The Church Revitalization Podcast

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/239 In this episode titled hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu dive into the complex interplay between faith and politics. As pastors grapple with navigating the uncertain and divisive landscape of an election year, they'll explore the keys to effectively communicating God's word without turning the church into a political battleground. Join us as we discuss the balance between biblical preaching and addressing contemporary issues, the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of heaven, and the responsibility of cultivating a biblical worldview within the church. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will equip and enlighten pastors and church leaders on communicating God's word in the midst of a politically charged atmosphere.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/238 In Episode 238, we delve into the topic of church size and why God uses the underdog to make a big impact. Join hosts Scott Ball & A.J. Mathieu as they discuss the neutral nature of church size and emphasize the significance of church health in fulfilling the mission. They share examples of small churches making significant local impacts and encourage pastors of all church sizes to utilize resources to fulfill God's plan for the global church. The hosts also reflect on the challenges faced by their organization and issue a call for support to continue their global church revitalization efforts. Tune in as they draw inspiration from the story of Gideon and explore how God uses small beginnings to achieve great things, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God's power and alignment with His will for success, rather than numbers

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/237 Welcome to Episode 237 of the Church Revitalization Podcast! In this episode, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu explore the crucial question of "Who Should Join Your Strategic Planning Team?" They emphasize the importance of building committed teams to implement new visions and initiatives in church revitalization. From assembling the right mix of individuals to the practical steps for effective strategic planning, Scott and A.J. provide valuable insights into creating sustainable change within church communities. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of forming a strategic planning team that fosters growth, unity, and a shared vision for your church's future.

Welcome to The Church Revitalization Podcast! In this episode, hosts A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball delve into the topic of "Developing a Discipleship Pathway for Kids & Students." They discuss the importance of focusing on the younger generation in churches, sharing insights on how to integrate children and student ministries into the overall discipleship pathway of the church. Through honest conversations and practical examples, the hosts underscore the need for intentional and age-appropriate ministry, stressing that the discipleship outcomes should remain consistent across different age groups. Join us as we explore the vital intersection of discipleship, ministry, and the younger members of our congregations.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/235 In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu dive into the critical topic of succession planning in the church. From biblical foundations to practical insights, they explore the importance of preparing for leadership transitions, and the impact of unexpected events on church leadership. By sharing examples and discussing best practices, they emphasize the need for humility, planning, and the role of the departing leader in ensuring a smooth transition. Tune in as they unravel the significance of succession planning and its impact on the mission and stability of the church.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/234 Welcome to Episode 234 of The Church Revitalization Podcast, where we explore the pressing issues facing congregations in North America. In this episode, hosts A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball delve into the alarming demographic cliff facing churches with a shortage of younger pastors to fill the shoes of retiring senior leaders. They investigate the financial and educational barriers hindering younger pastors from pursuing ministry, and valiantly propose practical solutions to address this critical issue. Join us as we unravel the challenges and opportunities for church revitalization in the face of this impending crisis.

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/233 Welcome to the Church Revitalization Podcast, where we equip church leaders with essential strategies to ensure their churches thrive. In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu engage in a candid conversation about the common failure point in church revitalization processes. They explore the critical aspects of planning and implementing changes within the church, stressing the significance of follow-through and accountability. The hosts shed light on the importance of ongoing meetings to maintain momentum and keep the focus on the end goals. Additionally, they offer valuable insights into navigating pushback from individuals within the church, highlighting the need to address concerns while staying true to the mission and vision. Moreover, Scott and A.J. underscore the value of seeking external support to guide church leaders through the challenges of implementation, emphasizing the impact of having an experienced ally to provide validation and confidence in the midst of change. If you're looking for actionable advice and key strategies to overcome the common pitfalls in church revitalization, this episode is a must-listen. Join Scott and A.J. as they unpack practical approaches to ensure successful implementation on your church's revitalization journey.

Join this special episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, where host Scott Ball interviews Build Groups founder and the author of Group Leader Training, Adam Erlichman. In this episode, we dove deep into all things Groups Ministry. We explored what makes a Groups ministry thrive, how can impact the overall health and growth of your church, and the biggest challenges that prevent churches from having an impactful Groups ministry. The advice is incredibly practical—whether you have a small groups or Sunday school approach. Read the full show notes and enjoy a bonus article from Adam Erlichman at https://malphursgroup.com/232

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/231 Welcome to The Church Revitalization Podcast! In this episode, A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball dive into the crucial topic of what to know before hiring a church consultant. Drawing from their experience in church consulting, they provide valuable insights for churches considering this important decision. Acknowledging their own involvement in the church consulting space, the hosts aim to offer genuine advice to help churches navigate the complexities of working with consultants. From theological alignment and the importance of a balanced approach to the significance of clear consulting processes and implementation coaching, they cover a wide range of essential considerations. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable knowledge on forming empowered leadership teams, the role of assessments in the church revitalization process, and the necessity of maintaining good decision-making based on sound information. A.J. and Scott express the importance of maintaining theological alignment, shared goals, and building genuine relationships in the church setting. Tune in as the hosts recap 10 key factors to consider when hiring a church consultant and discuss upcoming guide training opportunities. For further insights and resources, be sure to visit https://malphursgroup.com/231 for additional show notes and an informative article. Whether you're a church leader seeking guidance or simply interested in the intricate world of church revitalization, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help navigate the process of hiring a church consultant.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/230 This episode dives into the crucial role of vision indicators in guiding your church towards its mission and vision, akin to navigating a ship with a clear compass in the vast ocean of ministry. Discover the art of selecting, implementing, and refining vision indicators that are not only measurable but deeply impactful and aligned with each step of your discipleship pathway. Learn about the importance of focusing on output-oriented measures to truly gauge the effectiveness of your church's efforts and how these indicators can inspire strategic action within your congregation. Scott and A.J. will share practical advice on developing effective vision indicators, highlight inspiring examples, and discuss strategies for ensuring these indicators remain relevant and continue to drive meaningful progress towards your church's goals. Whether you're looking to establish new vision indicators or revitalize existing ones, this episode is packed with insights to help your church navigate its journey with confidence and clarity. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes on church leadership, strategic planning, and transformative insights for church revitalization. Share this episode with fellow church leaders and join the conversation on steering congregations towards vibrant growth and impactful ministry. #ChurchRevitalizationPodcast #TheMalphursGroup #ChurchGrowth #VisionIndicators #ChurchLeadership #StrategicPlanning

Join us in Episode 229 of the Church Revitalization Podcast as we dissect the latest Lifeway Research on baptism trends within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and discuss the implications of declining membership numbers. With a significant 46% increase in baptisms over the past two years, we dive into what this means for the SBC amidst an overall downward trend in membership, now standing at 13,223,122 in 2023. 🔹 What We Cover: 🔹 Engage With Us: We're eager to hear your perspective! Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below. How is your church adapting to these challenges? 🎧 Full show notes available at malphursgroup.com/229 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on church growth and revitalization.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/228 Explore the multifaceted journey of becoming a church consultant in Episode 228 of the Church Revitalization Podcast with hosts Scott Ball & A.J. Mathieu. This episode delves into the rewarding aspects of church consulting, such as witnessing transformation, leveraging entrepreneurial skills, and deepening your love for the church. It also addresses the challenges, including the commitment required and the competitive landscape. Join us for an insightful discussion that balances the highs and lows of church consultancy, offering a comprehensive perspective for those considering this path.

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/227 Dive into Episode 227 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosted by The Malphurs Group, as we tackle the essential topic of vision in church leadership. "Where Are We Going? Answering the Vision Question" unravels the complexities of establishing a clear and shared vision within the church community. We address the three prevalent vision challenges: absence, lack of communication, and resistance to vision, providing practical solutions for each. This episode emphasizes the significance of collaborative vision-casting, led by pastors but enriched by ministry leaders, to ensure alignment with God’s Word and congregation engagement. Join us for a concise exploration of transforming vision obstacles into opportunities for growth and unity within your church. Perfect for church leaders seeking to navigate vision-related challenges and inspire a collective journey towards a compelling future.

Dive into Episode 226 of the Church Revitalization Podcast with Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, brought to you by The Malphurs Group, as we dissect the critical dynamics between primary and secondary ministries within the church. This episode shines a light on how these ministries intertwine to fulfill the church's mission of disciple-making and spiritual growth. Learn the key distinctions that set primary ministries apart as the cornerstone of spiritual development, and discover how secondary ministries play a supportive role, enhancing the discipleship pathway without overshadowing the primary focus. We'll also tackle the common pitfalls that churches face, including the challenges of communication, the lifecycle of ministries, and the phenomenon of program creep, providing practical insights and strategies to navigate these issues effectively. Join us in this compelling conversation as we explore the delicate balance and strategic alignment of church ministries to maximize impact and foster a thriving spiritual community. For more insightful discussions on church leadership, growth strategies, and pastoral insights, subscribe to The Church Revitalization Podcast and join us in our mission to empower church leaders and bring revitalization to communities worldwide. Learn more by reading the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/226

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/225 In this enlightening episode, our hosts Scott Ball & A.J. Mathieu delve deep into the vital role of discipleship in the church's mission, as mandated by the Great Commission. 🌟 Key Highlights: Understanding DiscipleshipEdification and TransformationIntegrating EvangelismBuilding an Effective PathwayThe Positive Feedback LoopThe Church's True Mission

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/224 In this enlightening and engaging video, we delve deep into the heart of what makes a ministry truly impactful and transformative. Join us as we explore the four essential types of core values that are pivotal to the health and effectiveness of any church or ministry. 🔹 What You'll Learn: Actual Discipleship ValuesAspirational Discipleship ValuesUnique ValuesAnti-Values 🔸 Why Watch? ✨ Don't Forget:

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/223 Welcome to Episode 223 of the Church Revitalization Podcast! In today's insightful episode, we delve deep into the heart of church mission statements, exploring their critical role in guiding and defining the purpose of a church community. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: Understanding the Mandate of the Church: We kick off with a thought-provoking discussion on the fundamental mandate of the Church, exploring how our understanding shapes our mission and actions. The Great Commission - Core of the Mission Statement: Delving into Matthew 28:19-20, we analyze how the Great Commission serves as the essential foundation for a compelling mission statement, emphasizing the need to make and mature disciples as a primary mission. Balancing the Great Commission and the Great Commandment: We tackle the often-discussed balance between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22). Discover how focusing on the Great Commission inherently fulfills the command to love God and love people. Articulation and Clarity in Mission Statements: How well does your mission statement communicate the dual aspects of the Great Commission? We explore the importance of clear articulation and understanding in crafting an effective mission statement. Simplicity and Memorability: Understand why a mission statement must be simple and memorable, resonating with your church’s culture and language, and how this impacts the engagement of your congregation. Application and Practicality: We discuss the crucial aspect of not just having a mission statement but actively using it to guide all church ministries and activities. Learn how to align your church's actions with its stated mission. 🔍 In this Episode, You'll Discover:

Welcome to Episode 222 of The Church Revitalization Podcast, brought to you by The Malphurs Group. In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the transformative world of leadership pipelines and how they can lead to unprecedented growth and vitality in your church community. Are you struggling with leadership shortages, undefined roles, or stagnant growth within your ministry? Discover the five essential strategies to overcome these common challenges and unlock the full potential of your church leadership. We discuss the importance of defining a clear leadership philosophy, implementing a consistent development process, and taking decisive steps to establish a robust leadership pipeline. Highlights of this episode include: - Understanding the critical need for a leadership pipeline in church growth. - How to identify and develop core competencies in your church leaders. - The significance of continuous improvement and training in leadership development. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and actionable advice shared in this episode. Whether you're a seasoned church leader or just beginning your ministry journey, these strategies are designed to empower and revitalize your church's leadership dynamic. For complete details and additional resources, make sure to visit the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/222. Also, discover how you can join our upcoming Leadership Pipeline Cohort and start making a real difference in your ministry today by visiting The Malphurs Group Leadership Pipeline Cohort: https://malphursgroup.com/pipeline-cohort Subscribe to The Church Revitalization Podcast for more episodes on church leadership, growth strategies, and pastoral insights. Join us in our mission to empower church leaders and bring revitalization to communities worldwide.

Get the full show notes: https://malphursgroup.com/221 In Episode 221 of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we delve into overcoming knowledge biases in church leadership, and how they're holding your church leadership back. Learn about effective communication, intentional leadership training, and creating a lifelong learning culture within church teams. This episode offers valuable insights for any church leader seeking to enhance team cohesion and effectiveness.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/220 In this pivotal episode, we confront the sobering reality of church decline across the U.S. With a focus on the Faith Communities Today survey's stark findings, we unravel the causes behind the drop from 137 attendees in 2000 to just 65 in recent years. This episode is more than a statistical analysis; it's a clarion call for churches to reevaluate and reignite their core mission, especially in the realm of evangelism. We dissect the concerning trend of declining evangelistic focus and its profound impact on church health. Discover actionable strategies to reverse this trend, with insights into modern evangelism tactics like digital outreach, relational evangelism, and community engagement. Tune in for a deep dive into how churches can adapt, innovate, and revitalize their impact in today's world. An essential listen for church leaders, members, and anyone passionate about the future of faith communities.