The Church Answers Podcast

Does a pastor have either a right or an obligation to address issues caused by a staff member's spouse or children? Thom and Mark look at ways to navigate this tricky issue.

1. Discern the nature and the severity of the problem before talking to the staff member.

2. Don't try to solve other church members' interpersonal issues with the person.

3. Look at any conversation with the staff member as an opportunity to help and to be pastoral.

4. If the problem is severe, consider finding help for the staff member and his or her family member.

5. Though termination is an option, it should be a rare option.

 

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.

Most church websites are seldom used and often neglected. Thom and Kevin discuss how a church's website can be used for the Great Commission without much cost.

A church's website is the most common front door for guests.

Non-members, including lost people, are much more likely to visit your website than church members.

Non-members will visit your church's website as the front door by first watching an online service.

Non-members will also visit your church's website as the front door by getting the church's address and service times.

Perceptions about your church are often formed when a non-member visits your church's website.

Website development and hosting are incredibly inexpensive today.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board

Opening the Front Door: Worship and Church Growth by James Emery White 

The Church at Spring Hill website

 

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.

Many church leaders in revitalizing churches bring someone on staff from within the congregation. Mark and Thom examine the reasons why this move can be problematic. Be sure to listen to episode #201 where they look at the opposite perspective, the reasons why you should hire from within.

1. Working with someone can bring out a totally different personality.

2. The person hired from within can see his or her relationship with the pastor to carry perks and privileges.

3. When you dismiss an internal hire, you could have problems with many church members.

4. Correcting or disciplining an internal hire can be frustrating.

5. Others on staff may not know how to relate to the internal hire.

 

Resources:

* Linwood Baptist Church

* Revitalize & Replant Episode #201

 

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.

For many years, congregations have watched as their facilities become dated, costly, and less-used. Kevin and Thom discuss this issue and offer insights about churches that have seen their facilities become much more Kingdom-efficient.

Do a thorough evaluation of your facility.

Look at the community demographics and psychographics.

Find ways to use the facilities to meet community needs both for free and for fees.

Re-imagine what a community-centric facility would look like.

Find a champion to lead initiatives.

Take one step at a time.

 

Resources:

North American Mission Board

Free facility assessment 

Know Your Community Report

* Smart Church Solutions

 

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.

Many church leaders in revitalizing churches bring someone on staff from within the congregation. Mark and Thom examine the reasons why this move can be positive. Be sure to listen to episode #203 where they look at the opposite perspective, the reasons why you should not hire from within.

1. You have had the opportunity to observe them and get to know them.

2. They already are committed to the church.

3. Their family is already integrated into the church.

4. They understand the church culture and DNA.

5. It is often a good transition that can begin as a part-time ministry.

6. It is a New Testament model

7. It forces you to have to work through problems.

 

Resources:

"Five Ways Designated Giving Can Get Your Church in Trouble" by Thom S. Rainer

 

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.

Many churches of the past 50 years were able to keep the doors open with zero to minimal evangelistic intentionality. That is simply not the case today. Kevin and Thom examine five reasons why non-evangelistic churches will close.

Cultural Christianity is almost dead. It is not a growth source for churches.

The U.S. birthrate is its lowest ever.

Without an outward focus, church members often become contentious and self-serving.

A church without evangelism can be lacking in encouragement and motivation.

Above all, a church without evangelism is a biblically disobedient church.

 

Resources:

Evangelism resources

* "The Once-a-Month Churchgoers Are Becoming More Common" by Thom S. Rainer

Life on Mission App

 

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.

During the pandemic, many pastors and other church leaders became weary and frustrated. Mark and Thom respond to those leaders who are asking if it is okay to quit their churches.

1. Have you given this matter to prolonged prayer?

2. Is this a circumstantial frustration that may pass in time?

3. How does your spouse feel about your quitting?

4. What do you plan to do next?

5. What will you miss most about the church you are leaving?

 

Resources:

* Revitalize by Andy Davis

Rainer on Leadership - “Dealing with Pandemic Anxiety and Stress in Your Life and in the Church: An Interview with Dr. Gregory L. Jantz”

Know Your Community

ChurchReplanters.com

* ChurchAnswers.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.

Many churches call a pastor by congregational vote. Those churches have stipulations on the percentage needed to affirm a call. It is typically in the 60% to 80% range. Why do some votes to call a pastor result in a surprisingly low percentage? Kevin and Thom look at some of the possible reasons.

1. A current staff member wanted the job.

2. A friend or relative of a power broker in the church wanted the job.

3. It is a form of protest against some or all of the search committee members.

4. The church has been dysfunctional and fighting for years.

5. Communication by the search committee to the congregation was poor.

6. There is a theological debate going on in the 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.

Much has been written and spoken about how churches should function during the pandemic. Mark and Thom look at five unique issues for leadership during this critical period of regathering.

1. Leaders must encourage patience among the members.

2. Leaders must be voices of hope.

3. Leaders must be realistic.

4. Leaders must move the church outwardly.

5. Leaders must re-emphasize the importance of prayers.

 

Resources:

* Pray & Go

 

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.

When a church member leaves, it is almost always painful for the pastor. The pain is exacerbated when the departing member offers one of these reasons. Kevin and Thom look at five sorry reasons people leave a church.

1. "I wasn't getting fed."

2. "The church does not have enough fun activities for my kids."

3. "You didn't visit me."

4. "You didn't support the right political candidate."

5. "Your spouse is not involved enough."

 

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.