The Church Answers Podcast

In today's episode, Thom and Kevin discuss the growing church revitalization movement. Churches all over the country are finding ways to rescue gospel influence in their communities through church revitalization and replanting. Listen in on this fascinating conversation about what God is doing through this growing movement.

Highlights:

Revitalization has become a powerful solution to dying churches.

Church replanting re-energizes the community.

The revitalization movement has been embraced by major organizations like NAMB.

Replanting and revitalization practice the principle of biblical stewardship.

More young pastors are being called to replant.

More healthy churches see themselves as church replanting churches.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast

* Church Answers

* A case study of an established church adopting a struggling church.– RAINER ON LEADERSHIP #576

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 Revitalization is hard. Pastors often feel like they are drowning. Thom and Mark take some time to encourage leaders in the thick of church revitalization.

You are not alone.

You are not to blame.

It will take a while, but you will make it.

Most criticisms are not meant to hurt you personally.

You are doing a great work for God.

Simple victories must be celebrated.

Other highlights:

Church revitalization and replanting are spiritual warfare.

Pastors in Church Revitalization and Replanting feel alone and the adversary wants you to feel alone.

Satan has no offense to penetrate the armor of God. 

You are not alone because God is with you. You are not alone because God’s people are with you.

You are not responsible for the mess you walked into.

Pastors! Preach, pray, and stay where God has called you.

If you are being obedient to Christ none of your time is wasted.

Resources mentioned in today's podcast

* Join Church Answers

* Revitalize Network

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.

Every leader faces criticism. In this episode Kevin and Thom talk about facing criticism and ways leaders can respond to criticism. Leaders will never be able to avoid criticism but they can overcome criticism.

Highlights:

Recognize the commonality of criticism

“Hurting people hurt people”

Love unconditionally

Spend time with positive people

Find members who will have your back

On some occasions, your critic is right

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 Mark answer a second round of listener-submitted questions. Answers include advice on staying humble, encouraging others, adjusting expectations, and the importance of corporate worship. This episode is helpful for any pastor trying to make Kingdom impact.

From Johnathan:

I pastor a church that is in the revitalization process. We are growing and seeing God work amongst the ministries of the church in mighty ways. Once a month I meet for breakfast with a small group of local pastors who are not all experiencing the same results as us. As a matter of fact, some of them seem downright depressed at times. It is my desire to see these other churches do well as well. My question is, how do I encourage these pastors without seeming as though I am bragging or being boisterous?

From Joe:

I'm two years into replanting a church. What do you do when members of your congregation no longer want to come to Church gatherings on Sundays.

Highlights:

- People don't always want to know your story they just want to know you are there.

- Success isn't measured by the masses but one changed life at a time.

- Ministry presence and a listening ear are the two greatest things you can offer people.

- God's work and activity are not just numerical.

- It isn't about a number but it is about being consistent to gather in corporate worship.

- In a culture that increasingly holds a secular world view, we need to be persistent about gathering together for corporate worship.

- If you have people involved on the front end then coming to worship will be very natural.

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.

Thom welcomes Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board (NAMB), as a new co-host on the Revitalize and Replant Podcast. In today’s episode, Kevin talks about his journey to NAMB and his passion to help the local church.

A few facts about Kevin:

* He grew up and accepted Christ in western Kentucky.

* He is the father of 6 kids from 4 countries.

* He pastored churches in Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

* He has served as president of NAMB for 9 years.

* NAMB helps to revitalize and replant churches across North America.

* NAMB helps in disaster relief.

* NAMB focuses on 36 Send Cities for church planting.

 

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.

Thom and Mark take time to listen to the listeners. This is the first of a two part series where the listeners provide the content for the podcast. In today’s episode Thom and Mark answer questions about retirement and volunteer placement.

Episode highlights include:

* Churches should make certain they are providing resources for pastors and their retirement.

* Every pastor will be responsible for how they shepherd their congregations.

* Do everything you can to help faithful workers find a new place of ministry.

* Sometimes the best way to help people with good intentions is to tell them they are doing a bad job.

From Stan:

I have appreciated your podcasts on Revitalization. On the topic of transitioning pastoral staff, I have men who are getting older (without a retirement), but the church needs some younger men. I have some who could, but I can’t bring these other guys on in parallel to the older guys. This is very difficult. I guess it would be helpful to hear other experienced pastors speak to this. Maybe there’s something I’m not thinking of.

From James:

I am a pastor of a church in the UK of around 50 people currently going through a revitalization. New location. Back into the community where we were birthed. My question is how do you help others improve and develop their gifting without giving them the feeling you are telling them they are doing a bad job? Many thanks. Thank you so much for your wisdom and willingness to share so much. As a young and very much learning on the job pastor you have been such a blessing to me.

 

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 today's episode Dr. Rainer unpacks his most recent research project that studied the revitalized churches. The qualitative research reveals 7 characteristics of churches that have moved from dying to revitalized.

Admitting and starting to replant or revitalize can be hard for churches. Today we cover seven reasons many churches fail to take the needed action.

Having a welcoming team doesn't take a lot of resources—it basically requires people. It doesn't cost your church much at all, but the benefits are endless.

Dying churches are filled with members who are experiencing loss—loss of friends, loss of ministry, loss of relevance. Today, we discuss several of these pain points found in dying churches.