This week, Scott and AJ take a fun holiday detour and build the ultimate Christmas worship setlist—draft style. They debate classics, song arrangements, emotional picks, and what actually serves a congregation well during Advent. Equal parts practical and playful, this episode will get you thinking about your Christmas services.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu co-host The Church Revitalization Podcast and lead The Malphurs Group, helping churches experience renewed health and grow with confidence. If this is your first time listening, welcome—expect practical, actionable conversations rooted in real ministry experience.

In this episode (timestamps):

• 00:41 — Why Christmas music matters in worship planning
• 05:05 — The "draft rules" and first-round song selections
• 13:08 — Debating arrangements, modern twists, and nostalgia
• 18:00 — Vulnerable stories behind certain song choices
• 25:28 — Final setlists, service flow, and surprising endings

LINKS

• Healthy Churches Toolkit — https://healthychurchestoolkit.com
• The Malphurs Group — https://malphursgroup.com
• Facebook — https://facebook.com/malphursgroup
• Instagram — https://instagram.com/malphursgroup
• YouTube — https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup
• X (Twitter) — https://x.com/malphursgroup

Many churches struggle to maintain healthy membership systems. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu unpack the three most common membership pathway mistakes churches make—and how to fix them. Whether your process is too long, too short, or simply unclear, this episode will help you build a pathway that's meaningful, strategic, and effective.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and leaders at The Malphurs Group, helping churches grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and the Healthy Churches Toolkit.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:06:00] Why "right-sizing" your membership process matters [00:12:00] How to communicate the "why" behind church membership [00:16:00] Why membership should be the beginning—not the end—of discipleship [00:22:00] How to measure engagement and care for members well [00:25:00] Practical tips for evaluating and improving your membership system

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Full article: malphursgroup.com/317

• Learn more: healthychurchestoolkit.com

• Visit The Malphurs Group: malphursgroup.com

• Follow us on social media:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• X (Twitter)

Parenting in today's world can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to tackling the tough topics. In this episode, Scott Ball sits down with youth pastor and author Mark Shoemaker to talk about his new book What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen, co-written with his father, Tim Shoemaker. Together, they discuss how parents can approach difficult conversations with wisdom, grace, and confidence.

Scott Ball is the Vice President of The Malphurs Group and co-host of the Church Revitalization Podcast, helping churches and leaders develop clarity, structure, and health. Mark Shoemaker is a veteran youth pastor and author, passionate about equipping parents to disciple their kids and foster meaningful communication in the home.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:02:00] The heart behind What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen

[00:05:00] Why timing and emotional awareness matter in parenting conversations

[00:08:00] How to prepare your heart and approach for sensitive topics

[00:14:00] How church leaders and youth pastors can partner with parents

[00:21:00] Practical ideas for creating space for meaningful talks with your kids

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Get the book: What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen on Amazon

Explore more resources: healthychurchestoolkit.com

Follow The Malphurs Group on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• X (Twitter)

Are your staff meetings dominated by information gathering and idle chit-chat instead of strategic decision-making? In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share practical strategies to transform your weekly team time from wasted hours into productive, vision-focused collaboration that actually moves your ministry forward.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with the Malphurs Group, where they help churches develop healthy systems and strategic clarity. With decades of combined experience in church leadership, they bring practical, field-tested insights to help your church thrive.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Why most churches waste their staff meeting time and how to fix it

[03:49] Gather information before the meeting—don't wing it or rely on repetitive updates

[07:09] Prioritize collaborative decision-making over information reporting

[09:04] Avoid one-on-one conversations that should happen offline

[11:29] Keep vision, mission, and strategy at the center of every meeting

[13:25] End with clarity: tasks, due dates, deliverables, and accountability

Resources & Links:

• Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com
• Full Article for This Episode: https://malphursgroup.com/315
• Website: https://malphursgroup.com
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup
• X/Twitter: https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can a small church in a large metro area find a path toward growth? In this case study episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through the real-life scenario of a 35-person congregation with an older membership, a new part-time pastor, and big questions about what comes next. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions, they pose four critical questions every small church should ask to clarify strategy, focus resources, and take meaningful steps forward .

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you lead a small church or simply want practical insights, you'll find encouragement and actionable takeaways here.

In this episode:

[05:17] Why visibility—both in the community and online—matters for small churches [13:20] How to identify and invest in "tent-pole" ministries like kids or outreach [20:02] Why doubling down on bold, biblical teaching leads to real growth [25:28] Building spiritual friendships that last from Sunday to Sunday [29:45] How to balance patience with urgency when leading change

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/314Website: https://malphursgroup.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

Should your church do strategic planning during a pastoral transition—or wait until a new pastor arrives? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu tackle one of the most common questions churches ask during seasons of change. They outline why planning now is almost always the better choice and how it can set up your next pastor and congregation for long-term success.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. With over a decade of experience, they share practical wisdom for navigating transitions with clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

[02:10] When strategic planning may not be the right timing [05:30] How planning shapes better job postings and candidate alignment [08:13] Why pre-planning strengthens mission, vision, and pastoral fit [12:49] Increasing congregational buy-in and unity during transition [18:38] Giving your next pastor a better decision-making framework [22:01] Addressing the concern of "cutting out" the new pastor

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/313Website: https://malphursgroup.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can shepherding pastors lead effectively in vision and strategy? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu address a common challenge: pastors who excel in relational and pastoral care but feel less confident when it comes to vision and strategy. They share practical steps for leaning into strengths, building balanced teams, and leading with humility while still guiding the church toward God's future. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you naturally lean toward shepherding or strategy, you'll find encouragement and tools to lead with confidence. In this episode:

[03:42] Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses without self-doubt

[08:09] Why building a complementary team is essential for balance

[11:01] How to live your role and lean into your pastoral strengths

[13:57] Avoiding pride and empowering others to lead alongside you

[15:33] Lessons from Moses and the importance of humility in leadership Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/312

Website: https://malphursgroup.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How do you get your team to actually use Planning Center—or any church management software—consistently?In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share practical strategies to boost adoption and ensure your church gets the most value from your ChMS investment. From identifying the right core features to building solid onboarding systems, you'll learn how to turn good intentions into long-term habits.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether your team is brand new to Planning Center or you've been using it for years, you'll find actionable tips to increase buy-in and effectiveness.

In this episode:

[04:02] How to determine the most critical features for everyone to use

[09:37] The importance of onboarding and re-training for lasting adoption

[14:15] Why checklists are your secret weapon for consistent use

[18:26] How to build accountability into your software processes

[21:58] Encouraging a culture of shared responsibility with Planning Center

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/311

Website: https://malphursgroup.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can a healthy church come alongside a declining one to bring new life? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu explore practical and biblical ways for thriving churches to partner with struggling congregations. From building trust to offering tangible support, this conversation unpacks how partnerships can honor both churches' missions while maximizing Kingdom impact.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you lead a strong church or one in need of revitalization, you'll find actionable ideas for collaboration that blesses both congregations.

In this episode:

[04:18] Why humility is the first step toward healthy church partnerships

[09:06] How to approach a declining church without creating defensiveness

[14:42] Practical ways a healthy church can provide resources and support

[20:17] The role of shared vision in ensuring partnership success

[24:33] Long-term strategies for sustaining revitalization efforts

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/310

Website: https://malphursgroup.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

When is it time for a church to close its doors? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu discuss how to discern whether your congregation should pursue revitalization or intentionally close. Using the analogy of CPR, they outline key indicators of church health, the realities of revitalization efforts, and kingdom-minded options if closure becomes the best step.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether your church is facing decline or you want to prevent it, this conversation offers both practical insight and hope.

In this episode:

[03:03] Understanding "critical mass" and why motivation matters more than money

[07:11] The CPR analogy for revitalization—why there's no harm in trying

[12:18] Why outside help is essential for near-death churches

[15:16] When closing may be the best option and how to plan for it

[17:57] Kingdom-minded ways to bless others with your church's assets

[21:34] How closure can still be a witness of resurrection and renewal

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/309

Website: https://malphursgroup.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup