Revitalize & Replant with Thom Rainer
383 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 244 ratingsFeaturing 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
The Problems of Hiring a Staff Member from within the Church Membership
June 24, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBMany church leaders in revitalizing churches bring someone on staff from within the congregation. Mark and Thom examine the reasons why this move can be problematic. Be sure to listen to episode #201 where they look at the opposite perspective, the reasons why you should hire from within. The post The Problems of Hiring a Staff Member from within the Church Membership appeared first on Church Answers.
How to Turn an Aging Facility into a Kingdom Efficient Facility
June 17, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBFor many years, congregations have watched as their facilities become dated, costly, and less-used. Kevin and Thom discuss this issue and offer insights about churches that have seen their facilities become much more Kingdom-efficient. The post How to Turn an Aging Facility into a Kingdom Efficient Facility appeared first on Church Answers.
The Advantages of Hiring a Staff Member from within the Church Membership
June 10, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBMany church leaders in revitalizing churches bring someone on staff from within the congregation. Mark and Thom examine the reasons why this move can be positive. Be sure to listen to episode #203 where they look at the opposite perspective, the reasons why you should not hire from within. The post The Advantages of Hiring a Staff Member from within the Church Membership appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Your Church Will Close Its Doors without Evangelism
June 03, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBMany churches of the past 50 years were able to keep the doors open with zero to minimal evangelistic intentionality. That is simply not the case today. Kevin and Thom examine five reasons why non-evangelistic churches will close. The post Why Your Church Will Close Its Doors without Evangelism appeared first on Church Answers.
Is It Okay to Quit My Church? Five Questions You Should Ask
May 27, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBDuring the pandemic, many pastors and other church leaders became weary and frustrated. Mark and Thom respond to those leaders who are asking if it is okay to quit their churches. The post Is It Okay to Quit My Church? Five Questions You Should Ask appeared first on Church Answers.
Why You May Have Gotten a Lower Vote Percentage to Call You Than You Expected
May 20, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBMany churches call a pastor by congregational vote. Those churches have stipulations on the percentage needed to affirm a call. It is typically in the 60% to 80% range. Why do some votes to call a pastor result in a surprisingly low percentage? Kevin and Thom look at some of the possible reasons. The post Why You May Have Gotten a Lower Vote Percentage to Call You Than You Expected appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Key Issues for Leadership as the Church Regathers
May 13, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBMuch has been written and spoken about how churches should function during the pandemic. Mark and Thom look at five unique issues for leadership during this critical period of regathering. The post Five Key Issues for Leadership as the Church Regathers appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Sorry Excuses to Leave a Church
May 06, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBWhen a church member leaves, it is almost always painful for the pastor. The pain is exacerbated when the departing member offers one of these reasons. Kevin and Thom look at five sorry reasons people leave a church. The post Five Sorry Excuses to Leave a Church appeared first on Church Answers.
Four Important Considerations to Navigate the Virtual World Post-COVID
April 29, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBThe virtual church was a hot topic during the pandemic. Now, as the church begins to regather, what are some major considerations to evaluate? Mark and Thom report on the ways they are guiding church leaders in this area. The post Four Important Considerations to Navigate the Virtual World Post-COVID appeared first on Church Answers.
What the Church in America Will Look Like in 2023
April 22, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBThough it's only two years away, churches in America will look significantly different than they do today. The pandemic accelerated trends that were already in place. Kevin and Thom look at some future realities just around the corner. The post What the Church in America Will Look Like in 2023 appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Questions to Ask Before Changing Your Church’s Name
April 15, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBMark and Thom delve into the issue of changing your church's name. They suggest asking five questions. Too many church leaders have made big mistakes by not asking these questions: The post Five Questions to Ask Before Changing Your Church’s Name appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Reasons Your Group Ministry Is More Important as the Church Regathers
April 08, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBThe small group ministry of a church has always been a vital ministry of a congregation. In this episode, Kevin and Thom share why the ministry is more important in a post-COVID world. The post Five Reasons Your Group Ministry Is More Important as the Church Regathers appeared first on Church Answers.
The Incredible Church Replant Called Linwood Baptist: An Update
April 01, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBIn this episode, Thom interviews Mark about his work in the replant of Linwood Baptist Church. You will not want to miss some of the stories and invaluable lessons about replanting or adopting a church. The post The Incredible Church Replant Called Linwood Baptist: An Update appeared first on Church Answers.
How Church Leaders Should Handle the Issue of Church Members Not Returning
March 25, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBIt is a reality for most churches. Many members will not return when the church regathers. Leaders must prepare for that reality. Kevin and Thom discuss how to best approach this issue. The post How Church Leaders Should Handle the Issue of Church Members Not Returning appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Ways to Get More Help When Your Volunteer Base Has Been Decimated by COVID
March 18, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBChurch leaders are often shocked to discover many of their most faithful volunteers have not returned to their ministries. Mark and Thom look at five ways to jump-start your church's volunteer ministry base: The post Five Ways to Get More Help When Your Volunteer Base Has Been Decimated by COVID appeared first on Church Answers.
Six Things (Both Good and Bad) the Pandemic Has Done to Replanting and Revitalizing Churches
March 11, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode, Kevin and Thom provide an updated assessment of how the pandemic has affected revitalization of churches. Enjoy it -- there is some good news in this podcast. The post Six Things (Both Good and Bad) the Pandemic Has Done to Replanting and Revitalizing Churches appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Your Pastor Just Quit
March 04, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBLay leaders often contact us in a bit of a shock when their pastor just quit, especially if it's sudden with no apparent moral failure. The post Why Your Pastor Just Quit appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Ways Disunity Is Destroying Revitalization and Replanting (And How to Overcome It)
February 25, 2021 02:34 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBThom and Kevin look at the fragile nature of churches in revitalization, and how disrupted unity can totally destroy revitalization momentum. Even better, though, they offer some concrete solutions to overcome disunity. The post Five Ways Disunity Is Destroying Revitalization and Replanting (And How to Overcome It) appeared first on Church Answers.
Four Ways to Address Preaching Burnout in a Replant or Revitalization
February 17, 2021 00:56 - 22 minutes - 21 MBOn today’s episode of Revitalize & Replant Mark Clifton talks about four ways to address preaching burnout in a replant or revitalization. Remember that the apparent lack of responses of the members may not be indicative of the work God is doing through your preaching. Share the preaching load with others. Seek prayer intercessors for... The post Four Ways to Address Preaching Burnout in a Replant or Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Most Common Times of Conflict in a Church Revitalization
February 11, 2021 02:57 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBOn today’s episode of Revitalize & Replant Thom Rainer and Kevin Ezell talk about the five most common times of conflict in church revitalization. The post Five Most Common Times of Conflict in a Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Four Reasons Church Adoption Is Becoming More Appealing to Change-Resistant Members
February 03, 2021 21:42 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBWe all know change is hard. The idea of church adoption is becoming more appealing to change-resistant members. Thom and Mark discuss four reasons why. The post Four Reasons Church Adoption Is Becoming More Appealing to Change-Resistant Members appeared first on Church Answers.
Seven Incredible Steps to Help Your Church as You Look for a Pastor
January 27, 2021 23:34 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBWhat are some things your church needs to know when looking for a pastor? Thom and Kevin share seven incredible steps to help your church as you look for a pastor. The post Seven Incredible Steps to Help Your Church as You Look for a Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.
The Profile of a Healthy Revitalizer after COVID-19
January 21, 2021 01:43 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIt’s a new year and everyone is tired. As we move forward in the work of revitalizing churches, Mark and Thom share the profile of a healthy revitalizer after COVID-19. Has a realistic view of the post-COVID world. Patience, patience, patience. Is an example in evangelism. Is emotionally and spiritually prepared for conflict Has a... The post The Profile of a Healthy Revitalizer after COVID-19 appeared first on Church Answers.
Six Things That Stop Revitalization Dead in Its Tracks
January 14, 2021 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBThe key to a strong revitalization is leadership. Today, Thom and Kevin discuss six leadership situations which will stop a revitalization dead in its tracks. The post Six Things That Stop Revitalization Dead in Its Tracks appeared first on Church Answers.
Ask Mark and Thom Anything
January 07, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBFrom most discouraging moments to greatest surprises of 2020, Thom and Mark answer listener questions on today’s episode of Revitalize and Replant. The post Ask Mark and Thom Anything appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Ways to Address Moral Failure of a Church Leader
December 31, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBOn today’s episode of Revitalize and Replant we discuss the difficult topic of how to address moral failure of a church leader. Thom and Kevin Ezell break down five ways to deal with the unfortunate circumstance. The post Five Ways to Address Moral Failure of a Church Leader appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Rules for Taking Care of Your Family in a Replant or Revitalization
December 24, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWhen a pastor is called to lead a church replant or revitalization their family should remain their first line of ministry. Thom and Mark discuss five rules for taking care of your family in a replant or revitalization. The post Five Rules for Taking Care of Your Family in a Replant or Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Ways to Reignite an Outward Focus in a Church Needing Revitalization
December 17, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBRenewing a culture of outreach and casting vision for loving the community is vital for churches needing revitalization. Thom and Kevin discuss five ways to reignite an outward focus in churches needing revitalization. Model it. Seek to lead explicitly evangelistically. Give examples of other churches. Combine prayer and outreach. Seek accountability. Resources in Today’s Episode:... The post Five Ways to Reignite an Outward Focus in a Church Needing Revitalization appeared first on Church...
Five Post-COVID-19 Trends among Churches in Revitalization
December 10, 2020 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBWe have seen several trends among church revitalizations during the global pandemic. As we find ourselves approaching a post COVID-19 world, Mark and Thom discuss five of the most prominent trends we are witnessing in church revitalizations today. The post Five Post-COVID-19 Trends among Churches in Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Six Mistakes to Avoid as Your Church Regathers After COVID
December 03, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBWe would all love for things to return to normal. But in reality, this will not happen any time soon, if ever. With this in mind, Thom and Kevin discuss six mistakes to avoid as your church regathers. The post Six Mistakes to Avoid as Your Church Regathers After COVID appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Reasons Pastors Should Have Hope in the Post-Pandemic Era
November 26, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBThe pandemic has given us many reasons to stress and contemplate the future. Today, Dr. Thom Rainer and Mark Clifton discuss the other side of the coin and give us five reasons pastors should have hope as we look to the post-pandemic era. The post Five Reasons Pastors Should Have Hope in the Post-Pandemic Era appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Most Common Developments in Declining Churches as a Result of COVID
November 19, 2020 07:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBWe can learn much from positive and negative examples. In today’s episode, we isolate a group of churches in order to examine five common developments in declining churches. Decline is more pronounced. Closure or merger is more likely. Flaws become more visible or pronounced. Volunteers resign from their ministries. Conversion growth moves toward zero. ... The post Five Most Common Developments in Declining Churches as a Result of COVID appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Your Church Needs You, Pastor, More Than Ever in the Post-Pandemic Era
November 12, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBThe post-pandemic era is filled with uncertainty. Thom and Mark discuss why your church needs you, Pastor, now more than ever. The post Why Your Church Needs You, Pastor, More Than Ever in the Post-Pandemic Era appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Ways the Pandemic Has Been Positive for Revitalizing Churches
November 05, 2020 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBThe pandemic has helped church leaders and members embrace change. Today on Revitalize & Replant, Thom Rainer and Kevin Ezell discuss four additional ways the pandemic has been positive for revitalizing churches. The post Five Ways the Pandemic Has Been Positive for Revitalizing Churches appeared first on Church Answers.
Pastoring a Four Member Church in the Post-Pandemic Era
October 29, 2020 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBAs we help leaders approach post-pandemic era ministry, an interesting development has occurred in the life of our friend, Mark Clifton. He is currently pastoring a 3-member church. Listen in as he shares his unique strategy for pandemic revitalization and ministry. The post Pastoring a Four Member Church in the Post-Pandemic Era appeared first on Church Answers.
How Do We Pay for Church Security in a Revitalization?
October 22, 2020 06:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBMany churches are approaching budget season. As church leaders we understand the importance of security in a revitalization but we have questions about the cost and how to pay for the needed security. The post How Do We Pay for Church Security in a Revitalization? appeared first on Church Answers.
Leading Millennials in a Church Revitalization
October 15, 2020 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBWe continue in our generational series with the Millennial Generation, born between 1980 and 2000 . As leaders how can we guide this generation in a church revitalization? Thom and Mark break down the generational tendencies and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The post Leading Millennials in a Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Four Signs That a Fostered Church May Want to Be Adopted
October 08, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBThe idea of church fostering and adoption is taking off and helping many churches become healthy. When a church decides to foster another church there may be signals the fostered church desires to move to adoption. Thom and Kevin Ezell discuss four signs a fostered church may want to be adopted. The post Four Signs That a Fostered Church May Want to Be Adopted appeared first on Church Answers.
Leading Gen X in a Church Revitalization
October 01, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBWe continue in our generational series with the Generation X, born between 1965 and 1979 . As leaders how can we guide this generation in a church revitalization? Thom and Mark break down the generational tendencies and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The post Leading Gen X in a Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
What Should You Say to a Guest Who Visits Your Revitalizing Church?
September 24, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBLeading a revitalizing church is hard work in progress. Sometimes we worry about what guests will say when visiting. Thom Rainer and Kevin Ezell discuss what we should say to a guest who visits your revitalizing church. The post What Should You Say to a Guest Who Visits Your Revitalizing Church? appeared first on Church Answers.
Leading Boomers in a Church Revitalization
September 17, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBWe continue in our generational series with the Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964. As leaders how can we guide this generation in a church revitalization? Thom and Mark break down the generational tendencies and the challenges and opportunities ahead. The post Leading Boomers in a Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
How to Convince a Stubborn Church Member to Give Digitally
September 10, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBMany churches have done well transitioning and leading through change during the past few months. A major change has been in how people give tithes, offerings, and gifts. What do you do with the stubborn church member who refuses to give digitally? Thom and Kevin Ezell discuss best practices to help lead in this area. The post How to Convince a Stubborn Church Member to Give Digitally appeared first on Church Answers.
Leading Builders (Born before 1946) in a Church Revitalization
September 03, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBIs your church predominantly filled with Builders (Greatest Generation) or those who were born before 1946? If so, today’s episode of Revitalize and Replant will help you lead this important generation and aid you as you participate in ministry with them. The post Leading Builders (Born before 1946) in a Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
What If You Have to Move to Bi-Vocational Status in the Post-Pandemic Era?
August 27, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBChurch leaders have asked the question again and again. What happens if the budget cut you need to make is you? Thom and Kevin Ezell look at the positives of bi-vocational ministry in a post-pandemic era. The post What If You Have to Move to Bi-Vocational Status in the Post-Pandemic Era? appeared first on Church Answers.
Four Questions to Ask about Your Community in a Revitalization
August 20, 2020 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBOn today’s episode we are going to visit your neighborhood, listen to those who live there, and help you ask questions about your community in a revitalization. The post Four Questions to Ask about Your Community in a Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.
Five Characteristics of Resilient Pastors in the Post Pandemic Era
August 13, 2020 00:52 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBThe pandemic has been incredibly tough on pastors. On today’s episode Dr. Rainer and Dr. Kevin Ezell breaks down five characteristics of a church leader who will lead well in the post-pandemic era. The post Five Characteristics of Resilient Pastors in the Post Pandemic Era appeared first on Church Answers.
How to Help Your Family Transition in a Revitalizing Church
August 06, 2020 02:19 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MBWe have many conversations with church leaders whose families are struggling in a revitalizing church. These difficult conversations built guidance for how to help your family transition in a revitalizing church. They are the first line of ministry. Listen carefully to them. Stand up for them. Don’t stay if they are being hurt. Help them... The post How to Help Your Family Transition in a Revitalizing Church appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Should You Join a Revitalizing Church?
July 30, 2020 01:00 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBWe are taking a different perspective on today’s episode. We are talking to pastors and other church leaders of revitalizing churches to answer why you should join a revitalizing church. The post Why Should You Join a Revitalizing Church? appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Some Churches Choose to Die
July 23, 2020 00:00 - 21 minutes - 24.1 MBDo some churches really choose to die? On the surface no church chooses to die but decisions we make or don’t make can lead to the death of a church. They are not willing to accept the normal pain of change. They don’t want to lose control. They confuse tradition with doctrine. They do not... The post Why Some Churches Choose to Die appeared first on Church Answers.
Why Perseverance Is One of the Most Critical Attributes Needed in Church Revitalization
July 16, 2020 12:25 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBOften when faced with difficult circumstances, throwing in the towel can seem like a very attractive option. Which is why perseverance in the face of difficulty is one of the most critical attributes needed in church revitalization. Thom and Mark discuss several of the reasons why in today’s episode. Change can seem interminably slow. You... The post Why Perseverance Is One of the Most Critical Attributes Needed in Church Revitalization appeared first on Church Answers.