The Church Answers Podcast

One of the most common questions we get in church revitalization is: "How can we get extra funding to help our church? In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at three ways to get extra income that are not often utilized by churches. In part 2, they examine the idea of planned giving in the church.

1. Our definition of planned giving: from a church member's estate.

2. Most churches don't broach this subject.

3. It can be a life insurance policy.

4. It does not have to exclude the family of the deceased.

5. It becomes a part of the legacy of the church member.

6. Recommend reading: Not Your Parents' Offering Plate by J. Clif Christopher

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Growth Services

4 Steps to Revitalization - Enter code 4StepsRR to get this resource for $131 (60% off!) through May 7, 2022

Not Your Parents' Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship by J. Clif Christopher

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

Required Minimal Distribution calculation 

 

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.

One of the most common questions we get in church revitalization is: "How can we get extra funding to help our church? In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at three ways to get extra income that are not often utilized by churches. In part 1, they examine the idea of leasing part of the church facility.

1. Leasing to another church.

2. Leasing to a homeschool co-op.

3. Leasing to a school.

4. Getting to know the right partner.

5. Make certain an attorney prepares the lease.

6. Don't let the tail wag the dog.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board Church Replanters

Church Answers

4 Steps to Revitalization - Enter code 4StepsRR to get this resource for $131 (60% off!) through May 7, 2022

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/DG5SxvqeAVQ

There is a plethora of information about churches facing a new pace of change due to COVID. There are many conversations about attendance declines. In this episode, Kevin and Thom look at five consequences for churches that don't get much attention. You might be surprised.

1. More leaders are leading from a posture of fear.

2. Programs and ministries aimed at transfer growth might not be as effective.

3. There is a reawakening to the need for effective discipleship ministries.

4. Home small groups have waned in many churches.

5. Different digital communication methods are growing, such as church texting.

 

Resources:

3 Circles

Rooted Network

Rainer on Leadership interview with Keith Getty

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/axXob4NS0-c

Based on trends in 2021 and thus far in 2022, Kevin and Thom are able to pinpoint some key characteristics of churches that are in decline in 2022.

1. We are seeing a direct correlation to the length of time a church did not hold in-person services and attendance decline.

2. Simply stated, a declining church is often a church that ignores the Great Commission.

3. Churches focusing on minor issues are more likely to be declining.

4. Churches with older congregants are more likely to be declining.

 

Resources:

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman

The Master Plan of Discipleship by Robert E. Coleman

3 Circles

Pray & Go 

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/ejmtKlyvsSM

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this third of three episodes, they examine the challenge of realizing you aren't the leader you thought you were.

Confession is good, but be wise who hears your confession.

Make certain you are certain about your own shortfalls.

Consider it a possibility that you are in the wrong seat on the bus.

Get a trustworthy coach.

Take a break before you make a dramatic decision.

 

Resources:

Listen to Part 1 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization - "My Spouse is Ready to Leave the Church, but I'm Not"

* Listen to Part 2 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization - "My Denomination Does Not Support our Church"

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/uN3xwj0Faz0

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this second of three episodes, they examine the challenge a revitalization leader has when he thinks the denomination or network is not supportive.

No denomination will ever give all the support a church leader would like.

We have to be careful about crossing the line from desiring support to becoming dependent.

Worrying about denominational support is a distraction to your ministry.

Consider making a reasonable proposal to your denomination or network.

 

Resources:

Listen to Part 1 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization - "My Spouse is Ready to Leave the Church, but I'm Not"

Anatomy of a Revived Church by Thom S. Rainer 

Wornall Baptist Church White Cross Ministry

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/8_putw0ielc

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this first of three episodes, they examine the challenge when a spouse wants to leave a church but the pastor or staff member does not.

The underlying issue or issues must be addressed with your spouse.

Is the issue the church or your neglect of your spouse?

Are there some solutions, such as an extended vacation, that can be attempted?

When it's all said and done, though, we must listen carefully to our spouses.

 

Resources:

Raising Dad: What Fathers & Sons Learn from Each Other by Art Rainer and 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/3SVmCi1uOrI

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this third of three episodes, they explain how to move church members to higher commitment.

1. The process to move members to higher commitment may take longer than you expect.

2. Be prepared to lose some members.

3. The new member class is critical.

4. Groups are critical.

5. The challenge is to move church members from entitlement to service.

 

Resources:

Check out "Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church - Episode 1 of 3: How Low-Commitment Churches Got That Way"

Check out "Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church - Episode 2 of 3: Leading Leaders to Higher Commitment"

ChurchReplanters.com

 

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/0WYAhu1YyCU

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this second of three episodes, they explain how to move leaders to higher commitment.

1. Leaders must set an example.

2. Preaching without equivocation.

3. Clearly establishing expectations, perhaps covenants, for key lay leaders and staff.

4. Developing processes of accountability.

5. Hiring and calling the right way.

 

Resources:

Check out "Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church - Episode 1 of 3: How Low-Commitment Churches Got That Way"

Coach Saban speech

I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian by Thom S. Rainer

ChurchReplanters.com

 

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/9WdQGB_YLDA

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this first of three episodes, they examine the background of how churches go this way.

1. The issue of imitating organizations in culture.

2. The failure to establish expectations.

3. When numbers mean too much.

4. Getting away from biblical preaching.

5. Failure to define and make disciples.

 

Resources:

High Expectations: The Remarkable Secret for Keeping People in Your Church by Thom S. Rainer

Who’s Your One

ChurchReplanters.com

 

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.