Articles + Podcast
The Best (& Worst) Times for Strategic Planning
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 266 You've recognized the need for strategic planning in your organization. The vision feels fuzzy, alignment seems off, and there's a gnawing sense that you're not moving forward as effectively as you could be. But as you...
Innovating in Ministry without Losing Focus
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 265 Innovation in ministry is essential for churches to remain effective and relevant, but it must be approached thoughtfully to avoid derailing successful existing programs or losing sight of the core mission. The key is...
How to Build a Culture of Collaboration
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 264 Many organizations find themselves caught in an endless cycle of talking about what needs to be done rather than actually doing it. This gap between discussion and action isn't just frustrating—it's a significant barrier...
Good AI vs. Bad AI: Ethical Ways for Churches to Use Artificial Intelligence
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 262 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a topic of widespread discussion, and for good reason. Some predict it will lead to widespread job losses, while others herald it as a revolutionary force that will positively...
The Benefits of Sermon-Based Group Studies
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 261 In the quest for church health and effective discipleship, Sermon-Based Group Studies emerge as a compelling strategy for congregations seeking deeper engagement and spiritual growth. This approach, which aligns small...
Revitalizing Your Aging Congregation: 3 High-Impact Strategies in 90 Days
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 260 In the tapestry of faith communities, aging congregations hold a unique and treasured place. With decades of lived experience, unwavering faith, and a deep well of wisdom, these congregations are a testament to enduring...
Battling Biblical Illiteracy: 4 Game-Changing Techniques for Modern Churches
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 259 In an era of rapidly declining biblical literacy, churches face an unprecedented challenge in engaging their congregations with Scripture. Recent studies paint a stark picture of this downward trend in America,...
3 Overlooked Growth Strategies for Mid-Sized Churches
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 258 When it comes to church growth, there's an elephant in the room that needs addressing: Yes, God grows the church. But before you close this tab, thinking, "Well, that's all I need to know," let's have a quick...
5 Habits of a Healthy Church
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 257 In an era of rapid societal change and shifting cultural norms, many churches find themselves struggling to maintain relevance and vitality. However, some congregations continue to thrive, growing both spiritually and...
Preaching with Purpose: Crafting Sermons that Resonate in a Distracted Age
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 256 If you’ve ever taken a preaching class in seminary, you’re familiar with the fundamentals: engaging your audience, preaching the text faithfully, and providing clear, actionable points of application. These are the...
The Silent Exodus: Understanding Why Men Are Leaving the Church
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 255 We increasingly live in a world where men are portrayed as redundant, unnecessary, and unneeded. This cultural narrative has seeped into various aspects of society, including the Church, leading to a concerning trend:...
Maintaining Excellence: 3 Key Questions to Improve Your Sunday Worship Service
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 254 As church leaders, we often pour our hearts and souls into crafting meaningful Sunday worship services. But how do we know if we're truly hitting the mark? It's easy to become blind to issues that may be glaringly...
Why Strategies Fail: Overcoming Three Key Mistakes
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 253 We all know the excitement of launching a new ministry initiative or implementing a fresh strategy to reach our community. We pray, plan, and pour our hearts into these efforts, hoping to see God move in powerful ways....
Nostalgia vs Vision: Which direction is your church looking?
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 252 As time marches on, churches face the constant challenge of remaining relevant while staying true to the Great Commission. A recent Lifeway Research report shed light on an intriguing question: In which decade do...
Church Consultant Pop Quiz: Real-World Solutions for Made-Up Churches
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 251 Ever wondered what it's like to step into the shoes of a church consultant? Well, you're in luck! We're about to embark on a journey through three hypothetical church scenarios, each crafted by AI to represent real...
Love Thy Political Neighbor: A Faith-Based Approach to Healthy Discourse
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 250 In a time of heightened political tension and divisive rhetoric, Christians face a unique challenge: How can we engage in healthy political discourse while staying true to our faith and maintaining integrity as...
Big Hospitality in Small Spaces
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 249 When it comes to church hospitality, size doesn't always matter. Many churches, particularly those with older or smaller facilities, often feel limited in their ability to create a warm, welcoming environment for guests....
Five Barriers to Effective Decision-Making in Church
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 248 Effective decision-making is a cornerstone of successful church leadership. As pastors, elders, and ministry leaders, we are regularly called upon to make choices that significantly impact our congregations and...
Improving Church Health Through Annual Check-Ups
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 247 The heart of every church beats with a profound commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and cultivating a thriving community. By their very essence, churches strive to create a sacred space where individuals can...
Summer Break: Why Rest is Critical for Healthy Pastors
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 246 Pastors stand as pillars within our communities, tirelessly dedicating themselves to guiding their congregations through spiritual journeys and life's inevitable challenges. Their role mirrors the biblical call to...
Leadership Pipeline Deep Dive: Overcoming Obstacles in Pipeline Implementation
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 245 In the previous articles, we have explored the importance of having a well-defined leadership pipeline and the three-step process of assessing, training, and launching leaders. We have seen how these components work...
Leadership Pipeline Deep Dive: The 3-Step Process: Assessing, Training, and Launching Leaders
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 244 In the previous articles, we discussed the importance of having a clear leadership pipeline and defined the various levels of leadership within the church. We explored the critical role that each level plays in the...
The Critical Role of Core Competencies for Leadership
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 243 This week, we continue our deep dive into Leadership Pipeline Design. In the first week, we explored why every church needs a leadership pipeline. Last week, we detailed the various levels of leadership and why it's...
Levels of Leadership: The Foundation of Leadership Pipeline
The Church Revitalization Podcast - Episode 242 In last week’s article, we explored the crucial role that a leadership pipeline plays in the health and growth of a church. We discussed the biblical basis for leadership development, the need for intentional leadership...