The Church Answers Podcast

Do some churches really choose to die? On the surface no church chooses to die but decisions we make or don’t make can lead to the death of a church. 

* They are not willing to accept the normal pain of change.

* They don't want to lose control.

* They confuse tradition with doctrine.

* They do not want to look like their community.

* They see a recent period of the past as biblically normative.

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Often when faced with difficult circumstances, throwing in the towel can seem like a very attractive option. Which is why perseverance in the face of difficulty is one of the most critical attributes needed in church revitalization. Thom and Mark discuss several of the reasons why in today’s episode.

* Change can seem interminably slow.

* You must be able to outlast your most vocal critics.

* Year 5 is often a magical year.

* You must be able to develop the mindset of "two steps backward, three steps forward."

* Short-term pastorates hurt any churches, but especially churches in need of revitalization.

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

We have begun to migrate from the word merger to adoption when talking about replanting churches. The language of adoption is stronger suited for the work occurring between churches, which is why adoption language is catching on.

* It indicates one family who will welcome another.

* It makes common sense to the church being adopted.

* It really fits well with the family metaphor being used for churches.

* It clearly defines the relationship between the two churches.

* It defines a relationship based on love.

 

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

We all know the church is not a building; it’s the people. However, this cliche is only partially true. Mark Clifton and Thom Rainer break down this statement and why the building is important in revitalization.

* "The church is not a building; it's the people" is both a cliche and only partially true.

* The church has to gather somewhere.

* Communities are impacted by church buildings.

* It's a matter of good stewardship.

* Deficient buildings can be hazards to all and impediments to unbelievers.

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Church adoption implies healthy and biblical metaphors for each both churches. Before the church adoption takes place, ask these five major questions that must be answered.

* How do the doctrines of the two churches align?

* How do the cultures of the two churches align?

* What are the facility implications of adopting another church?

* What legal issues must be addressed in the adoption?

* What are the financial implications of the adoption?

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

This story comes from a continuous conversation in Church Answers started on June 15, 2019. When the pastor was called to this rural church, the average attendance had declined to 275 and the church had $14 in the bank. The pastor has now been serving for 14 years, and the average attendance is 700.

* Being honest and loving to the older members.

* Preparing for a marathon instead of a sprint.

* Remembering who the real enemy is.

* Preparing for the inevitability of pain.

* Recognizing that such turnarounds encourage others and bring glory to God.

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Many churches have done well transitioning and leading through change during the past few months. A major change has been in how people give tithes, offerings, and gifts. How do you convince the stubborn church member who refuses to give digitally? Thom and Kevin Ezell discuss best practices to help lead in this area. 

* Demonstrate how it's good for the church

* Overcome the credit card fee objection (ACH as one alternative)

* Show how scheduled giving like drafts is an option

* Point to the stewardship and generosity success of other churches

* Get a person to work with them one-on-one

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

The post-pandemic era is filled with uncertainty. Thom and Mark discuss why your church needs you, Pastor, now more than ever.

* There is still much uncertainty about the future.

* Church leaders need to be purveyors of biblical hope.

* Pastors need to lead change more than ever.

* All pastors need to be constant reminders that the role of local congregations has not changed.

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

Church leaders have asked the question again and again. What happens if the budget cut you need to make is you? Thom and Kevin Ezell look at the positives of bi-vocational ministry in a post-pandemic era. 

Understand the incredible opportunity

Possibly seek a second job that provides maximum flexibility

Make certain your family is on board

Be clear with the church about your time and commitment limitations

Equip others to do what you were doing

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* 3 Circles Resource

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.

We are talking about hope today. There are many pastors who are concerned about what the church will look like in the post-pandemic era. Mark and Thom share five reasons pastors should have hope in this new chapter of ministry. 

It is still Christ's church

Your community is likely to know you better after the pandemic due to the live-streaming exposure

Prayer ministries grew during the pandemic

The community likely recognizes more today the importance of the local church

God sustained during the pandemic, and He is not going away

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Church Answers

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.

Submit Your Question:

Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you'll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.