Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer artwork

Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer

383 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 244 ratings

Featuring Thom Rainer, Mark Clifton, and Kevin Ezell, Revitalize & Replant is presented by the North American Mission Board. Revitalize & Replant is a weekly discussion on church revitalization and replanting.

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Episodes

Defining Success in a Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 2: Why Numerical Growth Is Not Always the Best Indicator of Success

June 09, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

We often hear from church leaders who desire to know exactly what success looks like in a church revitalization. The word "success" is loaded and tends to evoke a lot of emotions. In this three-part series, Mark and Thom provide clarity and guidance about this term. In the second episode, they look at why numerical growth is not always a measure of church revitalization success. The post Defining Success in a Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 2: Why Numerical Growth Is Not A...

Defining Success in a Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 1: Four Myths of Church Revitalization Success

June 02, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

We often hear from church leaders who desire to know exactly what success looks like in a church revitalization. The word "success" is loaded and tends to evoke a lot of emotions. In this three-part series, Mark and Thom provide clarity and guidance about this term. In the first episode, they look at myths of church revitalization success. The post Defining Success in a Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 1: Four Myths of Church Revitalization Success appeared first on Church ...

How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 3: Five Specific Actions in Growing Churches in a Post-COVID World

May 26, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the new research from Church Answers detailing how churches are growing since the pandemic. In this third part, they provide an overview of five of the key actions churches are taking to grow in a post-COVID world. The post How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 3: Five Specific Actions in Growing Churches in a Post-COVID World appeared first on Church Answers.

How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 2: The Attitudinal Shift in Growing Churches in a Post-COVID World

May 19, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at new research from Church Answers detailing how churches are growing since the pandemic. In this second part, they provide insights into the attitudes of leaders among the growing churches. The post How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 2: The Attitudinal Shift in Growing Churches in a Post-COVID World appeared first on Church Answers.

How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 1: The Churches That Are Not Growing

May 12, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at new research from Church Answers detailing how churches are growing since the pandemic. In this first part, they provide an overview of the research and the primary characteristics of the "other" churches -- churches that are declining. The post How Churches Are Growing in a Post-COVID World – Part 1: The Churches That Are Not Growing appeared first on Church Answers.

Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 3 of 3

May 05, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

In this three-part series, Mark and Thom look at nine of the greatest fears of those leading church revitalization. These issues apply to those already leading revitalization and those considering revitalization. They will do a deep dive on three issues in this special series. The post Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 3 of 3 appeared first on Church Answers.

Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization – A Three-Part Series – Part 2 of 3

April 28, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this three-part series, Mark and Thom look at nine of the greatest fears of those leading church revitalization. These issues apply to those already leading revitalization and those considering revitalization. They will do a deep dive on three issues in this special series. The post Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization – A Three-Part Series – Part 2 of 3 appeared first on Church Answers.

Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization – Part 1 of 3 – Overcoming the Fears of Failure, Comparisons, and Loneliness

April 21, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

In this three-part series, Mark and Thom look at nine of the greatest fears of those leading church revitalization. These issues apply to those already leading revitalization and those considering revitalization. They will do a deep dive on three issues in each of the next three episodes. The post Overcoming the 9 Greatest Fears in Church Revitalization – Part 1 of 3 – Overcoming the Fears of Failure, Comparisons, and Loneliness appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Increase Income in a Revitalization – A Three-Part Series – Part 3: The Really Big Garage Sale

April 14, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

One of the most common questions we get in church revitalization is: "How can we get extra funding to help our church? In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at three ways to get extra income that are not often utilized by churches. In part 3, they examine the idea of the church having a massive garage sale. The post How to Increase Income in a Revitalization – A Three-Part Series – Part 3: The Really Big Garage Sale appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Increase Income in a Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 2: The Stewardship of Planned Giving

April 07, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

One of the most common questions we get in church revitalization is: "How can we get extra funding to help our church? In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at three ways to get extra income that are not often utilized by churches. In part 2, they examine the idea of planned giving in the church. The post How to Increase Income in a Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 2: The Stewardship of Planned Giving appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Increase Income in a Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 1: Leasing Part of the Church Facility

March 31, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

One of the most common questions we get in church revitalization is: "How can we get extra funding to help our church? In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at three ways to get extra income that are not often utilized by churches. In part 1, they examine the idea of leasing part of the church facility. The post How to Increase Income in a Revitalization: A Three-Part Series – Part 1: Leasing Part of the Church Facility appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Rarely Articulated Consequences of COVID for Churches

March 24, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

There is a plethora of information about churches facing a new pace of change due to COVID. There are many conversations about attendance declines. In this episode, Kevin and Thom look at five consequences for churches that don't get much attention. You might be surprised. The post Five Rarely Articulated Consequences of COVID for Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

The Four Most Common Reasons for Attendance Decline in 2022

March 17, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Based on trends in 2021 and thus far in 2022, Kevin and Thom are able to pinpoint some key characteristics of churches that are in decline in 2022. The post The Four Most Common Reasons for Attendance Decline in 2022 appeared first on Church Answers.

Part 3 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “I Overestimated My Leadership Ability, but I am Afraid to Admit It”

March 10, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this third of three episodes, they examine the challenge of realizing you aren't the leader you thought you were. The post Part 3 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “I Overestimated My Leadership Ability, but I am Afraid to Admit It” appeared first on Church Answers.

Part 2 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “My Denomination Does Not Support our Church”

March 03, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this second of three episodes, they examine the challenge a revitalization leader has when he thinks the denomination or network is not supportive. The post Part 2 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “My Denomination Does Not Support our Church” appeared first on Church Answers.

Part 1 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “My Spouse is Ready to Leave the Church, but I’m Not”

February 24, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

Mark and Thom look at some of the unspoken but very real issues in church revitalization. They confront the reality of the issue and then offer a pathway to deal with it. In this first of three episodes, they examine the challenge when a spouse wants to leave a church but the pastor or staff member does not. The post Part 1 of 3: Elephants in the Room in Revitalization – “My Spouse is Ready to Leave the Church, but I’m Not” appeared first on Church Answers.

Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 3 of 3: Leading Members to Higher Commitment

February 17, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this third of three episodes, they explain how to move church members to higher commitment. The post Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 3 of 3: Leading Members to Higher Commitment appeared first on Church Answe...

Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 2 of 3: Leading Leaders to Higher Commitment

February 10, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this second of three episodes, they explain how to move leaders to higher commitment. The post Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 2 of 3: Leading Leaders to Higher Commitment appeared first on Church Answers.

Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 1 of 3: How Low-Commitment Churches Got That Way

February 03, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB

Kevin and Thom look at a common issue facing many churches: low commitment of church members. They take you on a three-part journey that both explains the reasons for the low commitment and ways your church can move to higher commitments. In this first of three episodes, they examine the background of how churches go this way. The post Leading a Low-Commitment Church to Become a High Commitment Church – Episode 1 of 3: How Low-Commitment Churches Got That Way appeared first on Church Answer...

When Church Leaders Fight Depression – Dear Pastor: When You Are Battling Depression – Part 3 of 3

January 27, 2022 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this third of three podcasts, Mark and Thom address pastors directly about this issue, urging them to get help even when it goes against their normal disposition. The post When Church Leaders Fight Depression – Dear Pastor: When You Are Battling Depression – Part 3 of 3 appeared first on Church Answers.

When Church Leaders Fight Depression: A Message to Church Members about Pastors and Depression – Part 2 of 3

January 20, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this second of three podcasts, Mark and Thom address church members directly about this issue, urging them to be proactive in helping their pastors and other church leaders. The post When Church Leaders Fight Depression: A Message to Church Members about Pastors and Depression – Part 2 of 3 appeared first on Church Answers.

When Church Leaders Fight Depression – A Three-Part Series – Part 1: ​​Why Depression Is More Common in Church Leaders Today

January 13, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

Mark and Thom discuss the painful issue of depression among pastors and other church staff. In many ways, it has become an epidemic and must be addressed. In this first of three podcasts, they share why depression is a growing malady among these leaders. The post When Church Leaders Fight Depression – A Three-Part Series – Part 1: ​​Why Depression Is More Common in Church Leaders Today appeared first on Church Answers.

So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 3: How to Prepare Your Church to Replant Another Church

January 06, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MB

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part three, they look at the issue of how your church can be better prepared to adopt or replant another church. The post So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 3: How to Prepare Your Church to Rep...

So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 2: Common Questions You Will Hear When You Talk to a Church about Being Replanted

December 30, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part two, they look at some common questions you will hear from church members if they are considering being replanted. The post So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 2: Common Questions You Will ...

So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 1: Where Do We Find a Church That Wants to Be Replanted?

December 23, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Many churches are considering replanting or adopting churches as a strategy to reach a larger community or communities. In this three-part series, Kevin and Thom look at the more common topics and questions from church leaders who desire to move forward. In part one, they look at perhaps the most common question: Where do we find a church that wants to be replanted? The post So, Your Church Wants to Replant a Church? A Three-Part Podcast Series – Part 1: Where Do We Find a Church That Want...

How to Recover from Failure in a Church – Part 3 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final

December 16, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this third episode of three, they discuss how church leaders can recover from failure and use the failure for their growth and God's glory. The post How to Recover from Failure in a Church – Part 3 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final appeared first on Church Answers.

When You Fail in a Church – Part 2 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final

December 09, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this second episode of three, they discuss the reality of failure and what it means. The post When You Fail in a Church – Part 2 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final appeared first on Church Answers.

When You Get Fired or Pushed Out of a Church – Part 1 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final

December 02, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Mark and Thom look at the issue of perceived failure in ministry and share why failure is rarely final. In this first episode of three, they discuss the painful issue of being fired in ministry. The post When You Get Fired or Pushed Out of a Church – Part 1 of a 3 Part Series: Why Failure in Ministry Is Not Final appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Evaluate a Church That Has Contacted You about Being Its Pastor – Part 3 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor

November 25, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

You have been contacted by a church. They want to consider you as a candidate for pastor. How do you evaluate your fit for the church? Kevin and Thom offer seven practical steps to take. The post How to Evaluate a Church That Has Contacted You about Being Its Pastor – Part 3 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Be Considered to Be Pastor of Another Church – Part 2 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor

November 18, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

You are the pastor of a church where you sense it's time to leave. You are looking for another opportunity, and you hear of a church that seems like a great fit for you. How do get considered by that church? Kevin and Thom provide guidance to those pastors seeking to go to another church. The post How to Be Considered to Be Pastor of Another Church – Part 2 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.

What to Do When the Interim Pastor Wants to Become the Pastor – Part 1 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor

November 11, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

In this episode, Kevin and Thom talk about the possible paths to take when an interim pastor decides he wants to be the pastor. They assume the church did not take a stand that the interim could not apply for the position. The post What to Do When the Interim Pastor Wants to Become the Pastor – Part 1 of 3: When a Church Is Looking for a Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.

Making a Personnel Pivot in Your Church – Part 3 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today

November 04, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

Revitalize and Replant looks at major pivots breakout churches are making today. In part three of this three-part series, Mark and Thom discuss what these church leaders are doing differently with personnel strategies. The post Making a Personnel Pivot in Your Church – Part 3 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today appeared first on Church Answers.

Making a Facility Pivot in Your Church – Part 2 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today

October 28, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

Revitalize and Replant looks at major pivots breakout churches are making today. In part two of this three-part series, Mark and Thom discuss what these church leaders are doing differently with their facilities. The post Making a Facility Pivot in Your Church – Part 2 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today appeared first on Church Answers.

Making an Evangelism Pivot in Your Church – Part 1 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today

October 21, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MB

Revitalize and Replant looks at major pivots breakout churches are making today. In part one of this three-part series, Mark and Thom discuss what these church leaders are doing to reach more people with the gospel. The post Making an Evangelism Pivot in Your Church – Part 1 of 3: Major Pivots Church Leaders Are Making Today appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Ways to Turn Around Evangelistic Apathy in Your Church – Part 3 of 3: Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World

October 14, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MB

It is a sad commentary, but congregations in North America are less evangelistic today than at any point in recent history. Kevin and Thom share what churches are doing that have turned around evangelistic apathy to evangelistic energy. This podcast is the third of a three-part series called "Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World." The post Five Ways to Turn Around Evangelistic Apathy in Your Church – Part 3 of 3: Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Ways to Deal with Church Unity Issues in a COVID World – Part 2 of 3: Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World

October 07, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

Church unity has always been a key issue for congregations. In the COVID world of today, divided churches are more common than ever. In this podcast, Kevin and Thom address how a church can deal head-on with church unity issues. This podcast is the second of a three-part series called "Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World." The post Five Ways to Deal with Church Unity Issues in a COVID World – Part 2 of 3: Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World – Part 1 of 3 – Five Issues In Church Revitalization in a COVID World

September 30, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

By now, we thought we would be talking about church revitalization in a post-COVID world, but the Delta variant spike has brought new challenges. In this episode, Kevin and Thom unpack five key ways COVID is impacting the work of church revitalization today. This podcast is the first of a three-part series called "Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World." The post Five Ways to Revitalize in a COVID World – Part 1 of 3 – Five Issues In Church Revitalization in a COVID World appeared first ...

Seven Updates on Pastoral Tenure after COVID

September 23, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

All other things being equal, longer pastoral tenure tends to enhance the health of a church. Kevin and Thom look at trends in pastoral tenure after COVID. The post Seven Updates on Pastoral Tenure after COVID appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Steps to Take to Leave a Church Well

September 16, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

There will be times in a church revitalization or replant when you sense from God that it is time to leave. Mark and Thom discuss five steps pastors and other church staff should take to leave a church in a healthy manner. The post Five Steps to Take to Leave a Church Well appeared first on Church Answers.

Six Key Post-COVID Updates on Revitalizing Churches

September 09, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Kevin and Thom have been following the progress or lack of progress of revitalizing churches as they regather. After several months of regathering, these churches have six definitive trends. The post Six Key Post-COVID Updates on Revitalizing Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

When Church Members Complain about Your Spouse: Five Responses

September 02, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

There is often an intense pain when a church member comes to you with complaints about your spouse. Whether you are a pastor or any other person on ministry staff. Mark and Thom offer five responses you should make immediately. The post When Church Members Complain about Your Spouse: Five Responses appeared first on Church Answers.

Six Reasons You Should Consider Pastoring a Revitalizing Church in Retirement

August 26, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MB

Approximately 10,000 Boomers turn 65 every day. At some point, they will consider retirement. Mark and Thom looked at six reasons why leading a revitalizing church could be a good option in the retirement years. The post Six Reasons You Should Consider Pastoring a Revitalizing Church in Retirement appeared first on Church Answers.

What You Should Do If a Power Broker in the Church Opposes Almost Everything You Do

August 19, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Many pastors face that defining moment where they feel like they can't lead their church because a power broker in the church opposes their leadership at almost every juncture. Kevin and Thom offer some wise counsel on leading (or not) in such tough scenarios. The post What You Should Do If a Power Broker in the Church Opposes Almost Everything You Do appeared first on Church Answers.

Five Ways to Deal with Generational Wars in Your Church

August 12, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MB

We have heard and read countless discussions on "worship wars" in the church. Most of these wars were really generational wars. Thom and Kevin look at five ways to address and deal with these wars. The post Five Ways to Deal with Generational Wars in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

What To Do When Church Members Expect You to Keep Unreasonable Office Hours

August 05, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MB

Some church members have unreasonable expectations about when pastors and staff should be in the office. This concern has been exacerbated by COVID. Mark and Thom look at some strategic ways to respond. The post What To Do When Church Members Expect You to Keep Unreasonable Office Hours appeared first on Church Answers.

Our Church’s Bylaws Are Dated. Should I Even Worry About It?

July 29, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MB

Almost every week, the team at Church Answers gets one or more questions about bylaws. For many church leaders, bylaws seem to be, at best, a necessary evil. Thom and Kevin look at this issue from a few different angles with the guarded conclusion that, yes, church leaders do need to examine their bylaws. The post Our Church’s Bylaws Are Dated. Should I Even Worry About It? appeared first on Church Answers.

The Difficult Task of Letting a Staff Member Go

July 22, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

It is one of the most difficult meetings a leader will have. The time has come to tell a team member that he or she is being let go. On today’s episode, Thom shares some insights to guide you through this process. The post The Difficult Task of Letting a Staff Member Go appeared first on Church Answers.

Should I Still Count Attendance at My Church?

July 15, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MB

This question seems to be more frequent since churches started regathering after the pandemic. Kevin and Thom answer the question with a "yes," but the affirmative answer does have some caveats. The post Should I Still Count Attendance at My Church? appeared first on Church Answers.

What to Do When a Staff Member’s Family Member Is Causing Problems in the Church

July 08, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MB

Does a pastor have either a right or an obligation to address issues caused by a staff member's spouse or children? Thom and Mark look at ways to navigate this tricky issue. The post What to Do When a Staff Member’s Family Member Is Causing Problems in the Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Why You Need to Rethink Your Church’s Website

July 01, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MB

Most church websites are seldom used and often neglected. Thom and Kevin discuss how a church's website can be used for the Great Commission without much cost. The post Why You Need to Rethink Your Church’s Website appeared first on Church Answers.