Revitalize and Replant

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share practical and pastoral guidance for effectively ministering to senior adults within the local church. As many congregations face aging memberships and declining attendance among older adults, this conversation offers actionable steps to help church leaders reconnect with, value, and retain senior adults as vital members of the body of Christ.These tips are especially relevant for pastors, replanters, and church revitalization leaders who want to foster unity across generations while honoring the faithfulness and legacy of older church members.5 Practical Tips for Senior Adult MinistryPublicly acknowledge senior adults and recognize their history, faithfulness, and foundational role in the life of the churchVisit senior adult Sunday morning classes to listen, build trust, and strengthen relational connectionsIntentionally include senior adults in corporate worship, ensuring they feel seen, welcomed, and valuedIdentify trusted leaders or representatives within the senior adult community to help foster communication and fellowshipCreate and promote ministry opportunities designed for senior adults, allowing them to serve according to their gifts, experience, and availabilityThis episode emphasizes that retaining senior adults is not simply about programming—it’s about cultivating respect, belonging, and meaningful engagement within the church family.Why Senior Adult Engagement Matters in Church RevitalizationSenior adults bring spiritual maturity, consistency, generosity, and volunteer leadership to the local church. Churches that fail to engage older members risk losing not only attendance, but wisdom, unity, and long-term sustainability.Resources Related to This Episode“What NOT to Name Your Senior Adult Ministry” from Texas Baptists Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a sobering trend impacting many churches today: the growing number of senior adults leaving the local church. This conversation is based on Thom Rainer’s article, “The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults,” and it explores both the causes and the consequences of this shift.As churches focus on reaching younger generations, many senior adults feel overlooked, disconnected, or unable to fully participate. This episode helps pastors and church leaders better understand the challenges aging church members face—and why retaining and caring for senior adults is essential to healthy church revitalization.Key Reasons Senior Adults are Leaving ChurchesSince 2000, church attendance among adults age 65 and older has declined by approximately 15%Physical limitations such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, and vision issues make attending church more difficultThe emotional impact of losing peers and longtime friends within the congregationShifting church priorities that emphasize young families and children, often at the expense of senior adult ministryWhen senior adults leave, churches lose valuable financial support, institutional wisdom, and volunteer leadershipThis episode challenges church leaders to consider how their ministry strategies, worship services, facilities, and programming communicate value—or neglect—to older members of the congregation.Why This Matters for Church Replanting and RevitalizationSenior adults often carry deep spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and commitment to the local church. Ignoring their needs can weaken a church’s health, mission, and sustainability. This conversation equips leaders to rethink engagement, accessibility, and discipleship for aging members.Resources Related to This Episode“The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults” 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.

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation around church revitalization trends that may be resurfacing in today’s ministry context. Drawing from Thom Rainer’s article, “Twenty Relics of Church Past,” they examine which historic church practices are making a comeback—and what that means for pastors, church planters, and leaders serving in replant and revitalization settings.This discussion helps church leaders discern whether these returning practices are helpful tools for gospel ministry or remnants better left in the past.Church Practices and Ministry Trends DiscussedChurch choirs and their role in congregational worshipThe church parlor as a space for fellowship and connectionWeekly home visitation as a discipleship strategyThe return of hymnals in worship servicesWednesday night fellowship meals and community-buildingA casual approach to recruiting children’s ministry volunteersProgram-driven philosophies of ministryLarge pulpits and traditional sanctuary designSpecial music and choir anthemsFood pantries as a community outreach toolUse of the King James Version (KJV) in preaching and teachingOffice hours for ministry staff and accessibilityLandline phones and church communication methodsWhether you’re leading a declining church, revitalizing a legacy congregation, or planting with an awareness of church history, this episode offers practical insight into how the past can inform the future of local church ministry.Resources Related to This Episode“Twenty Relics of Church Past” 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.

Are some church traditions from the past making a comeback? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss insights from an article by Thom Rainer that examines historical church practices that may be re-emerging in today’s ministry context.This conversation helps pastors and church leaders think critically about tradition, culture, and ministry effectiveness—distinguishing between meaningful practices and those that may hinder church revitalization.In this episode, Mark and Mark discuss church practices that may be returning, including:Sunday evening worship servicesStand-and-greet moments during worshipSuits and ties in church attireThe use of organs in worship servicesPrinted church newslettersProlonged and frequent business meetingsReferring to small groups as “Sunday School”Whether you’re leading a traditional congregation, revitalizing an aging church, or navigating cultural change, this episode offers helpful perspective on how churches can honor the past while staying mission-focused.Resources Related to This Episode:“Twenty Relics of Church Past” 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.

How can a pastor discern whether it’s time to step aside for the health of a declining church? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their discussion of an article by Chuck Lawless, focusing on deeper, more sobering indicators that a pastor may have stayed too long in one place.This conversation offers honest reflection for pastors, church leaders, and revitalization teams navigating leadership fatigue, declining momentum, and difficult transition decisions.In this episode, you’ll learn additional signs that a pastor may have stayed too long:The church has lost passion and excitement for its mission and ministry.The remaining congregation consists primarily of long-term members with no new growth or generational reach.Financial survival—paying the bills—has overshadowed ministry and mission.The pastor increasingly isolates himself from the church family.The pastor becomes resigned to allowing the church to die on his watch.This episode is especially relevant for pastors serving in declining churches, those considering church revitalization or replanting, and leadership teams seeking wisdom about healthy pastoral transitions.Resources Related to This Episode:“8 Indications that a Pastor of a Declining Church May Have Stayed Too Long” 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.

How can church leaders discern when a pastor’s season of leadership has come to an end? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss key insights from an article by Chuck Lawless that addresses what happens when a pastor stays at a declining church longer than he should.This conversation helps pastors, elders, and church members recognize early warning signs that leadership transition may be necessary for the health of the congregation and the effectiveness of the church’s mission.In this episode, you’ll learn three indicators that a pastor may have stayed too long:The church continues to decline, and the pastor places blame on the congregation rather than addressing leadership challenges.The pastor no longer has a clear vision for the future and operates in survival mode instead of mission-driven leadership.The pastor would likely accept another ministry role if given the opportunity.This episode is especially helpful for pastors serving in declining churches, revitalization leaders, and church leadership teams seeking wisdom and clarity around pastoral longevity and healthy leadership transitions.Resources Related to This Episode:“8 Indications that a Pastor of a Declining Church May Have Stayed Too Long” 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.

Why should pastors and church leaders invest in revitalizing dying churches instead of closing their doors? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack the biblical, missional, and practical reasons why church revitalization and replanting are vital to the health of local congregations and their communities.This conversation explores the heart behind revitalization and why declining churches remain important to God, their communities, and the Great Commission.In this episode, you’ll learn why church revitalization is important because:Revitalization creates gospel opportunities for people to come to faith in Jesus Christ.The remaining members of declining churches still matter and deserve faithful pastoral care.Local neighborhoods need healthy, gospel-centered churches.Revitalizing churches ultimately exists for the glory of God.Whether you are a pastor considering church revitalization, a leader in a struggling congregation, or someone exploring church replanting, this episode offers encouragement and clarity for the journey.Resources Related to This Episode:Reclaiming Glory: Revitalizing Dying Churches by Mark Clifton 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 deepen their daily prayer life, reflecting on an article from Chuck Lawless about seven things Tom Elliff prays for every day. If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, church planter, or replanter, this episode will encourage you to build a more intentional, Scripture-shaped pattern of prayer.In this episode, they walk through seven daily pastoral prayers:1. A continual awareness of God’s presencePraying for a “looming sense” of God’s nearness throughout the day.Learning to live, lead, and make decisions with a constant God-consciousness.2. A pure heartAsking God to search your motives, cleanse hidden sin, and guard your integrity.Understanding why personal holiness is essential for pastoral ministry.3. The fullness of the Holy SpiritPraying to be led, empowered, and sustained by the Spirit in every aspect of ministry.4. The gifts and graces of the SpiritSeeking spiritual gifts and Christlike character to serve your people well.Asking God to bear visible fruit in and through your life.5. Protection from bringing reproach on ChristPleading with God that you would do nothing that gives the enemy an opportunity to mock your Lord.Talking honestly about temptation, spiritual warfare, and the fear of disqualifying yourself.6. God’s hand on your familyPraying for your spouse, children, and loved ones serving God around the world.Thinking about how to shepherd both your church and your home.7. Faithfulness to God’s calling and visionAsking the Lord to keep you true to the mission He’s given you.Staying focused and steadfast in seasons of discouragement, transition, or slow growth.This episode is especially helpful for:Pastors wanting a daily prayer frameworkLeaders in church revitalization and replantingAnyone longing to grow in spiritual depth, dependence, and perseverance in ministryResources Mentioned in This Episode:Article: “7 Things My Pastoral Hero Prays Every Day” by Chuck LawlessListen in for a practical, worshipful guide to daily pastoral prayer, learning to seek God for purity, power, protection, and perseverance in ministry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 2 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst shares a personal and powerful Christmas story from his childhood as a missionary kid in Honduras, reflecting on what Christmas looks like in the midst of uncertainty, hardship, and fear.Set during a season of political unrest and darkness, this story centers on a simple, candlelit children’s Christmas program in a small church with no electricity—and a child’s quiet declaration: “This year for Christmas, I need peace.” That moment became a lasting reminder that Christmas is not about what we want, but about what we need—and that true peace and hope are found in Christ alone.Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this story encourages your heart and points you to the lasting peace that only Jesus can provide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 1 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst reads Luke 2, sharing the story of Christmas and recounting the birth of Jesus Christ and the good news first announced to the shepherds.This familiar passage reminds us that the Savior entered the world in humility—wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room for Him at the inn. Yet heaven itself rejoiced, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”As the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them, they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart, inviting us to pause and reflect on the wonder and meaning of Christ’s coming.Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this Scripture reading draws your heart back to the hope, peace, and joy found in Jesus.  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 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.