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

How should your church manage and prioritize community partnerships? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu unpack how to evaluate, categorize, and communicate about partnerships—whether they’re with local ministries, national organizations, or groups using your facility. Learn how to align partnerships with your mission and vision while avoiding “pathway creep” that dilutes your church’s focus.

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 large church or a small congregation, you’ll find practical steps for prioritizing partnerships that make the greatest Kingdom impact.

In this episode:

[04:36] Why categorizing partnerships as primary, secondary, or good neighbor is essential

[07:55] How to identify and invest in primary ministry partnerships

[14:01] The role and purpose of secondary ministry partnerships

[18:20] Defining “good neighbor” partnerships and when to limit promotion

[26:26] How to create a communication plan that protects your discipleship pathway

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/308

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

What makes someone truly qualified to serve as an elder in your church? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share three common pitfalls churches face when selecting elder candidates—and how to avoid them. From clarifying the difference between longevity and competency to defining role expectations, this conversation will help you build a stronger, healthier leadership team.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches around the world to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you’re new to the show or a regular listener, you’ll find practical insights you can put into action right away.

In this episode:

[05:31] Why confusing longevity with competency can lead to poor leadership choices

[11:51] How overlooking team chemistry can derail your board’s effectiveness

[18:09] The cost of failing to clarify elder role expectations

[22:40] Practical steps to strengthen your selection process and team unity

Links & Resources:

Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/307

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 the right time for your church to expand its building? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share three key considerations every church should evaluate before committing to a major building project. From clarifying vision to setting measurable benchmarks and crafting a financial plan, this discussion will help you avoid costly missteps and position your church for long-term health and impact.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, helping churches worldwide grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a long-time subscriber, you’ll find practical, actionable advice to guide your church’s next steps.

In this episode (with timestamps):

[1:34] The first and most important question: Does your building project align with your mission and vision?

[9:17] Why you need clear benchmarks before committing to construction

[13:40] How to think through space optimization, parking, and other logistics before you build

[17:32] Creating a rock-solid financial and campaign plan

[21:53] Why working with a specialist can save you from incomplete or stalled projects

Links & Resources:

• Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

• Article: https://malphursgroup.com/306

• 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

Evangelism isn’t a program—it’s a culture rooted in identity. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore how churches can move from sporadic outreach events to fostering a deep, church-wide culture of evangelism that flows naturally from who we are in Christ.

Hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group bring their practical experience working with hundreds of churches to help you reframe evangelism as a core component of your church’s DNA, not just a once-a-year effort.

In this episode:

[00:42] Why evangelism is more about identity than activity

[12:16] How to equip people to share their faith with confidence

[20:58] Prioritizing local outreach while still supporting global missions

[25:18] Why you should celebrate effort—not just results—in evangelism

[27:27] The importance of sowing seeds and trusting God with the harvest

Resources & Links:

• 🎯 Read the companion article

• 🧰 Explore the Healthy Churches Toolkit

• 📘 Learn more about the Church Ministry Analysis

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup

• Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup

• YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup

• X (formerly Twitter): x.com/malphursgroup

Many churches struggle with senior leaders who are stuck doing ministry instead of leading others to do it. In this episode, we break down how to make the shift—biblically and practically—from being hands-on doers to high-leverage leaders who equip others for lasting impact.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, church consultants with The Malphurs Group, co-host the Church Revitalization Podcast. With decades of combined experience helping churches thrive, they share real-world insights for leaders looking to lead more effectively and build healthier teams.

In this episode:

• (00:45) Why equipping others is a biblical imperative (Ephesians 4)

• (06:20) What it really means to lead instead of do

• (13:00) Why you need more tolerance for failure and less for mediocrity

• (19:40) How to build a culture that rewards leadership, not just busyness

• (23:45) Practical steps for managing the transition from doing to leading

🔗 Links & Resources

→ Healthy Churches Toolkit — Try it free for 7 days

→ Episode article & transcript

→ Facebook

→ Instagram

→ YouTube

→ X (Twitter)

People don’t join small groups because of catchy announcements—they join because they’re hungry for connection. In this episode, we explore how to communicate the real value of groups: not as a program, but as a path to deeper spiritual and relational health. If your small groups ministry feels stuck, this conversation will help you reframe the message and reengage your people.

Hosted by church consultants Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in theology and real-world experience from helping hundreds of churches.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

→ [00:03:56] Why small groups meet a deep emotional and spiritual need

→ [00:10:24] How to teach the theology of fellowship without guilt-tripping

→ [00:15:54] Why showing (not telling) is key to group engagement

→ [00:19:04] How to keep momentum without falling into false starts

→ [00:22:47] A powerful tool that auto-generates small group guides and more

LINKS

→ Article: https://malphursgroup.com/303

→ Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

→ Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

→ Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

→ YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

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

Building a Healthy Multi-Site Leadership Culture

Many churches dream of going multi-site, but few consider what it takes to cultivate a unified, thriving leadership culture across campuses. In this episode, we outline the five essential elements your church needs to lead well in a multi-site model.

Your hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group bring decades of church consulting experience. They share insights from working with churches of all sizes to build healthy systems and sustainable leadership models.

In this episode, we cover:

→ [00:05:36] Why your church needs clearly defined leadership teams across campuses

→ [00:10:32] The importance of meeting structure and clarifying purpose

→ [00:14:41] How to empower campus autonomy while maintaining alignment

→ [00:20:53] Creating consistent communication rhythms to avoid silos

→ [00:21:35] Why celebrating shared wins strengthens cross-campus unity

LINKS

→ Article: https://malphursgroup.com/302

→ Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com

→ Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup

→ Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup

→ YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup

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

Is your church aging and struggling to attract younger families? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore practical strategies to breathe new life into your children's ministry and effectively connect with young families.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are experienced church consultants with The Malphurs Group. They specialize in church revitalization, strategic planning, and leadership development, helping churches become healthy, growing communities.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why heart change and brutal honesty are essential first steps (4:13)

• How improving your physical space can attract young families (7:00)

• Tips for staffing children's ministries, even with limited resources (14:34)

• Effective outreach strategies to meet families in your community (19:36)

• Internal ministry ideas that build lasting connections with parents (25:33)

LINKS:

• Healthy Churches Toolkit

• Related Article

Follow us on Social Media:

• Facebook

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• YouTube

• X (Twitter)