Revitalize and Replant

In this episode, the hosts discuss cringey things worship leaders have said, such as inviting God to be present, asking if everyone is ready to have fun, and introducing old hymns as 'dusted off oldies'. They emphasize the importance of creating an atmosphere for genuine worship and focusing on connecting with God rather than impressing people.

Adversity is a gift to remind us that we are insufficient for this work. Adversity is a gift to manifest the life of Jesus through His servants. Adversity is a gift to bring life to your congregation. Adversity is a gift to prepare us for eternity. Resources mentioned on this episode: Facing Snarls and Scowls: Preaching through apathy, adversity, and hostility in church revitalization by Brian Croft & James B. Carrol Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast explores the challenges of preaching in church revitalization, emphasizing the importance of biblical preaching and the transformative power it holds. It encourages pastors to listen to valuable insights from those who don't like their preaching, embrace evaluation, and focus on exalting Christ. The significance of preaching the Word faithfully and trusting in God's transformative power is highlighted.

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson back to the podcast. Jared is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this episode, they discuss how nostalgia can be a trap for churches in revitalization. Resources mentioned: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-beauty-and-burden-of-nostalgia/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sooner or later, most pastors will encounter a suicide. How do you minister to a family after they have experienced a suicide by a loved one? Acknowledge fears. Be available. Be a good listener. Defuse guilt. Offer practical support. Suggest counseling. Pray with them and for them often. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/ministry-deacon-reaching-out-following-suicide Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of suicides in our culture, particularly among younger people. Sooner or later, you will likely encounter a suicide in your ministry. Humanity is totally depraved. A Christian can commit any sin except the unforgivable one. Christ’s atonement forgives all sins past and future. David took Uriah’s life without invalidating his salvation. We must factor in the emotional distress and lack of clarity at the moment of suicide. It is an irrational act to be sure, but all sin is irrational. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/can-a-christian-commit-suicide/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every church needs volunteers. And many churches struggle to find enough volunteers to fill all the needed spots. The guys discuss an article by Chuck Peters on recruiting volunteers. Stop leading with need and obligation. Communicate a clear and compelling “why.” Clarify expectations. Give them an in and an out. Make it personal. Resources mentioned on this episode: https://research.lifeway.com/2022/03/16/a-new-approach-to-volunteers-5-tips-for-getting-a-yes-in-a-culture-of-no/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast explores the five major challenges facing churches in 2023, including significant decline, aging leaders and congregations, resistance to change, changing worship experiences, and exhausted pastors.

Mark and Dan welcome Jared Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Author in Residence, and General Editor of For The Church at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to the podcast. In this episode, they discuss Jared’s new book, Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Factors contributing to children leaving their faith, importance of dad's involvement, emphasizing family engagement, daily scripture reading, connecting church and family, addressing real-life issues, and individualized shepherding, strategies to engage the next generation in the church.