The Church Answers Podcast

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.

https://youtu.be/xQ_2iM3V23E

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this third of three podcasts, Mark and Thom address pastors directly about this issue, urging them to get help even when it goes against their normal disposition.

* You are neither strange nor alone.

* Find an advocate among your church members.

* Share with your spouse openly and candidly.

* Get professional help.

* Take personal time off.

 

Resources:

Listen to, "When Church Leaders Fight Depression: A Three-Part Series - Part 1: ​​Why Depression Is More Common in Church Leaders Today"

Listen to, "When Church Leaders Fight Depression: A Message to Church Members about Pastors and Depression - Part 2 of 3

Focus on the Family Pastoral Care Line - 1-844-4-PASTOR (472-7867).

Focus on the Family mental health resources

Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again by Andy Davis

Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

* Living Out of the Overflow Workbook: Serving Out of Your Intimacy with God by Richard Blackaby

 

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/_3tPL8z-RQs

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this second of three podcasts, Mark and Thom address church members directly about this issue, urging them to be proactive in helping their pastors and other church leaders.

1. Most pastors don't feel like they can tell anyone about their struggles.

2. Suicide is a real and present danger.

3. Every pastor and staff member needs at least one church member advocate.

4. Your pastor might need time off.

5. Ask your pastors how they are doing mentally and emotionally.

 

Resources:

Listen to, "When Church Leaders Fight Depression - A Three-Part Series - Part 1: ​​Why Depression Is More Common in Church Leaders Today"

Focus on the Family Pastoral Care Line - 1-844-4-PASTOR (472-7867).

Focus on the Family mental health resources

 

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/UVv2edYHVDY

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this first of three podcasts, they share why depression is a growing malady among these leaders.

1. Because more church leaders are willing to admit their struggles.

2. Because social media is often toxic.

3. Because critics are more emboldened.

4. Because "victories" are more elusive.

5. Because these leaders are pouring out without anyone pouring in.

6. Because spiritual warfare is real.

 

Resources:

Focus on the Family Pastoral Care Line - 1-844-4-PASTOR (472-7867).

Focus on the Family mental health resources

 

 

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/LyJyPVnO7Lk

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part three, they look at the issue of how your church can be better prepared to adopt or replant another church.

Communication, as always, is critical.

Convey the mission emphasis of replanting a church.

Find the people who will go on mission at the church replant.

Prepare the church for an attitude of servanthood.

Communicate clearly that the church replant is being adopted into the church family.

Provide regular and informational updates.

 

Resources:

* Listen to, "So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series - Part 1: Where Do We Find a Church That Wants to Be Replanted?"

* Listen to, "So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series - Part 2: Common Questions You Will Hear When You Talk to a Church about Being Replanted"

 

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/xwNT15f-HLU

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part two, they look at some common questions you will hear from church members if they are considering being replanted.

Will we have to give up _________ ?

Will we have to change our name?

What happens to Pastor Jim?

Will we have our own votes?

Who preaches each week?

What will the music be like?

Summary: Note the common theme of the questions.

 

Resources:

* Listen to, "So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series - Part 1: Where Do We Find a Church That Wants to Be Replanted?"

 

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/OdPnCZZunOc

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part one, they look at perhaps the most common question: Where do we find a church that wants to be replanted?

Most replants are relationship-based.

Some organizations like NAMB may provide these connections.

Be aware that most churches seeking replanting think they have run out of options.

Considering fostering as a first step.

Finding the second church is usually easier than finding the first church.

 

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/LW13Pu1_hrY

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this third episode of three, they discuss how church leaders can recover from failure and use the failure for their growth and God's glory.

Admitting and apologizing for the mistake is the critical first or early step.

You may need some a break from the church.

Find trusted counselors.

Though you don't want to minimize the issue, you ultimately need to move forward positively in ministry.

Never forget that Christ has forgiven you.

 

Resources:

* Listen to "When You Get Fired or Pushed Out of a Church - Part 1 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final"

* Listen to "When You Fail in a Church - Part 2 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final" 

* ChurchReplanters.com

* 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/Ht1113ipwCQ

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this second episode of three, they discuss the reality of failure and what it means.

There are countless degrees and levels of failure.

We often see our own failures to be worse than they are.

Everyone will fail at some point on some issue in church leadership.

Admitting and apologizing for the mistake is the critical first or early step.

 

Resources:

* Listen to "When You Get Fired or Pushed Out of a Church - Part 1 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final"

* ChurchReplanters.com

* 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/3uU1mcod2Pc

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this first episode of three, they discuss the painful issue of being fired in ministry.

You are among a large number of people if you get fired in ministry.

The fault often resides with "preacher eater churches."

If you are at fault, seek to make the necessary changes and get ready to see how God will use you next.

Understand that bad fit is not failure.

 

Resources:

* Church Answers

* ChurchReplanters.com

* Need help? Email [email protected]

 

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.