Revitalize and Replant

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how to leave a church well—in a way that honors Christ, loves His people, and protects your own spiritual health. Drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church,” they walk through practical steps for transitioning from one church to another with humility and integrity.In this episode, they unpack 7 ways to leave a church in a healthy, biblical way:1. PraySeek the Lord earnestly before making any decisions.Ask for wisdom, clarity, and a heart that desires God’s glory above your preferences.2. Examine your motivesBe honest about why you want to leave.Evaluate whether your reasons are rooted in conviction, calling, or frustration and hurt.3. Review the commitments you’ve madeRemember membership vows, ministry roles, and responsibilities.Think carefully about how to finish well and hand off your areas of service.4. Deal with unresolved interpersonal conflictDon’t use a church transfer to avoid biblical reconciliation.Whenever possible, seek peace, forgiveness, and restored relationships before you go.5. Consider how your departure will affect othersReflect on how your decision impacts your family, friends, small group, and church leaders.Aim to leave in a way that builds up the church rather than causing division or confusion.6. Know where you’re going before you leaveDon’t drift into churchlessness.Identify another faithful, gospel-preaching church where you can plug in, submit to leadership, and serve.7. Have an honest exit conversation with your pastorMeet with your pastor or elders to share your decision respectfully.Express gratitude, share concerns graciously, and invite them to pray for you as you transition.This episode is especially helpful for:Believers wondering how to leave a church wellMembers processing a potential church transitionPastors and leaders shepherding people through church movesResources Mentioned in This Episode:“When It’s Time to Leave a Church” by HB CharlesListen in for pastoral, practical guidance on leaving a church biblically, guarding unity, and honoring Christ and His bride even in seasons of transition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock walk through bad and good reasons to leave a church, drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church.” If you’re wrestling with whether to stay or go, this episode will help you think biblically and wisely about church membership, commitment, and discernment.They explore “red light” reasons not to leave a church (bad reasons):Sin: leaving instead of repenting or reconciling.Disagreements over secondary doctrinal issues: elevating non-essential issues to a breaking point.Disunity: walking away rather than pursuing peace and unity in Christ.Personal offenses: allowing hurt feelings or misunderstandings to drive decisions.Unwillingness to submit to spiritual authority: resisting God-given leadership rather than humbly engaging.A low view of the church: treating church as optional, consumer-based, or disposable.Disregard for the truth: leaving when God’s Word confronts your preferences or lifestyle.They also talk about “green light” reasons that may indicate it’s time to leave a church (good reasons):A gospel reason: the church no longer clearly preaches or guards the gospel of Jesus Christ.A doctrinal reason: the church drifts into serious theological error or abandons biblical authority.A personal reason: unique circumstances such as relocation, calling, or family needs that make joining another faithful church wise.This episode is especially helpful for:Believers struggling with whether to leave a churchPastors and elders helping members process church transitionsChristians wanting a more biblical view of church membership and commitmentResources Mentioned in This Episode:“When It’s Time to Leave a Church” by HB CharlesListen in for a pastoral, gospel-centered conversation on leaving a church wisely, staying for the right reasons, and loving Christ’s bride well. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk honestly about why many pastors’ kids (PKs) struggle spiritually or walk away from the faith, using Chuck Lawless’s article, “10 Reasons Preacher’s Kids Strayed,” as a starting point.If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or parent in church leadership, this episode will help you better understand the unique pressures pastors’ kids face and how to care for their hearts with wisdom and grace.In this episode, they unpack 10 reasons pastors’ kids stray from the church or from faith:1. They weren’t (and aren’t) perfect.PKs often feel pressure to be the “ideal Christian kid.”Constant expectations and scrutiny can lead to burnout, resentment, or hidden struggles.2. The church told them how to live, but didn’t personally walk with them.They heard the rules and standards but lacked discipleship, mentoring, and real-life guidance.3. They didn’t know what to do when their pastor-parent seemed too busy.Ministry can crowd out family time, leaving kids feeling overlooked or unimportant.4. They kept their struggles to themselves.Fear of judgment or hurting their parents’ reputation can keep PKs silent about doubts and sin.5. They felt overwhelmed by temptation and didn’t know how to respond.Without safe, honest conversations about sin, grace, and repentance, temptation can isolate them.6. They weren’t actually saved yet.Growing up in a ministry home doesn’t guarantee genuine conversion or a personal relationship with Christ.7. They wanted to experiment.Curiosity, peer pressure, or a desire for independence can lead them to test boundaries and pursue the world.8. They were rebelling against the church.Hurts, hypocrisy, or church conflict can cause PKs to push back against the church and its expectations.9. They saw too much of the “underbelly” of church life.Witnessing criticism, conflict, betrayal, or gossip about their parents can deeply wound pastors’ kids.10. They followed the lead of their church friends.The influence of peers—whether spiritually apathetic or openly rebellious—can pull PKs away from the Lord.This episode offers pastoral wisdom and practical ideas for:Protecting and shepherding your own kids as a pastorCreating a church culture that cares well for pastors’ familiesHelping pastors’ kids process church hurt, doubt, and disappointmentResources Mentioned in This Episode:“10 Reasons Preacher’s Kids Strayed” by Chuck Lawless“How does a pastor respond to: ‘When is my child ready for baptism?’” by Mark HallockListen in for a thoughtful conversation on pastors’ kids, church hurt, and helping PKs follow Jesus with authentic, lasting faith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can earn trust in their congregations, especially in revitalization and replanting contexts. If you’re a pastor, church planter, or replanter, this episode offers practical, real-life ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and lead your people with integrity.In this episode, they unpack six ways to earn trust as a pastor:1. Listen more than you speakLearn how intentional listening builds pastoral credibility.Discover why slowing down, asking good questions, and really hearing your people matters more than having all the answers.2. Follow through on what you say you’ll doUnderstand how consistency and reliability create trust over time.Explore simple practices to keep your word and manage expectations in your church.3. Be present in crisis—and in everyday lifeSee why showing up at hospital bedsides, funerals, and hard moments is crucial.Learn the importance of being there for non-crisis moments too: ball games, coffees, and casual conversations.4. Be a joyful pastorDiscover how genuine joy and hope influence the culture of your congregation.Hear why a pastor’s attitude can either drain or energize a church family.5. Celebrate what God is doing in your churchLearn how to highlight small wins and stories of God’s faithfulness.Use celebration to encourage your people and shape a culture of gratitude and expectancy.6. Stay—especially when it’s hardExplore why long-term presence is one of the most powerful ways to build trust.Hear insights on perseverance, calling, and staying put in seasons of discouragement or slow growth.This episode is especially helpful for:Pastors in church revitalization or replantingNew pastors seeking to build trust early in their ministryChurch leaders wanting to strengthen unity and health in their congregationListen in for practical, gospel-centered wisdom on building trust as a pastor, earning credibility in ministry, and shepherding your church with faithfulness over the long haul. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation on how churches can effectively reach small towns and rural communities, using the Converge article “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” as a springboard. If you’re a rural pastor, church replanter, or leader in a small-town church, this episode will help you think creatively about evangelism, outreach, and community engagement in your context.In this episode, they explore how to:1. Take your hobby out of the church lobbyUse your personal interests—sports, crafts, coffee, hunting, music—to build real relationships in the community.Host hobby-based gatherings in neutral spaces like coffee shops, parks, or community centers to connect with unchurched neighbors.2. Be a good neighbor in practical, everyday waysLive out the gospel through simple acts of kindness, presence, and service in your small town.Look for opportunities to help your literal neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations.3. Turn your church’s “wow factor” up to 11 on one thingIdentify one outreach, ministry, or community event your church can do with excellence.Focus your limited resources to make a big impact in a specific area that blesses your rural community.4. Go “all in” on building bridges to your communityInvest time and energy in long-term relationships with schools, city leaders, nonprofits, and local families.Create ongoing partnerships instead of one-time projects, so your church becomes a trusted presence in town.Ideal for:Rural and small-town pastorsChurch replanters and revitalization leadersChurches wanting to reach their rural community with the gospelResources Mentioned in This EpisodeArticle: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge NetworkUse this episode as a practical guide for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach strategies, and community engagement that keeps Christ and His mission at the center. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack practical ways churches can reach small towns and rural communities, drawing from the Converge article, “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community.” If you’re a pastor or church leader in a small town, this episode will help you think more strategically about evangelism, outreach, and community presence in a rural context.In this episode, they discuss how to:1. Make sure no second-time guest slips through the cracksCreate simple follow-up systems for visitors.Help guests connect with real relationships, not just programs.2. Get your church into the local news and community conversationLook for ways to serve that are newsworthy in your small town.Build relationships with local media, schools, and civic leaders.3. Get “schooled” by engaging your local schoolsSupport teachers, staff, and students in practical ways.Volunteer, mentor, and show up consistently at school events.4. Be offensive—in the right wayPlay offense by taking the gospel outside your building.Move from a “come and see” mindset to a “go and tell” lifestyle.5. Bust out of the Sunday morning boxThink beyond worship services to weekly rhythms of mission.Use everyday spaces and everyday routines for intentional outreach.6. Be a regular in your communityBuild a faithful presence at local coffee shops, restaurants, and parks.Become known as a pastor or church member who genuinely cares.Ideal for:Rural pastorsReplanters in small townsChurch leaders looking to reach their local community more effectivelyResources Mentioned in This EpisodeArticle: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge NetworkUse this conversation as a practical playbook for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach, and community engagement that keeps the gospel at the center. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss a few reasons why pastors should be thankful this holiday season.Some Highlights:Be thankful that God called you to be a pastor.Be thankful for those who have shaped you.Be thankful for those who have had patience with you.Be thankful to God, who has not removed His calling from you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst record a live episode from the 2025 Replant Summit answering listeners’ questions.What decisions or circumstances help a church decide, “We can’t do this ourselves”?Why churches of 200 or less must be involved in replanting other churches.How to handle disagreements over secondary or tertiary issues in the work of revitalization/replanting. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Kevin DeYoung for some helpful tips on preaching from the Puritans. Puritan preaching was characterized by these markers:ExpositoryDoctrinalOrderlyPlainFocused on ChristResources Related to this Episode:“5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans” by Kevin DeYoung Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some sure-fire ways to fail in revitalization.Some Highlights:Lack of humilityLack of patienceLack of faithLack of perseveranceLack of love Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some simple tips from H.B. Charles for improving your preaching.Some Highlights:ReadPrayThinkWriteLoveRestLiveResources Related to This Episode:“7 Ways to Grow in Your Preaching” by HB Charles Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why pastors and church leaders should feel uncomfortable in church. Some Highlights:You will be worshiping the one and only, true and living God.The Word of God penetrates to the depth of our being (Heb. 4:12).All of us have sin to deal with.Lost people should be there.A supernatural enemy will want you to ignore or deny God’s Word.You might have to deal with that person who “gets under your skin.”The command of the Great Commission is still in effect.If you’re a leader, you’ll answer for the way you care for the souls of the church (Heb. 13:17).If you’re the preacher, your responsibility is great.I say it again: None of us is perfect.Resources Related to This Episode:“10 Reasons Why Attending Church Should Make You Feel Uncomfortable This Weekend” by Chuck Lawless Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer that addresses why so many churches are in decline and how leadership development is key to adjusting to the changing realities of our cultural climate. Some Highlights:They don’t recognize the decline of cultural Christianity.They have many “church rules.”They have leaders who have never led in a highly unchurched mission field.They confuse tradition with the truth.They do outreach the way they’ve always done it.They are experiencing significant conflict due to frustration.They are very slow to respond.They have significant facility challenges.Resources Related to This Episode:“8 Reasons Many Bible-Belt Churches Are in Decline” by Thom Rainer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some areas that create tension in ministry.Some Highlights:Doing pastoral care vs. leading the organizationFocusing on private study vs. doing public ministryPrioritizing new members vs. concentrating on longer-term membersDoing evangelism vs. doing discipleshipBudgeting for staff vs. budgeting for ministry and missionsChanging things too quickly vs. changing them too slowlySpending time with family vs. being with the church familyReaching our neighbors vs. reaching the nationsHonoring the past vs. preparing for the futureMinistering to older folks vs. ministering to the youngExtending grace vs. carrying out church disciplineHanging out with non-believers who need the gospel vs. hanging out with believers who love their church staffResources Related to This Episode:“12 Balancing Acts in Ministry You Might Face This Week” by Chuck Lawless Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss what it looks like to raise up the next generation of leaders within your church.Some Highlights:Raising up leaders from the next generation isn’t optional.Begin to pray for God to lead young leaders to your church.Set aside resources and/or find partners to help bring a young leader on as a resident.Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/https://www.thecalvary.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss ministry to the next generation of leaders.Some Highlights:The importance of inter-generational ministry for raising up next-gen leadersWhy potlucks still work for communityResources Related to This Episode:https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/https://www.thecalvary.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Colin Pugh, the urban strategist on the North American Mission Board’s Replant Team.Some Highlights:The importance of transitioning leadership to a new generation of leadersLeadership development is keyThe impact of a church’s “footprint” in its community             Partnership with local businesses to minister to the communityResources Related to This Episode:To connect with Colin, reach out to cpugh_contractor@namb.net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to talk about some unique aspects of rural ministry.“The Big Three” in Rural Ministry:Vocational IdentityLow ResourcesIsolation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to discuss transformational discipleship strategies.Some Highlights:Real disciples come away “smelling” like Jesus.True discipleship is about presence.The answer is not new discipleship material—it’s walking with Jesus.A four-step process to read Scripture: summarize, expose, change, and prepareResources Related to This Episode:Reading It Right Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss Jason K. Allen’s book, Discerning Your Call to Ministry.Some Highlights:Do you desire the ministry?Does your character meet God’s expectations?Is your household in order?Has God gifted you to teach and preach His Word?Does your church affirm your calling?Do you love the people of God?Are you passionate about the gospel and the Great Commission?Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?Are you ready to defend the faith?Are you willing to surrender?Resources Related to This Episode:Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It by Jason K. Allen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.