Revitalize and Replant

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 2 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst shares a personal and powerful Christmas story from his childhood as a missionary kid in Honduras, reflecting on what Christmas looks like in the midst of uncertainty, hardship, and fear. Set during a season of political unrest and darkness, this story centers on a simple, candlelit children's Christmas program in a small church with no electricity—and a child's quiet declaration: “This year for Christmas, I need peace.” That moment became a lasting reminder that Christmas is not about what we want, but about what we need—and that true peace and hope are found in Christ alone. Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this story encourages your heart and points you to the lasting peace that only Jesus can provide.

Merry Christmas from the Revitalize and Replant podcast. In part 1 of our Christmas Special, Dan Hurst reads Luke 2, sharing the story of Christmas and recounting the birth of Jesus Christ and the good news first announced to the shepherds. This familiar passage reminds us that the Savior entered the world in humility—wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room for Him at the inn. Yet heaven itself rejoiced, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” As the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had made known to them, they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart, inviting us to pause and reflect on the wonder and meaning of Christ's coming. Whether you are listening as a pastor, a church planter, or with your family during the Christmas season, we pray this Scripture reading draws your heart back to the hope, peace, and joy found in Jesus.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how to leave a church well—in a way that honors Christ, loves His people, and protects your own spiritual health. Drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.'s article, “When It's Time to Leave a Church,” they walk through practical steps for transitioning from one church to another with humility and integrity. In this episode, they unpack 7 ways to leave a church in a healthy, biblical way: 1. Pray Seek the Lord earnestly before making any decisions. Ask for wisdom, clarity, and a heart that desires God's glory above your preferences. 2. Examine your motives Be honest about why you want to leave. Evaluate whether your reasons are rooted in conviction, calling, or frustration and hurt. 3. Review the commitments you've made Remember membership vows, ministry roles, and responsibilities. Think carefully about how to finish well and hand off your areas of service. 4. Deal with unresolved interpersonal conflict Don't use a church transfer to avoid biblical reconciliation. Whenever possible, seek peace, forgiveness, and restored relationships before you go. 5. Consider how your departure will affect others Reflect on how your decision impacts your family, friends, small group, and church leaders. Aim to leave in a way that builds up the church rather than causing division or confusion. 6. Know where you're going before you leave Don't drift into churchlessness. Identify another faithful, gospel-preaching church where you can plug in, submit to leadership, and serve. 7. Have an honest exit conversation with your pastor Meet with your pastor or elders to share your decision respectfully. Express gratitude, share concerns graciously, and invite them to pray for you as you transition. This episode is especially helpful for: Believers wondering how to leave a church well Members processing a potential church transition Pastors and leaders shepherding people through church moves Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “When It's Time to Leave a Church” by HB Charles Listen in for pastoral, practical guidance on leaving a church biblically, guarding unity, and honoring Christ and His bride even in seasons of transition.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock walk through bad and good reasons to leave a church, drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.'s article, “When It's Time to Leave a Church.” If you're wrestling with whether to stay or go, this episode will help you think biblically and wisely about church membership, commitment, and discernment. They explore “red light” reasons not to leave a church (bad reasons): Sin: leaving instead of repenting or reconciling. Disagreements over secondary doctrinal issues: elevating non-essential issues to a breaking point. Disunity: walking away rather than pursuing peace and unity in Christ. Personal offenses: allowing hurt feelings or misunderstandings to drive decisions. Unwillingness to submit to spiritual authority: resisting God-given leadership rather than humbly engaging. A low view of the church: treating church as optional, consumer-based, or disposable. Disregard for the truth: leaving when God's Word confronts your preferences or lifestyle. They also talk about “green light” reasons that may indicate it's time to leave a church (good reasons): A gospel reason: the church no longer clearly preaches or guards the gospel of Jesus Christ. A doctrinal reason: the church drifts into serious theological error or abandons biblical authority. A personal reason: unique circumstances such as relocation, calling, or family needs that make joining another faithful church wise. This episode is especially helpful for: Believers struggling with whether to leave a church Pastors and elders helping members process church transitions Christians wanting a more biblical view of church membership and commitment Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “When It's Time to Leave a Church” by HB Charles Listen in for a pastoral, gospel-centered conversation on leaving a church wisely, staying for the right reasons, and loving Christ's bride well.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk honestly about why many pastors' kids (PKs) struggle spiritually or walk away from the faith, using Chuck Lawless's article, “10 Reasons Preacher's Kids Strayed,” as a starting point. If you're a pastor, ministry leader, or parent in church leadership, this episode will help you better understand the unique pressures pastors' kids face and how to care for their hearts with wisdom and grace. In this episode, they unpack 10 reasons pastors' kids stray from the church or from faith: 1. They weren't (and aren't) perfect. PKs often feel pressure to be the “ideal Christian kid.” Constant expectations and scrutiny can lead to burnout, resentment, or hidden struggles. 2. The church told them how to live, but didn't personally walk with them. They heard the rules and standards but lacked discipleship, mentoring, and real-life guidance. 3. They didn't know what to do when their pastor-parent seemed too busy. Ministry can crowd out family time, leaving kids feeling overlooked or unimportant. 4. They kept their struggles to themselves. Fear of judgment or hurting their parents' reputation can keep PKs silent about doubts and sin. 5. They felt overwhelmed by temptation and didn't know how to respond. Without safe, honest conversations about sin, grace, and repentance, temptation can isolate them. 6. They weren't actually saved yet. Growing up in a ministry home doesn't guarantee genuine conversion or a personal relationship with Christ. 7. They wanted to experiment. Curiosity, peer pressure, or a desire for independence can lead them to test boundaries and pursue the world. 8. They were rebelling against the church. Hurts, hypocrisy, or church conflict can cause PKs to push back against the church and its expectations. 9. They saw too much of the “underbelly” of church life. Witnessing criticism, conflict, betrayal, or gossip about their parents can deeply wound pastors' kids. 10. They followed the lead of their church friends. The influence of peers—whether spiritually apathetic or openly rebellious—can pull PKs away from the Lord. This episode offers pastoral wisdom and practical ideas for: Protecting and shepherding your own kids as a pastor Creating a church culture that cares well for pastors' families Helping pastors' kids process church hurt, doubt, and disappointment Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “10 Reasons Preacher's Kids Strayed” by Chuck Lawless “How does a pastor respond to: ‘When is my child ready for baptism?'” by Mark Hallock Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on pastors' kids, church hurt, and helping PKs follow Jesus with authentic, lasting faith.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can earn trust in their congregations, especially in revitalization and replanting contexts. If you're a pastor, church planter, or replanter, this episode offers practical, real-life ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and lead your people with integrity. In this episode, they unpack six ways to earn trust as a pastor: Listen more than you speak Learn how intentional listening builds pastoral credibility. Discover why slowing down, asking good questions, and really hearing your people matters more than having all the answers. Follow through on what you say you'll do Understand how consistency and reliability create trust over time. Explore simple practices to keep your word and manage expectations in your church. Be present in crisis—and in everyday life See why showing up at hospital bedsides, funerals, and hard moments is crucial. Learn the importance of being there for non-crisis moments too: ball games, coffees, and casual conversations. Be a joyful pastor Discover how genuine joy and hope influence the culture of your congregation. Hear why a pastor's attitude can either drain or energize a church family. Celebrate what God is doing in your church Learn how to highlight small wins and stories of God's faithfulness. Use celebration to encourage your people and shape a culture of gratitude and expectancy. Stay—especially when it's hard Explore why long-term presence is one of the most powerful ways to build trust. Hear insights on perseverance, calling, and staying put in seasons of discouragement or slow growth. This episode is especially helpful for: Pastors in church revitalization or replanting New pastors seeking to build trust early in their ministry Church leaders wanting to strengthen unity and health in their congregation Listen in for practical, gospel-centered wisdom on building trust as a pastor, earning credibility in ministry, and shepherding your church with faithfulness over the long haul.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation on how churches can effectively reach small towns and rural communities, using the Converge article “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” as a springboard. If you're a rural pastor, church replanter, or leader in a small-town church, this episode will help you think creatively about evangelism, outreach, and community engagement in your context. In this episode, they explore how to: 1. Take your hobby out of the church lobby Use your personal interests—sports, crafts, coffee, hunting, music—to build real relationships in the community. Host hobby-based gatherings in neutral spaces like coffee shops, parks, or community centers to connect with unchurched neighbors. 2. Be a good neighbor in practical, everyday ways Live out the gospel through simple acts of kindness, presence, and service in your small town. Look for opportunities to help your literal neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations. 3. Turn your church's “wow factor” up to 11 on one thing Identify one outreach, ministry, or community event your church can do with excellence. Focus your limited resources to make a big impact in a specific area that blesses your rural community. 4. Go “all in” on building bridges to your community Invest time and energy in long-term relationships with schools, city leaders, nonprofits, and local families. Create ongoing partnerships instead of one-time projects, so your church becomes a trusted presence in town. Ideal for: Rural and small-town pastors Church replanters and revitalization leaders Churches wanting to reach their rural community with the gospel Resources Mentioned in This Episode Article: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge Network Use this episode as a practical guide for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach strategies, and community engagement that keeps Christ and His mission at the center.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack practical ways churches can reach small towns and rural communities, drawing from the Converge article, “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community.” If you're a pastor or church leader in a small town, this episode will help you think more strategically about evangelism, outreach, and community presence in a rural context. In this episode, they discuss how to: 1. Make sure no second-time guest slips through the cracks. Create simple follow-up systems for visitors. Help guests connect with real relationships, not just programs. 2. Get your church into the local news and community conversation. Look for ways to serve that are newsworthy in your small town. Build relationships with local media, schools, and civic leaders. 3. Get “schooled” by engaging your local schools. Support teachers, staff, and students in practical ways. Volunteer, mentor, and show up consistently at school events. 4. Be offensive—in the right way. Play offense by taking the gospel outside your building. Move from a “come and see” mindset to a “go and tell” lifestyle. 5. Bust out of the Sunday morning box. Think beyond worship services to weekly rhythms of mission. Use everyday spaces and everyday routines for intentional outreach. 6. Be a regular in your community. Build a faithful presence at local coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Become known as a pastor or church member who genuinely cares. Ideal for: Rural pastors Replanters in small towns Church leaders looking to reach their local community more effectively Resources Mentioned in This Episode Article: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge Network Use this conversation as a practical playbook for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach, and community engagement that keeps the gospel at the center.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss a few reasons why pastors should be thankful this holiday season. Some Highlights: Be thankful that God called you to be a pastor. Be thankful for those who have shaped you. Be thankful for those who have had patience with you. Be thankful to God, who has not removed His calling from you.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst record a live episode from the 2025 Replant Summit answering listeners' questions. What decisions or circumstances help a church decide, “We can't do this ourselves”? Why churches of 200 or less must be involved in replanting other churches. How to handle disagreements over secondary or tertiary issues in the work of revitalization/replanting.

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Kevin DeYoung for some helpful tips on preaching from the Puritans. Puritan preaching was characterized by these markers: Expository Doctrinal Orderly Plain Focused on Christ Resources Related to this Episode: “5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans” by Kevin DeYoung

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some sure-fire ways to fail in revitalization. Some Highlights: Lack of humility Lack of patience Lack of faith Lack of perseverance Lack of love

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some simple tips from H.B. Charles for improving your preaching. Some Highlights: Read Pray Think Write Love Rest Live Resources Related to This Episode: “7 Ways to Grow in Your Preaching” by HB Charles

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about why pastors and church leaders should feel uncomfortable in church. Some Highlights: You will be worshiping the one and only, true and living God. The Word of God penetrates to the depth of our being (Heb. 4:12). All of us have sin to deal with. Lost people should be there. A supernatural enemy will want you to ignore or deny God's Word. You might have to deal with that person who “gets under your skin.” The command of the Great Commission is still in effect. If you're a leader, you'll answer for the way you care for the souls of the church (Heb. 13:17). If you're the preacher, your responsibility is great. I say it again: None of us is perfect. Resources Related to This Episode: “10 Reasons Why Attending Church Should Make You Feel Uncomfortable This Weekend” by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Thom Rainer that addresses why so many churches are in decline and how leadership development is key to adjusting to the changing realities of our cultural climate. Some Highlights: They don't recognize the decline of cultural Christianity. They have many “church rules.” They have leaders who have never led in a highly unchurched mission field. They confuse tradition with the truth. They do outreach the way they've always done it. They are experiencing significant conflict due to frustration. They are very slow to respond. They have significant facility challenges. Resources Related to This Episode: “8 Reasons Many Bible-Belt Churches Are in Decline” by Thom Rainer

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on some areas that create tension in ministry. Some Highlights: Doing pastoral care vs. leading the organization Focusing on private study vs. doing public ministry Prioritizing new members vs. concentrating on longer-term members Doing evangelism vs. doing discipleship Budgeting for staff vs. budgeting for ministry and missions Changing things too quickly vs. changing them too slowly Spending time with family vs. being with the church family Reaching our neighbors vs. reaching the nations Honoring the past vs. preparing for the future Ministering to older folks vs. ministering to the young Extending grace vs. carrying out church discipline Hanging out with non-believers who need the gospel vs. hanging out with believers who love their church staff Resources Related to This Episode: “12 Balancing Acts in Ministry You Might Face This Week” by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss what it looks like to raise up the next generation of leaders within your church. Some Highlights: Raising up leaders from the next generation isn't optional. Begin to pray for God to lead young leaders to your church. Set aside resources and/or find partners to help bring a young leader on as a resident. Resources Related to This Episode: https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/ https://www.thecalvary.org/

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Brandon Moore, who leads network partnerships for the NAMB Replant Team, to discuss ministry to the next generation of leaders. Some Highlights: The importance of inter-generational ministry for raising up next-gen leaders Why potlucks still work for community Resources Related to This Episode: https://www.thesaltnetwork.com/ https://www.thecalvary.org/

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Colin Pugh, the urban strategist on the North American Mission Board's Replant Team. Some Highlights: The importance of transitioning leadership to a new generation of leaders Leadership development is key The impact of a church's “footprint” in its community Partnership with local businesses to minister to the community Resources Related to This Episode: To connect with Colin, reach out to cpugh_contractor@namb.net

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to talk about some unique aspects of rural ministry. “The Big Three” in Rural Ministry: Vocational Identity Low Resources Isolation

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst are joined by Andy Addis, the rural strategies coordinator at the North American Mission Board, to discuss transformational discipleship strategies. Some Highlights: Real disciples come away “smelling” like Jesus. True discipleship is about presence. The answer is not new discipleship material—it's walking with Jesus. A four-step process to read Scripture: Summarize Expose Change Prepare Resources Related to This Episode: Reading It Right

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss Jason K. Allen's book, Discerning Your Call to Ministry. Some Highlights: Do you desire the ministry? Does your character meet God's expectations? Is your household in order? Has God gifted you to teach and preach His Word? Does your church affirm your calling? Do you love the people of God? Are you passionate about the gospel and the Great Commission? Are you engaged in fruitful ministry? Are you ready to defend the faith? Are you willing to surrender? Resources Related to This Episode: Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It by Jason K. Allen

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to show Christlike hospitality to first-time guests. Some Highlights: Take initiative and pursue first-time guests. Welcome with enthusiasm. Show individual care. Be genuine and authentic. Serve people with joy. Communicate clearly.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways that pastors can minister through their own discouragement. Some Highlights: Discouragements are about God's reign—so yield to His wife and His loving providence. Discouragements are about learning spiritual consistency—so maintain spiritual disciplines. Discouragements are about the affections—so cultivate a heart of worship. Resources Related to This Episode: “Pastor, Don't Waste Your Discouragement” by Phil A. Newton

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk about why churches should consider moving back toward traditional Sunday School. Some Highlights: To grow in biblical knowledge To develop teachers To foster deeper community To engage the city better To embrace the role of the church Resources Related to This Episode: “5 Reasons We Switched from Small Groups to Sunday School” by Jim Davis

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some insights for small groups and Sunday School from Chuck Lawless. Some Highlights: The small group's purpose must be clear. Intentional organization matters. Workers must be trained. Concern must be focused on the lost. Pastoral care via the small group must be organized. The goal of the Sunday School class is to multiply, to “plant” another class from the current class. Space matters. The class must “go after” the lost. Resources Related to This Episode: “10 Small Group Lessons from Old-Fashioned Sunday School” by Chuck Lawless “Recapturing Flake's Formula for Groups” by Ken Braddy

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to minister to toxic people in your church. Some Highlights: The Gossip/Talker The Exploder The Passive-Aggressive The Cynic

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Garrett Kell, on the topic of dangerous signs in the life of a pastor. Some Highlights: Entitlement Greed Control Callousness Tribalism Unbalanced Gospel Resources Related to This Episode: “When to Distrust Your Pastor” by Garrett Kell

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Garrett Kell, discussing the danger signs in the life of a pastor. Some Highlights: Isolation Lack of accountability Defensiveness Resources Related to This Episode: “When to Distrust Your Pastor” by Garrett Kell

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Gavin Ortlund on some ways that pastors unintentionally hurt those who are already suffering. Some Highlights: Appeal too quickly to God's sovereignty Launch into a story of how God used your suffering Minimize the wrongdoing that caused the suffering Emphasize character formation while neglecting comfort and compassion Resources Related to This Episode: “How Not to Help a Sufferer” by Gavin Ortlund

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to help inject new life into the weekly worship gathering. Some Highlights: Make sure the gathering is truly God-centered, not man-centered. Help people feel the weight and joy of worshiping God, not shallow and joyless. Let theological conviction shape every component, not pragmatism. Preach the Word with precision, passion, and application, not sloppy, dull, and impractical. Celebrate the Lord's Supper consistently with intentionality, not as an afterthought. Do what you can with excellence, not what you can't and not half-way. Keep it simple, not unnecessarily complex. Choose songs that are singable and sound in doctrine, not simply what is popular. Encourage congregational singing, not disengaged observing. Make sacrificial giving a worship opportunity, not something to be avoided. Regularly cast vision for how our worship of God must fuel the mission of God to make disciples, never assuming people drift toward the mission.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some of the benefits and pitfalls of using artificial intelligence in sermon preparation. Potential Benefits: Time efficiency Access to a large amount of research and language resources Potential Pitfalls: Risk of shallow theology Pastoral integrity Laziness Resources Related to This Episode: John Piper's AI Prayer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss different ways to effectively preach with a manuscript. Some Highlights: Two cons of manuscript preaching: Your delivery can be too wooden. You can miss what the Spirit is doing in the worship gathering A manuscript can provide clarity and coherence. Even in a manuscript, leave room for what Hallock calls “rant time.”

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to effectively preach without notes. Some Highlights: No notes DOES NOT mean no study Some of the potential pitfalls of preaching with no notes The importance of thinking through your introduction and closing You must know how you're going to “land the plane”

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some current trends that pastors need to be aware of for their churches and communities. Some Highlights: More social media issues Changing family dynamics Increasing cultural headwinds

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some current trends that pastors need to be aware of—both within their churches and throughout their communities. Some Highlights: Mental health issues Senior life The current political environment Changing public schools Social media issues

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some reasons why churches are moving from multiple worship services with different worship styles to a single worship style. Some Highlights: Multiple worship styles created an “us-versus-them” mentality. The church did not have the resources to do multiple styles with quality. The church moved from multiple services to one service. The millennial generation has influenced many churches. Worship wars are waning. Multiple generations are becoming more accustomed to different types of church music and worship styles. Resources Related to This Episode: “Six Reasons Some Churches are Moving Back to One Worship Style” by Kenny Lamm

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Sam Rainer on some simple and creative ways to love your local community. Some Highlights: Don't go home. Join the fun. Live with your people. Stop complaining. Stay active. Join a civic organization. Try something new on a regular basis. Resources Related to This Episode: “Seven Ways to Love Your Community” by Sam Rainer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share more reasons why we need to learn from the Puritans, based on an article from Jeff Robinson. Some Highlights: Because they saw all of life as being lived coram deo—before the face of God Because they were highly decorated soldiers on the spiritual battlefield Because they were skilled physicians of the souls Because they understood contentment in Christ as the key to genuine happiness Resources Related to This Episode: “Eight Reasons Why We Need the Puritans” by Jeff Robinson Little Pilgrim's Progress: From John Bunyan's Classic by Helen Taylor and Joanne Brubaker Following God Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans by Michael Reeves and Joel Beeke The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some reasons why we need to learn from the Puritans, based on an article from Jeff Robinson. Some Highlights: Because they were mature and we are not Because they understood the deep sinfulness of the human heart Because they knew their best life was later Because they viewed the family as a little church Resources Related to This Episode: “Eight Reasons Why We Need the Puritans” by Jeff Robinson A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J.I. Packer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss whether counting worship attendance still makes sense, based on an article from Sam Rainer. Healthy reasons to count: Rhythms build discipleship. Presence enables connection. Trends reveal direction. Opportunities increase. Unhealthy reasons to count: Legalism creeps in. Growth becomes a game. Charisma overshadows calling. Quantity replaces quality. Resources Related to This Episode: “Does Counting Worship Attendance Still Make Sense for Churches?” by Sam Rainer

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Kyle Bueermann discuss some issues surrounding worship in the local church.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, Kyle Bueermann discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on why you and your church should be practicing the spiritual disciplines: The disciplines slow us down. They put us in a position to listen to God. They emphasize relationships. They force us to see where we place our dependence. They uncover the sin that’s hindering our walk with God. They correct our sins of omission. They prepare us to teach and lead others. They produce in us godly confidence and excitement. Resources Related to This Episode: “8 Reasons Spiritual Disciplines Matter” by Chuck Lawless

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Mike Ayers that covers some tips for longevity in church ministry. Some Highlights: Be teachable Know your identity Faithfulness first Develop a hard shell; maintain a soft heart Simply don't quit Resources Related to This Episode: “5 Ways to Last 20 Years in the Same Church” by Mike Ayers

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a few lessons they’ve learned from Christian Communicators Worldwide on the problem of complaining—and how Scripture offers us its cure. Some Highlights: God commands me never to complain. God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance. God commands me to rejoice always, especially in times of trial. I always deserve much worse than what I am suffering now; in fact, I deserve hell. In light of the eternal happiness and glory I’ll experience in heaven, this present trial is brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime. My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, yet He did not complain. To complain is to say God is not just. Faith and prayer exclude complaining. This difficulty is being used by God for my good, and it is foolish for me to complain against it. Those more faithful than I have suffered far worse than I and have done so without complaint. Complaining denies that God's grace is entirely sufficient for me. The greatest suffering—the worst trial or difficulty—can never rob me of that which is of greatest value to me and my great joy: namely, the love of Christ. Resources Related to This Episode: “A 12-Point Cure for Complaining” by Bill Izard

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some lessons from Puritan pastor Thomas Watson on personal holiness. Some Highlights: Holiness produces joy. Holiness takes intentionality. Holiness will never be reached. Holiness comes from God working through His Word. Holiness requires us to think rightly about sin. Holiness does not save us; only Christ does. Resources Related to This Episode: “Six Lessons on Holiness from Thomas Watson” by Cassie Watson The Godly Man's Picture: Drawn with a Scripture Pencil by Thomas Watson

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Jim Elliff on what to do when travel ball becomes an idol in the lives of folks in your church. Resources Related to This Episode: “When Ball Becomes Baal” by Jim Elliff

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Vanderbloemen on how to handle underperforming church staff members: Why firing staff members may prove more difficult in a smaller church What you must consider about the long-term health of both the church and the staff member What happens when you fail to address an ineffective team member What church leaders should do in these sticky situations! Resources Related to this Episode: How to Handle an Ineffective Church Staff Member

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to diagnose whether your church is ready to enter into a season of revitalization and renewal: Hearts that are humble – “This is the Lord's church, not ours.” Desire to reach the community with the gospel – “This is our mission and mission field.” Commitment to submit to the Bible – “The Word of God is our authority.” Willingness to take risks and do whatever it takes – “We are desperate to see God move here.” Belief that God can actually revitalize dying churches – “God isn't done with us.” Resources Related to This Episode: Falling in Love with Jesus (Again) by David Jackson Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church by Henry and Richard Blackaby God's Not Done with Your Church by Mark Hallock

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss some ways to build trust in your local church: Be you. Listen actively. Show consistency. Pursue, but know when to give space. Follow through on commitments. Lean into the awkward. Don't be easily offended.

Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share some thoughts on the recent SBC Annual Meeting: Love the brothers A wonderful Small Church Pastor's Lunch The SBC Pastor's Conference Our heart for missions The miracle that is the SBC Resources Related to This Episode: 2025 Replant Summit