consider space psychology.

What resources do you have available?

Remember the "15% axiom."

Don't forget the parking issue.

 

Resources:

"Five Reasons Why Decreasing the Number of Worship Services Might Be the Best Move" by Thom S. Rainer

R&R Episode #269 - “What to Do with a Sanctuary You Are No Longer Using”

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/_OGlswyjkc8

Some churches have moved out of their worship centers to another space such as a fellowship hall or a gym. Mark and Thom provide guidance on what to do with the sanctuary space you are no longer using.

Take the opportunity to do a thorough evaluation of the physical condition of the sanctuary building.

Welcome another church to use the space.

Turn it into a community center.

Check its viability for small groups.

Partner with a non-profit organization.

 

Resources:

Mona Lisa Twins

Brown Church Development Group

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/fMtMcb9KNeU

Many churches going through a revitalization have limited resources. Digital tools may seem to be a luxury they neither need nor can afford. But Kevin and Thom discuss five digital tools that are important without breaking the bank.

1. The church website can be simple and affordable.

2. Forget the complexity of social media. Choose one platform and stick with it with a simple plan.

3. Your church members have email addresses. Use them.

4. Your church members have mobile numbers. Text them.

5. QR codes are the present, not just the future.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad Waggoner

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/dXXjU0fFLes

Many churches have matriarchs or patriarchs, women or men with a great deal of influence and authority in the church. Mark and Thom suggest five key ways to engage these influencers for the good of the church.

1. Do not assume their motives are always bad for the church.

2. Get their opinions and buy-in on decisions and changes in the church.

3. Explain why you want to lead a certain change, not just what you would like to do.

4. Don't surprise them, even if they disagree with you.

5. Get to know and engage their close allies

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Episode #265 - “Five Questions to Ask Longer-term Members in a Revitalization”

 

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/lWRDuVhlMlM

Some groundbreaking studies on effective discipleship show that daily Bible reading might be the most important discipline for your church members. It affects their prayer life, their giving, and their evangelistic hearts. Kevin and Thom look at five ways to encourage Bible reading among your church members.

1. The pastor's Bible translation used in preaching really matters.

2. Quarterly plans are sometimes more effective than annual plans.

3. If the pastor preaches through a book of the Bible, provide daily reading for the members.

4. Mention the importance of Bible reading regularly.

5. Chronological Bible reading is working in many churches.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad Waggoner 

Understanding the Bible as a Whole by Sam Rainer

Podcast - “Helping Your Church Members Understand How Their Story is Intertwined with God’s Story: An Interview with The Chronological Bible Teaching Team”

Walk Thru the Bible

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/CGAkDj9f6dw

It is not unusual to think of longer-term members as adversarial during a revitalization. After all, they have been part of the church for the duration of the decline. But they can become important allies in a revitalization. Mark and Thom suggest that pastors and staff can engage these members in conversation in a positive way. Here are five questions to ask them.

1. What are some of the greatest days of this church, and why do you consider them great?

2. When did this church take a step of faith that took it out of its comfort zone?

3. What would need to happen for this church to attract your grandchildren (or great-grandchildren)?

4. What would it take for this church to become more evangelistic?

5. What has kept you at this church for so many years?

 

Resources:

* North American Mission Board Church Replanters 

 

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.