Revitalize My Church

From Parking Lot to Pew: The Power of Church Hospitality Church Hospitality Can Transform Your Ministry In this episode of Revitalize My Church, host Bart Blair interviews MaryAnn Sibley, a church hospitality expert who helps declining churches build effective volunteer teams and create welcoming environments that turn first-time visitors into regular attendees. How First Impressions Ministry Changes Everything MaryAnn shares her powerful testimony of going from Buddhist background to church leadership, emphasizing how strategic hospitality volunteers in the parking lot and at church doors made all the difference in her first church experience. Learn why "the sermon starts in the parking lot" and how your church can implement this principle. Building Volunteer Teams That Actually Work Discover the key insight that revolutionizes volunteer ministry: "You don't need more volunteers, you need the right volunteers." MaryAnn explains how to: Identify and recruit the right people for hospitality roles Create volunteer teams that focus on discipleship, not just task completion Turn Sunday service into a "spiritual gymnasium" for volunteer growth Practical Church Growth Strategies for Small Churches Perfect for pastors leading churches of 50-200 people, this episode covers: Parking Lot Ministry Best Practices Why every church needs parking lot volunteers (even with empty spaces) How to train volunteers to create meaningful first impressions Making visitors feel expected and welcomed from the moment they arrive Creating a Welcoming Church Culture The difference between greeters and ushers Strategic volunteer placement throughout your church building How to help longtime members connect with newcomers Hospitality That Covers Ministry Weaknesses Learn how excellent church hospitality can compensate for: Less-than-perfect music ministries Developing preaching skills Limited children's programming Small church size Church Revitalization Through Volunteer Development MaryAnn demonstrates how volunteer ministry becomes discipleship opportunity, helping both volunteers and visitors grow spiritually while strengthening the entire church body. Guest Bio: MaryAnn Sibley - Church Hospitality Consultant MaryAnn Sibley helps churches across the country develop effective hospitality and volunteer teams. With experience helping a church grow from 100 to 6,000 attendees, she now coaches church leaders in creating welcoming environments that facilitate genuine church growth. Connect with MaryAnn: Website: maryannsibley.com Instagram: Follow for practical hospitality tips and volunteer leadership insights Key Takeaways for Church Leaders Start with a few committed volunteers rather than trying to recruit large teams Focus on discipleship through service opportunities Create consistent welcoming experiences from parking lot to sanctuary Expect God to bring new people and prepare accordingly Authenticity matters more than perfection in church hospitality Perfect for: Pastors, church volunteers, hospitality teams, small church leaders, anyone interested in church growth through improved first impressions. Subscribe...

Episode 27 - Joyful Hospitality & Meaningful Membership Episode Details Podcast: Revitalized My ChurchEpisode: 27Hosts: Bart Blair & Nathan Bryant (Executive Director, Assist Church Expansion)Release Date: September 1, 2025Topic: Church Revitalization Essentials #7 & #8 Episode Summary After a brief hiatus in August, Bart and Nathan return to continue their series on church revitalization essentials based on a framework from Terry Long and the North Carolina Baptists. This episode focuses on two critical elements that can make or break a church's revitalization efforts: creating an atmosphere of joyful hospitality and establishing meaningful membership that goes beyond just having your name on a roll. Main Topics Covered 1. Joyful Hospitality: Three Levels of Welcome Why Hospitality Matters: First-time visitors are often scared and uncertain Many haven't been to church in 15-20 years or ever People are looking for connection and acceptance We represent Jesus and "the joy of the Lord is our strength" Three Levels of Hospitality: Front Door Experience Genuine, joyful greeters (not just going through motions) Warm welcome without being overwhelming Clear directions for newcomers Corporate/Building Hospitality Thinking like hosts in our own home Clean, welcoming physical environment Clear signage and navigation Thoughtful preparation for guests Personal Hospitality Leaders modeling hospitality in their homes Inviting people into your life beyond Sunday Building real relationships and community Cultural shift that starts individual, becomes corporate 2. Meaningful Membership: Beyond Names on a Roll The Problem with Current Membership: Many churches have 60-80 members but only 25-50 in attendance No clear expectations or obligations Membership becomes a finish line instead of starting point People commit more to little league than to church What Meaningful Membership Looks Like: Covenantal commitment both directions (pastor to members, members to church) Clear expectations and benefits Active participation requirements Integration into church family as team members/partners Key Components of Membership Expectations: Regular attendance Serving in ministry Participation in small groups Financial support Investing in relationships with non-believers Respecting church leadership and authority Commitment to church mission and values Key Quotes "When you actually are thinking about how we gonna grow this thing, how we're gonna move forward, well, the primary way you're gonna do that is through relationships and connecting with people." - Nathan Bryant"If you're not committed to one another, in my opinion, you're not a church." - Nathan Bryant"The moment that they say yes to being a disciple of Jesus, a follower of Jesus, that's not the end game. That's the beginning of the race." - Bart Blair Practical Tips & Action Items H...

Revitalizing Children's Ministry: Essential Strategies for Churches Ready to Welcome Families Is your church struggling to attract and retain families with children? In this comprehensive episode, host Bart Blair interviews Lisa Rowland, a seasoned children's ministry leader and consultant with Life Catalyst Consulting, who shares over 20 years of practical experience helping churches of all sizes build thriving children's programs. Lisa's unique journey from corporate business management to children's ministry leadership provides valuable insights for church leaders looking to create welcoming, safe, and effective programs that partner with families in discipleship. Whether your church hasn't had children in years or you're preparing for growth, this episode offers actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Key Topics Include: Essential safety protocols and background check requirements for children's ministry Creating inviting spaces for families on any budget Proven volunteer recruitment strategies that work in small churches Curriculum selection guidance for different church sizes and volunteer capacity Building sustainable ministry teams vs. relying on solo teachers Simple check-in systems that don't require expensive technology Effective partnership strategies between church and family discipleship Leadership skills needed to oversee vs. teach in children's ministry Perfect For: Church planters, pastors of aging congregations, volunteer children's ministry leaders, church revitalization teams, and anyone interested in effective family ministry strategies. About the Guest: Lisa Rowland serves at Bridgeway Church in North Texas and consults with churches nationwide through Life Catalyst Consulting. Her corporate background provides unique organizational and leadership insights that translate powerfully to ministry settings. Resources Mentioned: Life Catalyst Consulting (lifecatalyst.com), church management software options, design tools, and curriculum resources for churches with limited budgets. This 40-minute conversation provides practical, immediately applicable strategies for churches ready to welcome families and build children's ministry programs that make a lasting impact. Subscribe to Revitalize My Church Podcast for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of each month, featuring practical ministry insights and transformation stories from churches successfully reaching new families and growing younger.

Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Missional Engagement for Church Revitalization Episode Overview In this milestone episode marking one year of the Revitalize My Church podcast, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant continue their series on the 10 essentials for church revitalization, based on insights from Terry Long of the North Carolina Baptist Association. They explore two critical elements that struggling churches need: gospel-centered fellowship and missional engagement. This episode reveals why surface-level community isn't enough and how churches can become truly missionary-minded in their local context. What Is Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Why Surface Level Community Isn't Enough Gospel-centered fellowship goes far beyond potluck dinners and social gatherings. Nathan Bryant explains that many revitalizing churches function primarily around Sunday morning experiences and may have meaningful relationships, but lack the "deeper fellowship of interconnectedness that allows for true deep community where real discipleship takes place." Key Characteristics of Gospel-Centered Fellowship: Vulnerable community: Creating safe spaces for confession, accountability, and real spiritual conversations Life-on-life ministry: Moving beyond listening to teaching toward discussing application together Biblical accountability: Where people confess what God is telling them to do and follow up on obedience Transformative engagement: Relationships that actually change how people live out their faith The Problem with Traditional Church Community: Most churches focus on large group experiences (Sunday worship, Sunday school) where relationships remain surface-level. While these relationships may be meaningful and long-term, they don't provide the intimate context needed for true spiritual transformation. How to Move Your Church Beyond Surface Level Relationships to Deep Community Creating gospel-centered fellowship requires intentional steps and cultural change, especially in churches where people have known each other for decades but haven't experienced deeper spiritual community. Practical Steps for Pastors and Church Leaders: Visit and participate in churches that are successfully doing gospel-centered fellowship Create an incubator group with 4-5 solid families rather than trying to implement church-wide immediately Experience it yourself first - leaders need to understand the value before asking others to participate Teach the biblical foundation through preaching before launching programs Start slow but intentional - focus on quality relationships over quick expansion Essential Elements for Success: Smaller group contexts where vulnerability is possible Regular spiritual conversations about how God's Word applies to daily life Accountability structures that encourage obedience to Scripture Prayer and confession as normal parts of community life What Does Missional Engagement Mean for Churches Going Through Revitalization Missional engagement focuses on what churches do outside their building to connect with their community. Nathan defines it as "what we're doing with our lives in the corporate nature of the church, the group nature of the church, and the individual lives...

Pastor Brian Moss of Oak Ridge Church shares his proven DREAM framework that transformed a dying congregation of 30 into a thriving church with 101% small group participation over 25 years. Brian, a former computer engineer who didn't grow up in church, reveals how he developed a systematic approach to balance the five fundamental church purposes: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. He breaks down his DREAM acronym - Design services for lost people, Reach with the gospel, Engage in growth, Activate in ministry, and Mobilize for missions. Key topics include creating guest-friendly services without compromising the gospel, systematic discipleship through small groups, and why 80% of modern church practices are more cultural than biblical. Brian also addresses the comparison trap destroying pastors and offers practical encouragement for church leaders feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for pastors, church planters, denominational leaders, and anyone seeking a biblical framework for sustainable church health and growth. Resources mentioned: "The Dream Church" book by Brian Moss Dream Church Conference (held annually each March) Oak Ridge Church, Salisbury, Maryland

Text Based Preaching and Intentional Discipleship in Church Revitalization   Join hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant as they explore two essential elements for successful church revitalization: text-driven preaching and intentional discipleship. Drawing from insights by Terry Long of the North Carolina Baptist Association, this episode reveals why these biblical foundations are game-changers for struggling churches. Key Topics: Text-Driven Preaching: Learn the crucial difference between teaching and preaching, how to strategically choose Scripture passages for your church's specific needs, and why application matters more than information transfer. Intentional Discipleship: Discover why discipleship doesn't happen by accident, how to create clear pathways for spiritual growth, and Jesus' proven model for developing mature followers. Nathan emphasizes that God's Word has transformative power when properly applied, while Bart shares his personal discipleship experience and the "laboratory vs. lecture" approach that accelerated his spiritual growth. Both hosts stress that church revitalization happens through heart transformation, not just methodology changes. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about seeing real life change in their congregation. This practical episode provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately to help your church move toward a healthy, fruitful future. Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 11:1, and the Great Commission's practical implications for modern discipleship. New episodes release on the 1st and 15th of each month. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit RevitalizeMyChurch.com for additional resources.

Building Healthy Churches: A Conversation with AJ Mathieu of The Malphurs Group In this episode, we sit down with AJ Mathieu from The Malphurs Group to discuss church revitalization, leadership development, and building healthy churches. Drawing from his decade of experience in ministry and the legacy of Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, AJ shares valuable insights on how churches can move from decline to vitality. Key Quote "We can't make anybody change. And we tell every single church we work with, we will lead you through this with the greatest capability and resources we have. But we cannot make you do the work. You have to want it." - AJ Mathieu About Our Guest AJ Mathieu serves with The Malphurs Group, continuing the legacy of Dr. Aubrey Malphurs who was a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary for 35 years and authored 26 books. The organization focuses on church health, revitalization, and leadership development. Key Insights from the Episode On Church Assessment "Ninety to ninety-five percent of churches are plateaued or declining in the U.S. and then even more broadly speaking in the West." The Malphurs Group evaluates churches in four key areas: Mission focus Current values assessment Discipleship pathway Vision assessment Common Revitalization Mistakes "There's an illusion that us meeting and talking about things and planning is actually doing the work and it's not." Key pitfalls to avoid: Over-relying on cosmetic changes Implementing changes too quickly Extended planning without action Insufficient relationship building On Building Leadership Teams "We want it to be a positive group of people that all feel positively about the potential for the future of the church working together." Recommended characteristics for strategic leadership team members: Ministry leaders (paid or volunteer) Future-focused individuals Active church participants People with godly character Those who respect church authority Resources Mentioned The Malphurs Group Tools   Healthy Churches Toolkit  Comprehensive resource launched September 2023 Features training videos, assessments, and AI tools Monthly workshops and new resources Digital versions of Dr. Malphurs' assessments Book Reference "Advanced Strategic Planning" by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs Essential resource for church leaders Includes practical assessments and worksheets Used in seminaries worldwide Connect with The Malphurs Group Website: malphursgroup.com Services available to churches across denominations Free initial consultation available Final Encouragement "No matter how alone you might feel in ministry, you're not. And there's people that want to see you thrive and they want to see you get back to that first vision you had... whenever God called you to ministry." - AJ Mathieu The episode emphasizes that while church revitalization is challenging, it's possible with the right approach, proper pacing, and adequate support. The key is being willing to do the work while maintaining hope and seeking help when needed.

Essentials for Church Revitalization - Part 1 Episode Overview In this episode, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant introduce a new mini-series focusing on the "10 Essentials for Church Revitalization." They cover the first two essentials in depth: Dependent Prayer and Christ-Centered Worship. Introduction Hosts: Bart Blair (Director of Church Revitalization) and Nathan Bryant (Executive Director) from Assist Church Expansion New episodes are released on the 1st and 15th of each month This episode kicks off a mini-series based on content from Terry Long of North Carolina Baptists The 10 Essentials for Church Revitalization Dependent Prayer Christ-Centered Worship Text-Driven Preaching Intentional Discipleship Gospel-Centered Fellowship Missional Engagement Joyful Hospitality Meaningful Membership Hopeful Vision Leadership Development Dependent Prayer Key Points Discussed: Prayer acknowledges our complete dependence on God's power Common issues in struggling churches:  Lack of personal, corporate, and intentional prayer Absence of prayer for leadership during pastoral vacancies Failure to pray specifically for church renewal Spiritual benefits of prayer:  Fosters unity and healing of relational rifts Addresses apathy toward evangelism Renews belief that God can use the church to reach the lost Aligns church leadership with God's will Biblical foundations:  Zechariah 4:6 - "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain" James 5:16 - "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" Practical application:  Create an intentional prayer plan for the church Involve elderly members who can contribute through prayer Persist in prayer despite challenges (prayer is not a quick fix) Resource mentioned: "Praying for Renewal in our Church" by Bart Blair (available on Amazon) Christ-Centered Worship Key Points Discussed: Common issues in struggling churches:  Worship has become routine and predictable Lack of clear outcomes and intentionality Disconnected worship elements without flow Focus on execution rather than encounter with Christ Essential elements:  Reestablishing Jesus as the center of everything Creating transformative encounters with Jesus Designing worship that tells the gospel story Maintaining Christ-centered (not self-centered) content Warning about modern worship trends:  Many songs focus more on "me/my/mine" than on Jesus Popular radio songs may be singable but not always worship-focused Practical application:  Consider the journey and outcomes of worship Include testimonies of life transformation Ensure worship communicates that "this is a place where God is changing lives" Focus on excellence without making it about performance Closing Website: www.RevitalizeMyChurch.com for podcast archives and additional resources Invitation to connect directly with Bart and Nathan via Zoom for customized help Related Resources "Praying for Renewal in our Church" by Bart Blair (Amazon)<...

Episode Overview In this episode, Bart interviews Jason Allison about the challenges and opportunities of leading leaders in normative-sized churches. Jason shares insights from his extensive experience working with churches through multiple organizations and provides practical guidance for pastors looking to develop leaders rather than just delegate tasks. Guest Bio Jason Allison serves in multiple roles supporting church leaders: Director of Church Strengthening for Converge Mid-Atlantic Staff member at a church plant near Columbus, Ohio Founder of the Church Talk Project and host of the Church Talk Podcast Vision Day consultant for 95Network Key Discussion Points Understanding Church Leadership Development Most normative-sized churches (50-500 members) struggle with leading leaders Clear distinction between delegation and development Biblical mandate to equip saints for ministry (Ephesians 4) Leadership Development Framework Progression of church involvement: Attender (primary function: learning) Volunteer (primary function: serving) Task Team Leader (organizing and administration) Group Leader Leader of Leaders (shepherding responsibility) Common Challenges in Leadership Development Pastors doing everything themselves because it's "easier" Focus on delegation without development Lack of clear vision and values Time constraints for both pastor and potential leaders The "tyranny of Sunday" - constant pressure of weekly responsibilities Practical Steps for Leading Leaders 1. Starting Point Clarify your disciple-making vision Spend time observing people in action Start with just two potential leaders (not twelve) Invest in your own leadership growth 2. Development Process Move beyond simple task delegation Follow the discipleship journey:  I do, you watch I do, you help You do, I watch and help You do, I cheer 3. Setting Goals and Metrics Define clear objectives beyond task completion Establish key performance indicators Regular evaluation and debriefing Build accountability into systems Tips for Success Start small and go slow Honor current leaders while developing new ones Focus on vision alignment Don't be afraid to let people try and learn Remember many people are eager for mentoring Words of Encouragement Don't be afraid despite challenging times Remember you have the message of hope Focus on serving Jesus, not just people Keep going even when things seem dark Resources and Contact Information Church Talk Podcast (available on major streaming platforms) Website: churchtalkproject.com Email: jason@churchtalkproject.com Converge Mid-Atlantic: convergemidatlantic.com

  Episode Summary In this episode, Bart and Nathan discuss the "Farming Model" of evangelism, building on principles shared in Episode 17. They explore a strategic approach to both individual and corporate evangelism based on the parable of the seed from Matthew 13.   Hosts: Bart Blair Nathan Bryant (Executive Director of Assist Church Expansion)   Key Points The Need for Evangelism A 2021 LifeWay research study found 71% of people are open to hearing someone's life story when meeting them for the first time In the UK, 75% of non-Christians who had conversations with Christian friends about Jesus felt comfortable, and 33% wanted to know more Only 55% of non-Christians who knew a Christian said that person had ever talked about their faith The Farming Model of Evangelism (Six Steps) Choosing the Field Identifying who God is calling you to reach Focus on relationships where ongoing connection is possible Consider both individual relationships and corporate community focus Preparing the Soil (90% of the work) Removing obstacles to faith through building relationships Addressing sociological barriers rather than just theological ones Creating connections between non-believers and multiple Christians Building spiritual momentum through relational momentum Listening more and talking less Planting the Seed Sharing the Word of God, specifically about Jesus and the gospel Creating the right environment for growth Cultivating Giving time for the message to grow and mature Not rushing to "close the deal" prematurely Creating the best circumstances for spiritual growth Harvesting Picking the fruit when it's ripe Recognizing when someone is ready to make a decision Creating a "Greenhouse" Environment Evangelistic Bible study approach (5-7 weeks) Elements needed: Word of God, prayer, connection to believers, gifted teachers Research shows significantly higher retention rates with this approach Corporate Evangelism Strategy Churches need a clear process and strategy Leveraging different spiritual gifts within the church body Providing clear pathways for members to connect non-believers Working as a team to reach the community Resources Mentioned Book: "The Soul Winning Church" by J.A. Metters Previous Episode: #17 on the principles of evangelism The Revitalize My Church Podcast releases two episodes each month with the goal of helping churches navigate change and reorient to a new and healthy future.

Lead Your Church Out Of Maintenance ModeSigns Your Church May Be in Maintenance Mode with Dan Reiland Episode Overview In this episode, Bart interviews Dan Reiland, an experienced executive pastor and church leadership coach, about identifying and addressing church stagnation. Dan shares insights from his article "Seven Signs That Your Church May Be In Maintenance Mode" and provides practical guidance for church leaders looking to move their churches forward. Guest Bio Dan Reiland is a veteran executive pastor with over four decades of experience Served as John Maxwell's first and only executive pastor Spent 23 years at Twelve Stone Church in Atlanta Currently transitioning to full-time coaching and consulting Originally studied criminal justice and worked briefly as a private investigator before entering ministry Married for 43 years with two children and three grandchildren Known guitar enthusiast with a collection of 18-19 guitars Key Discussion Points Understanding Maintenance Mode Definition: "An ongoing and unaddressed holding pattern in momentum or attendance" Simplified definition: Being "stuck" Key indicators include:  No longer taking risks Vision isn't compelling or clearly defined Working hard but not making progress Not reaching new people Leadership Self-Evaluation Questions What's my leadership lid? Where do I need to grow? Who's my coach/mentor? How am I a better leader this year than last year? Common Issues in Stuck Churches 1. Emphasizing Discipleship Over Evangelism Churches naturally gravitate toward discipleship Need to maintain balance between discipleship and evangelism Leaders typically lean toward one or the other Must intentionally fight to keep evangelism as a priority 2. Ministry Busyness Many churches try to do too many things Need for a "lean church" model No church can do everything effectively Focus on God's specific "thumbprint" for your church Evaluating and Streamlining Ministries Put a moratorium on new ministries Conduct a ministry audit Evaluate productivity and alignment with vision Question why each ministry exists Consider better alternatives Tips for Making Changes: Go slow Honor people Invite them into something new Accept that meaningful change will create some opposition "If you change something in your church and nobody gets mad, you've just changed something that doesn't matter" Leadership Development vs. Delegation Develop leaders before delegating responsibilities Start with who you have Never underestimate the power of one leader Development takes time - embrace the "awkward zone" Focus on developing a few leaders while handling many tasks Final Encouragement for Church Leaders Ministry is worth it - don't give up What you're doing matters Focus on "one more" - one new leader, one person saved Progress can be incremental God is pleased with faithful progress, even if it's one person at a time Resources Dan's website: danreiland.com Contains articles and...

Episode 17: Show Notes The 6 Core Principles of Effective Church Evangelism - Revitalize My Church Podcast What Are the Most Effective Principles for Church Evangelism and Outreach? In this episode of Revitalize My Church, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant discuss six foundational principles for effective church evangelism. These principles are designed to help church leaders develop a more strategic and sustainable approach to reaching their communities. Why Do Traditional Church Evangelism Methods Often Fail? Nathan shares his early experiences with evangelism, including teaching Evangelism Explosion classes where dozens made decisions for Christ but none became active church members. This led him to develop a more relationship-based, process-oriented approach to evangelism. What Are the Six Core Principles of Effective Church Evangelism? 1. Evangelism is a Process, Not an Event Most people come to faith through a journey rather than a single moment The farming metaphor in the New Testament illustrates this principle God works through multiple touchpoints and interactions over time Events can be part of the process but shouldn't be seen as the whole strategy 2. The Goal is to Make Disciples, Not Just Decisions Focus on helping people understand who Jesus is before asking for a decision Avoid the "get out of hell free" prayer mentality Success is measured by transformed lives, not just prayers prayed Biblical example: Jesus' command was to make disciples, not just converts 3. Evangelism is Most Effective in the Context of Relationships Christians need to be "salt and light" in real relationships Restructure life to naturally engage with non-believers Community involvement creates opportunities for spiritual conversations Balance Christian fellowship with intentional outreach relationships 4. The Primary Message is Relationship with Jesus, Not Heaven and Hell Lead with God's desire for relationship rather than consequences Heaven and hell are real but secondary to the relationship aspect Reference John 17:3 - eternal life is knowing God Focus on adoption into God's family (John 1) 5. God Called the Church, Not Individuals, to Reach the World The Great Commission was given to the disciples collectively Different gifts work together in evangelism just as in other ministries Team approach allows people to use their natural strengths No one person needs to carry the full weight of evangelism 6. We Are Completely Dependent on the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit works through Scripture, people, and circumstances Be sensitive to the Spirit's leading in each situation Methods and scripts are tools, not rigid rules Prayer and spiritual sensitivity should guide outreach efforts How Can Church Leaders Implement These Principles? This episode is part of a four-part series on evangelism and outreach. Future episodes will cover: Exegeting your community Five pillars of effective outreach strategy Engagement and assimilation in the church Download the Evangelism Training Workbook at www.revit...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Hallock, author of "God's Not Done With Your Church," to explore practical strategies for church revitalization and replanting. Mark shares his journey from youth ministry to leading church replanting efforts, and provides valuable insights for churches facing decline. Key Topics Covered: The difference between church revitalization and church replanting Six key indicators of a church's readiness for revitalization:  Recognition of reality Hearts that are humble Commitment to the Bible Desire to reach the community Willingness to do whatever it takes Belief that God can revitalize Understanding partnership levels between healthy and struggling churches The importance of handling change sensitively, especially with long-term members The role of third-party facilitators in church partnerships Notable Quotes: "We're Baptists, we love autonomy all day long... But when you have autonomous churches that radically collaborate, oh look out. The Spirit moves in power." - Mark Hallock Resources Mentioned: Book: "God's Not Done With Your Church" by Mark Hallock https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Not-Done-Your-Church/dp/0998859745 Podcast: "Revitalize and Replant" with Mark Hallock and Mark Cliftonhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2EuV9WcYpiWSE4WOQPWA5T?si=9199209e74294863 About Our Guest: Mark Hallock serves as a pastor in Denver, Colorado, where he has led Calvary Baptist Church of Inglewood from a congregation of 25 people to a thriving church community. He now helps oversee the Calvary Family of Churches, which has been involved in replanting 17 churches that would otherwise have closed their doors. Connect With Mark: Website: https://www.preachleadlove.com/ Church: Calvary Englewood, CO - https://englewood.thecalvary.org/ Revitalize My Church is a podcast dedicated to helping church leaders navigate the challenges of ministry and church revitalization. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.https://www.revitalizemy.church/

Episode 15: Show Notes Episode OverviewIn this insightful episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast, host Bart Blair engages in a deep conversation with Ed Short, a seasoned ministry leader whose experience spans over four decades in pastoral ministry and church consulting. Their discussion provides crucial insights for churches navigating the challenging waters of pastoral transition, with particular emphasis on situations involving the departure of long-tenured leaders. The Foundation: Assessment Before ActionEd Short emphasizes that the key to a successful pastoral transition begins long before the search itself. Churches must first take a careful look inward, assessing their current effectiveness and understanding their unique cultural dynamics. This period of self-reflection allows the church leadership to dream about future direction and develop a clear vision for where they want to go. Without this crucial groundwork, churches risk making hasty decisions that could lead to unsuccessful pastoral placements. The Modern Search ProcessGone are the days when finding a new pastor was as simple as posting a generic job description. Today's effective search process requires a comprehensive approach that goes far beyond basic qualifications. Ed discusses the importance of creating detailed, specific job postings that clearly communicate both the church's current reality and future aspirations. He strongly advocates for the use of multiple assessment tools, including the Working Genius assessment, DISC profiles, and spiritual gifts inventories, to ensure a thorough understanding of potential candidates. Building Chemistry and Relationships One of the most overlooked aspects of the pastoral search process is the importance of relationship building during the candidating phase. Ed shares valuable insights about moving beyond formal interviews to create opportunities for genuine connection. He recommends including extended visits that involve both the candidate and their spouse, suggesting activities that allow for natural interaction and conversation. These informal settings often reveal more about potential fit than traditional interview questions ever could. The Compensation Conversation The discussion takes a practical turn as Ed and Bart address the often sensitive topic of pastoral compensation. They emphasize the importance of creating packages that allow pastors to focus fully on ministry without financial stress. The conversation includes thoughtful considerations about cost of living differences between locations and the importance of basing compensation on skills and experience rather than family size. They challenge churches to think generously about their overall package while acknowledging the real constraints many congregations face. Creating Healthy Transitions The final portion of the episode focuses on best practices for managing the actual transition between pastors. Ed strongly recommends considering a temporary break for departing long-term pastors, suggesting a 9-12 month period away from the church. This approach gives new leadership space to establish relationships and build trust before implementing changes. He emphasizes the critical importance of the first year, encouraging new pastors to focus on relationship building rather than immediate vision casting. About Ed Short Ed brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, having served as a Lead Pastor for 25 years, along with roles as...

Bart highlights 5 books to read in 2025 to help you revitalize your church!   1. Canoeing the Mountains - Tod Bolsinger Subtitle: Christian Leadership in Uncharted TerritoryThink of Lewis and Clark showing up at the Rocky Mountains with canoes - that's exactly what it feels like trying to lead a church today with methods that worked decades ago. Tod shows us how to adapt when our old playbook isn't working anymore, mixing practical leadership wisdom with deep spiritual insights about leading change in uncharted territory. “Most of our congregations are filled with people who are blessed by what was done in the past. Leadership today is most effective, not by the way we solve problems, but by the questions we ask.” HOW WILL WE GET OVER THESE MOUNTAINS? 2. Reclaiming Glory - Mark Clifton Subtitle: Creating a Gospel Legacy Throughout North AmericanIf your church has struggled you’ve and wondered if there's still hope, Mark Clifton's "Reclaiming Glory" is going to give you both the inspiration and the practical steps to believe again. Drawing from his real-world experience revitalizing struggling churches in Kansas City, Mark walks you through exactly how to help a declining church rediscover its mission and become a vibrant presence in its community again. “A replanting pastor is seeking to reclaim ground for God’s glory, ground that has been under enemy control for years - if not decades. Changing music style, adding coffee and updating your outdoor signage won’t get the job done. This ground will only be won back by prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit and real hand-to-hand spiritual combat.” 3. Our Iceberg is Melting - John Kotter Subtitle: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions Here's a bunch of penguins living on an iceberg who discover their home is about to melt, which is basically the perfect story to understand why change in your church is so urgent right now. Just like these penguins had to convince their colony to move before disaster struck, Kotter's fable shows leaders how to help their people understand why staying put in old ways isn't an option anymore and how to get everyone moving in a new direction together. WELCOME: Handle the challenge of change well and you will prosper. Handle it poorly and you put yourself and others at risk. 4. What Healthy Churches Do - Bart Blair Subtitle: 3 Things Healthy Churches Do and the Fuels That Sustain Them Make Disciples. Grow Disciples. Send Disciples.Just like your body needs healthy circulatory, nervous, and respiratory systems to thrive, I...

In this episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant discuss the importance of cascading communication and maintaining unity when leading a church through revitalization. They emphasize that getting agreement and buy-in from core leaders, mid-level leaders, and key influencers before announcing major changes to the entire congregation is critical for success. Nathan advises meeting with each leadership group multiple times to allow people with different personalities and decision-making styles time to process proposed changes. He also recommends engaging potential holdouts individually to understand their concerns. Both hosts stress the need to cast a compelling vision of a preferred future to get people excited about changes, rather than just announcing what will be different. Bart believes that Jesus is honored most when pastors recognize their dual calling to reach the lost and shepherd the saved. He encourages pastors, especially those with an evangelistic bent, to invest time and care into the existing congregation during a revitalization. Nathan advises having a thorough communication plan and taking a slower approach than most pastors would prefer in order to bring as many people along as possible. The episode concludes with an appeal from 1 Corinthians 1:10, where Paul urges the church to "agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." The hosts encourage listeners that their church can be unified in following God's leading to have a greater Kingdom impact in their community.

In this illuminating episode of Revitalize My Church, Build Groups founder Adam Ehrlichman shares his expertise on developing effective small group ministries. Drawing from his experience of doubling group participation at multiple churches, Ehrlichman introduces a practical six-part framework for small groups success: discover, develop, deploy, connect, coach, and care. The conversation explores how churches can successfully integrate small groups alongside Sunday School programs, with each ministry serving unique but complementary purposes. Ehrlichman emphasizes the importance of proper leader development, warning against the common mistake of placing leaders before preparing them. Particularly valuable is his insight into how small groups impact overall church health, from increased giving to improved volunteer engagement. Whether you're considering launching small groups or strengthening an existing ministry, this episode provides clear, actionable strategies for building sustainable group communities that foster deeper discipleship and authentic relationships.

In this episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant discuss the importance of clear church governance and polity in revitalization efforts. Many struggling churches face challenges related to leadership structure, accountability, and decision-making processes. These issues can hinder progress and make it difficult for churches to move forward in a unified direction.The conversation begins by addressing common scenarios churches face, such as long-time influential elders resisting change, constitutions that no longer serve the current needs of the church, and a lack of clarity regarding the pastor's role and authority. Bryant emphasizes the importance of the elder board operating as a unified front, even if there are disagreements during the decision-making process. He shares an example of a church where an elder stepped down after recognizing his vision did not align with the rest of the board, allowing the church to move forward.Blair and Bryant discuss the need for flexibility when it comes to church constitutions, as they were written to provide guidance but should not hinder the church's ability to function effectively. They encourage churches to view their constitution as a tool to serve the church rather than the church serving the constitution.Bryant then outlines a four-team polity structure that can help churches navigate governance and decision-making:1. College of Elders: A group of spiritually qualified men who provide leadership and guidance to the church. The elder board, consisting of 3-7 members, is a subset of this college and is responsible for approving decisions and holding the church in trust.2. Executive Team: Led by the lead pastor, this small team (2-3 people) helps execute the vision and handle daily operations of the church.3. Ministry Team Leaders: These individuals oversee various ministries within the church and are accountable to the executive team.4. Church Members: Congregants who serve on one of the above teams to support the church body.The hosts also address the role of women in church leadership, acknowledging that while their particular church context has male elders and pastors, women can contribute significantly to the health and effectiveness of the church through roles on the executive team, as ministry leaders, and on ad hoc vision teams.For pastors looking to develop elders, Blair and Bryant recommend investing in and discipling key men in the church from the outset, implementing an elder training track, and learning from other churches that have successfully navigated this process. They stress the importance of having strong, local spiritual leadership to support the pastor and share the burden of decision-making.The episode concludes with a reminder that the primary purpose of elders is to ensure that lost people are being saved and saved people are being discipled, as seen in the early church (Acts 6:1-7). While practical matters like finances and facilities are important, they should not be the sole focus of elder meetings. By structuring the church leadership team effectively, elders can delegate responsibilities and maintain their focus on advancing God's kingdom.Bible Passages:- Acts 6:1-7 - The appointment of deacons to serve the needs of the church- 1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for elders

In this engaging conversation, Eric Hoke discusses his journey from traditional full-time ministry to becoming a co-vocational pastor and author of "Market Street Pastor." The discussion centers on the crucial distinction between bivocational ministry (working another job temporarily until full-time ministry becomes viable) and co-vocational ministry (intentionally maintaining both church and marketplace roles as a long-term strategy). Hoke shares his experience planting All Saints Church in the Bronx, where financial realities led him to discover the unexpected benefits of co-vocational ministry. These benefits include better community connection, increased lay leader involvement, and improved pastoral sustainability. He notes that co-vocational pastors often demonstrate greater longevity in ministry, partly because their regular engagement outside church walls provides healthy perspective and balance. The conversation addresses common concerns about co-vocational ministry, particularly the fear that it represents failure or inability to succeed in full-time ministry. Hoke challenges this perception, emphasizing that pastors possess valuable transferable skills—including communication, leadership, and project management—that are highly valued in the marketplace. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on practical implementation, addressing the crucial question of how pastors can balance church responsibilities with full-time employment. Hoke emphasizes that success requires a fundamental paradigm shift: rather than trying to maintain traditional pastoral duties while working another job, churches must embrace a team approach where responsibilities are thoughtfully delegated among church leaders and members. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective, suggesting that co-vocational ministry may become increasingly common in Western churches. Hoke encourages church leaders to proactively consider this model, not as a compromise but as a strategic approach to sustainable ministry that better engages the entire church body in its mission. For those interested in exploring co-vocational ministry, Hoke offers resources through his website ihelpastorsgetjobs.com, including his book and weekly newsletter. Key Topics: Eric's background and journey from full-time ministry to co-vocational ministry in NYC Understanding the difference between bivocational and co-vocational ministry Common objections to co-vocational ministry and how to address them Identifying transferable skills from ministry to marketplace Managing time and responsibilities as a co-vocational pastor Key Takeaways: Co-vocational ministry is a long-term strategy where pastors maintain both church and marketplace roles Bivocational ministry is typically a temporary arrangement until full-time ministry becomes viable Co-vocational pastors often report better work-life balance and longevity in ministry Churches need to shift from depending solely on paid staff to activating the whole congregationPastors have many transferable skills including communication, leadership, and project management Resources Mentioned: Market Street Pastor (Eric Hoke's book) ihelpastorsgetjobs.com The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter Guest Information: Eric Hoke is the founder of ihelpastorsgetjobs.com and author of "Market Street Pastor." After serving as a youth pastor and executive pastor, he planted All Saints Church in the Bronx, where he discovered the benefits of...

In this episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant discuss the fifth "big rock" of church revitalization - launching the new vision and plan. They explain that while "launch" can refer to a specific kickoff Sunday service, it's really a season of putting all the pieces of the plan in place and beginning to implement them. Just as the Israelites built the tabernacle in stages and conquered the Promised Land in phases, and NASA conducts extensive preparations before a space launch, a church must do a lot of groundwork before the public "launch" of their revitalized ministry. This includes getting ministry teams and leaders in place, promoting the church in the community, setting up the children's ministry, preparing the worship service and sermons, developing an integration pathway for new people, and more.The hosts emphasize that the vision team who developed the plan are not necessarily the ones who will lead the implementation. The plan must first be approved by the elders and rolled out to the whole church to get their buy-in. Then the critical first step is identifying and empowering the right leaders and teams to execute the various components of the plan. Outreach is a top priority to begin engaging the community. However, equally important is having an integration pathway ready to welcome and follow up with new people. The initial components of the discipleship pathway, especially a clear plan for evangelism and a new believers class, must also be in place.While a specific launch Sunday gives everyone a goal to work towards, the "launch" is really a 90-day season of building momentum. An initial kickoff Sunday should be followed by several weeks of outreach-focused services and events to keep engaging newcomers, followed by "in-reach" focused services to help retain them. Then another outreach focused series and finally leveraging the Christmas season to connect with even more people.As the analogy of a space launch illustrates, different "thrusters" are needed for different phases. The initial booster rockets get the rocket launched, then separate as another set of engines propels it forward. In the same way, a church may leverage certain outreach events or sermon series in the initial launch phase, then shift to an integration focus to propel the church forward in the next phase.The goal is not just to have a single exciting "launch Sunday" but to be fully prepared to love, welcome and guide the new people God will send. As the Lord stirs people's hearts to visit the church, it is a sacred stewardship to be ready to provide them an excellent experience and purposefully move them towards a relationship with Jesus. Getting ready for a "launch" is like preparing to host a big party at your house. You need to clean the house, set the table, bake the cake and have everything in order before you open the door and invite guests in. In the same way, before promoting itself to the community, a church needs to "clean house" by making any needed cosmetic improvements to its facility, "set the table" by developing a warm and welcoming culture, and "bake the cake" by putting the discipleship pathway and ministry systems in place to help new people grow in Christ. Then it can confidently open the doors and invite the community in.The hosts conclude by reiterating that launching a revitalized ministry is not about perfection but readiness in the key areas. It's not just cosmetic changes but a heart change - aligning the church culturally and practically to reach the people Jesus died for. That's the ultimate goal of church revitalization.Bible passages cited:- Israelites building the tabernacle (Exodus 35-40)- Israelites conquering the Promised Land (Book of Joshua) - Story of Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22)...