The Church Answers Podcast

What makes a good leader in the post-pandemic era? Thom and Kevin discuss five characteristics of church leaders who will lead well during the days ahead. 

Courageous

Willing to lead and think outside the box

Prayerful

Willing to understand the times

Willing to count the cost

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.

During this time as we look toward the post-pandemic era, an interesting development has occurred in the life of our friend, Mark Clifton. He is currently being considered as pastor of a 3-member church. Listen in as he shares his unique strategy as he steps into this new opportunity.

* Mark's story

* Understanding the hope every church has

* Why the church facility is important

* The abundance of adoption/replanting opportunities today

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* North American Mission Board

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.

In the midst of everything we are going through you will be encouraged by the developments taking place within what was once seen as “impossible” turnaround churches.

* Many impossible rural turnaround churches are surprising people.

* There are many turnaround churches in New England, other northeast locations, and northwest churches.

* Neighborhood churches are in turnaround mode.

* Hope is becoming a recurring theme.

* "We have never done it that way" is not the excuse it once was.

* Many church leaders and church members understand reaching the community has to be done differently.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* North American Mission Board

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.

Today, Thom and Kevin pick up with part two in a great discussion for churches as they reimagine themselves after the Coronavirus. Upon re-entry, churches will be able to redefine what is new. Many churches have been challenged to reach demographic groups which do not hold to a belief in Christ. New research from PEW Research Center provides the Church with helpful religious typology in order to learn how to reach your community more effectively for the Kingdom.

Part 2:

Most U.S. adults identify with a particular religious denomination or group. They describe themselves as Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Mormon or Muslim– to name just a few of the hundreds of identities or affiliations that people give in surveys. Others describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or say they have no particular religious affiliation. These are the conventional categories into which Americans sort themselves. But a new Pew Research Center analysis looks at beliefs and behaviors that cut across many denominations – important traits that unite people of different faiths, or that divide people who have the same religious affiliation – producing a new and revealing classification, or typology, of religion in America.

The new typology sorts Americans into seven groups based on the religious and spiritual beliefs they share, how actively they practice their faith, the value they place on their religion, and the other sources of meaning and fulfillment in their lives.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* The Religious Typology - Pew Research Center

* SEND Relief

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 will be a great topic for churches as they reimagine themselves after the Coronavirus. Upon re-entry, churches will be able to redefine what is new. Many churches have been challenged to reach demographic groups which do not hold to a belief in Christ. New research from PEW Research Center provides the Church with helpful religious typology in order to learn how to reach your community more effectively for the Kingdom.

Part 1:

Most U.S. adults identify with a particular religious denomination or group. They describe themselves as Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Mormon or Muslim– to name just a few of the hundreds of identities or affiliations that people give in surveys. Others describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or say they have no particular religious affiliation. These are the conventional categories into which Americans sort themselves. But a new Pew Research Center analysis looks at beliefs and behaviors that cut across many denominations – important traits that unite people of different faiths, or that divide people who have the same religious affiliation – producing a new and revealing classification, or typology, of religion in America.

The new typology sorts Americans into seven groups based on the religious and spiritual beliefs they share, how actively they practice their faith, the value they place on their religion, and the other sources of meaning and fulfillment in their lives.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* The Religious Typology - Pew Research Center

* Your Church Is Now A Blank Slate - ThomRainer.com

* Email Kevin Ezell

* ChurchReplanters.net

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.

Things are changing demographically in the United States, specifically rural America. Beginning in 2013, the decline rate in rural areas began to decrease. In 2017, not only did the decline rate decrease but those arriving in rural and small towns exceeded those exiting. Today’s episode addresses how rural and small town churches can attract these new neighbors.

Highlights:

* They can feel like family.

* They are often integral parts of the community.

* They can be agile.

* They are often volunteer-centric.

* They can be tenacious.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Five Reasons Rural and Small Town Churches are Making a Comeback

* Revitalize 2020 - Virtual Conference Registration

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.

Revitalize and Replant often talk about dying churches and the pain it creates for members. Thom and Kevin Ezell discuss best practices for leaders to utilize as they help members of a dying church deal with the pain.

Highlights:

* Get them to turn that pain into a greater passion for prayer.

* Find the intersection of members' passions, member's' gifts, and community needs.

* Celebrate more often.

* Get them to remember the past to propel them to the future.

* Get them to consider a replant.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* North American Mission Board

* Sandals Church

* Revitalize 2020 - Virtual Conference Registration

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.

Depression is real and pervasive in those who work in the church. Church revitalization is a difficult task and leading the church is spiritual warfare. We want to give you helpful tools to help you as you work through your emotions and remind you of truth when faced with struggle.

Highlights:

* The struggles in a revitalization are real and pervasive.

* Spiritual warfare is clearly evident in revitalization.

* You are not alone.

* You should get help when you are depressed.

* Depression is not an indicator of either defeat or inferiority.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Discipled Warriors by Chuck Lawless

* Revitalize by Andy Davis

* Church Answers

* Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

* Revitalize 2020 - Virtual Conference Registration

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 one is a bit different but very helpful. Perhaps you are barely paying the bills in a full-time ministry position, or you have a desire to go bi-vocational to connect with people in your community. Today’s episode with Dr. Kevin Ezell discusses how you can earn extra income to support yourself while serving in ministry.

Highlights:

* Get a side digital gig.

* Get a side delivery gig.

* Try Uber or Lyft.

* Turn a hobby into part-time income.

* If it’s temporary, consider asking individuals for support.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Find More Money by Art Rainer

* Get Money Right 111 - Find More Money Podcast

* Shipt

* Revitalize Network

* Revitalize 2020 - Virtual Conference Registration

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.

Promises, promises. You are told the church is ready for change but after arriving those promises are quickly broken. Thom and Mark discuss the reasons why promises may be broken and how to move forward.

Highlights:

Some promises are conditional, but you didn't know it.

Many promises are made without knowing the implications of the promises.

Promises made in desperation often are not honored.

Most revitalization leaders have to deal with broken promises of some of their closest allies and friends.

Be cautious of those who make multiple promises as you begin a revitalization.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast:

* Revitalize 2020

* Rainer on Leadership Episode #117

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.