Revitalize and Replant
Your church doesn’t have to die. God is moving, even in the most difficult places. The Revitalize and Replant podcast equips pastors to take their churches from declining to thriving by pointing them to a new future and a new hope. Tune in for weekly encouragement and practical advice for your pastoring journey.
Episodes
Healthy Ways to Deal with Conflict in Church: Part 2
Continue your conflict resolution journey in the second installment of Revitalize and Replant’s two-part series. Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock complete Ron Edmondson's seven proven strategies for handling church disputes. Learn how to investigate conflict thoroughly, approach difficult conversations strategically, stay focused on solutions, and practice biblical forgiveness to restore relationship
Healthy Ways to Deal with Conflict in Church: Part 1
Discover practical strategies for handling conflict within your church community. In this first segment of a two-part series, hosts Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock explore the first two of seven evidence-based approaches to resolving disagreements and strengthening relationships among church members.
Learn how reframing your perspective and honest self-examination can transform conflict into a power
5 Encouragements for Small Church Pastors
In this new episode of Revitalize and Replant, hosts Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock sit down together to discuss some of the best encouragement they’ve heard and shared with pastors of small churches. Pulling from the truths of Scripture and their own ministry experiences, the Marks share why the work of ministry matters, regardless of attendance numbers.
Some Highlights
Jesus sees every act of f
8 Reasons Pastors Aren’t Ready to Lead Revitalization
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst meet back up to discuss an article from Chuck Lawless on why some pastors aren’t ready to lead their church through the revitalization process. Tune in to discover some common blind spots, misconceptions, and spiritual hurdles that may be keeping your church from experiencing true and lasting revitalization health.
Some Highlights
Revitalization requires
6 Reasons Singing Hymns Matters
Why should churches continue to sing old hymns? On this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss the importance of hymns and congregational singing for the health and spiritual formation of the church.
Some Highlights:
Old hymns connect us to generations of faithful believers.
Old hymns teach rich theology.
Old hymns give us words when life is hard.
8 Reasons Pastors Get Fired
Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss an article from Chuck Lawless about some common reasons pastors get fired.
Leading too quickly into change
Pushing one theological agenda
Being lazy and unaccountable
Plagiarizing sermons
Creating conflict with other staff members
Failing morally
Failing to shepherd the people
Mismanaging funds
Resources Related to This Episode:
“8 Re
8 Things That Can Derail Your Preaching
In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss 8 things that can derail your preaching and negatively impact your Sunday service.
Main Takeaways
Trying to impress instead of shepherd
Focusing more on information than on transformation
Forgetting the actual text
Not establishing clarity in your own mind
Preaching at people instead of to people
Ch
Practical Discipleship in the Local Church
How do churches create a healthy discipleship culture? Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical discipleship strategies that help churches go from receiving information to living from a place of gospel transformation.
Together, they explore the strengths and weaknesses of different discipleship models while offering practical ideas for building a culture of disciple-making.
In t
5 Steps to Shepherd Disgruntled People (from "Land Ho!")
How should pastors respond when people become unhappy or leave the church? Drawing from Walker Armstrong and Mark Hallock's Land Ho!: Seven Keys to Navigating the Adventurous and Challenging Waters of Change, the Revitalize and Replant team offers practical, biblical wisdom for shepherding difficult people while protecting your own heart. Whether you're navigating criticism, conflict, or church tr
Six Marks That a Church and Its Leaders Are Ready for Renewal
Before meaningful church renewal can happen, certain spiritual foundations must be present. Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss six biblical marks that indicate a church is prepared to embrace revitalization and healthy change.
The Six Marks Include:
Reality
Humility
Authority of Scripture
Mission
Flexibility
Faith
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5 Principles for Leading as a Shepherd (from "Land Ho!")
Join Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst as they discuss five principles from Walker Armstrong and Mark Hallock’s Land Ho: Seven Keys to Navigating the Adventurous and Challenging Waters of Change.
Main Takeaways from This Episode:
Faithfully preach and teach the Word of God
Listen more than you speak
Lead with humility, not pride
Celebrate all that God is doing in and through your chur
The 5 Arenas of Church Renewal Every Pastor Needs to Understand
Church revitalization isn't simply about launching a new program or implementing a fresh strategy. Healthy church renewal begins much deeper. In this episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack five essential arenas of renewal that every church must address in order to move from decline to health and from maintenance to mission.
Whether you're leading a struggling church,
A Q&A with Mark Hallock: Pastoral Leadership, Preaching, and Caring for Your Church
In our second Q&A episode of the series, host Mark Clifton turns the tables and asks Mark Hallock a few listener-submitted questions about preaching, shepherding, and leading a healthy church.
Topics Include:
Balancing sermon preparation with the demands of pastoral ministry
Staying connected with church members through seasons of transition
Practical wisdom for faithful pastoral leadership
H
A Q&A With Mark Clifton: Church Revitalization, Pastoral Ministry, and Faithful Leadership
In this special Q&A episode, Mark Hallock asks Mark Clifton some of the most common questions pastors face about church revitalization, ministry longevity, leadership, and staying faithful to Jesus through life's most difficult seasons.
Questions Include:
What has been your favorite part of church revitalization?
How do you manage the pace of change?
Which book of the Bible would you preach fi
A Conversation with Matt Clough: Part 2
Pastor Matt Clough continues his conversation about replanting Fellowship West Church in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Hear practical insights on leading change, building trust, and remaining faithful through the challenges and opportunities of church revitalization.
Resources
Fellowship West Church
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A Conversation with Matt Clough: Part 1
What does it look like to replant a church outside the Southern Baptist Convention? Pastor Matt Clough of Fellowship West Church in Bonner Springs, Kansas, joins Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst to share more about his own church replanting journey. In this episode, Matt discusses his pastoral background, lessons learned in ministry, and his unique experiences in leading a church replant
On Deacons, Part 3: Leading a Deacon Ministry That Thrives
How can pastors cultivate a healthy, thriving deacon ministry?
In the final episode of this three-part series, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how churches can build a culture of servant leadership that lasts. Healthy deacons protect church unity, serve alongside pastors, and help churches navigate conflict, transition, and revitalization with both wisdom and humility.
In this ep
On Deacons, Part 2: Developing and Equipping Deacons
How do you train and develop healthy deacons? In part two of this series, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can equip deacons for effective ministry within their local churches. Rather than simply filling positions, churches should intentionally disciple servant leaders who understand the church's mission, care well for people, and support the ministry of the local chur
On Deacons, Part 1: Identifying the Right Deacons
Who should serve as a deacon in the local church?
In part one of this three-part series on deacons, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst explore the biblical qualifications for deacons and why healthy deacon ministry is essential for church revitalization. Looking to Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, they discuss how churches can identify faithful servant leaders who strengthen church unity, support pa
Why We Love Being Southern Baptist
Why do these pastors choose to remain part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)?
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst explain why they value Southern Baptist cooperation and how the SBC helps churches fulfill the Great Commission through missions, theological education, church planting, disaster relief, and local church partnership.
In
When You Preach a Pick-Six
What should a pastor do after preaching a sermon that didn't connect?
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can respond after preaching a sermon that feels like a "pick-six." Every preacher has messages that don't land the way they hoped, but one difficult Sunday doesn't define a lifetime of faithful ministry.
In this con
6 Challenges for Preachers' Kids
Growing up in a pastor's home can bring unique blessings and unique challenges.
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Dan Hurst discuss the realities faced by preachers' kids and how ministry families can navigate them in healthy ways. From unrealistic expectations to questions of identity and calling, this conversation explores how churches and parents can better s
7 Lessons from 7 Weeks of Church Replanting
What can a pastor learn during the first few weeks of leading a church replant?
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton talks with Dan Hurst about 7 key lessons he's learned during his first 7 weeks as a church replanter. From navigating church decline to leading with patience and grace, Dan shares practical insights for pastors serving in revitalization and replanting co
Dan Hurst's Journey in Replanting
What does it look like to step into the role of a church replanter after years of ministry experience?
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton interviews Dan Hurst about his new journey leading the replanting effort at First Baptist Church of Independence, Missouri. Dan shares the history of the church, the challenges of ministry in a declining congregation, and how pasto
Encore: 5 Ways to Know Your Church is Ready to be Revitalized
For today's episode, we've gone back to the vault for an episode on how to know if your church is ready to be revitalized.
In this re-released episode from the archives, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss five key indicators that a church may be prepared to enter a season of church revitalization, spiritual renewal, and gospel renewal.
Whether your congregation is struggling, platea
Four Biblical Steps for Pastors Battling Depression
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss pastoral depression, ministry discouragement, and practical ways pastors can care for their spiritual and emotional health.
The episode offers four biblical encouragements for pastors walking through seasons of depression, burnout, or emotional exhaustion:
Have a Scripture to anchor your hear
The Danger of Quick Fixes in Church Revitalization
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss why quick fixes and ministry shortcuts rarely lead to lasting church health.
The conversation explores common mistakes churches make when trying to reverse decline too quickly while highlighting the importance of patient, gospel-centered ministry.
Key Takeaways Include:
Programs cannot replac
What To Do When Your Church is Losing Members
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical, biblical steps churches can take when facing declining attendance and membership loss.
Together, they outline several ways pastors can lead churches toward spiritual renewal and healthier discipleship:
Begin with intentional prayer.
Strengthen hospitality and care for people.
P
Why Churches Lose Members
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst examine common reasons churches lose members and experience long-term decline.
Their conversation explores warning signs that often appear in struggling churches, including:
Church leaders becoming overly administrative instead of pastoral
Spiritually unhealthy members remaining uncared for
A lack
2 Tips to Bring Unity Between Newer Members and Legacy Members
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical ways that pastors and church leaders can foster unity between longtime church members and newer attendees throughout seasons of church revitalization and replanting.
They share two foundational strategies for creating a healthier, more unified church culture:
Build spiritual unity t
6 Prayers for Your Church
What should you—as the pastor—consistently pray for your church? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst walk through six powerful prayers drawn from the Lord’s Prayer. These simple, Scripture-based prayers can shape the spiritual health, unity, and mission of your church.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to pray biblically for your church’s health
5 Reasons Church Planters Should Spend Time with More Established Pastors
Church planting can be fast-paced and demanding—but it shouldn’t be done alone. In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share why church planters should cultivate more intentional relationships with established pastors. Learn how wisdom, sustainability, and long-term leadership development are strengthened through nurturing these connections.
In This Ep
5 Reasons Pastors Should Spend Time with Church Planters
Why should established pastors spend time with church planters? In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst unpack five key reasons pastors can benefit from relationships with church planters. From recovering their mission to cultivating newfound courage, these insights will help pastors lead with renewed clarity and gospel urgency.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How church plante
12 Things to Ask Yourself Before You Preach
In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst reflect on an article by Chuck Lawless that offers a convicting and practical self-examination for pastors preparing to preach.
12 Preaching Preparation Questions:
Have I spoken to God regularly and honestly this week?
Have I spoken lovingly to my spouse and children?
Have my words been truthful?
Have I sa
5 Concerns About Modern Preaching
What is shaping modern preaching—and is it always healthy? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss key concerns they see emerging in today’s preaching culture.
5 Challenges in Modern Preaching:
Entertainment can replace exposition
Preaching can drift toward performance and personality instead of explaining the meaning of Scripture.
Applica
I-3: A Simple Strategy to Mobilize Your People for Evangelism
Equipping your congregation for evangelism doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst introduce a simple and repeatable framework for mobilizing everyday believers for gospel conversations: the I-3 Model.
The I-3 Evangelism Strategy
Invest: Build intentional relationships with people in your everyday life
Invite: Welcome
4 Questions to Triage Change in Your Church
Not everything in your church can change at once—so where do you start?
In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst walk through four essential questions for evaluating and prioritizing change in your church. If you're leading a church revitalization, replant, or transition, this episode will help you discern what matters most right now.
Learn how to identi
The 5 C's Framework for Strategic Focus in Replanting and Revitalization
How do you stay focused when leading a struggling or declining church? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share a practical and biblical framework for maintaining strategic focus in church revitalization and replanting. They unpack “The 5 C’s”—five essential leadership principles for pastors navigating dying churches, conflict, and spiritual resist
12 Ways to Confront Someone in Sin
How should pastors and church leaders confront someone in sin with truth and grace? In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical, biblical guidance for church discipline and restoration, based on an article by Chuck Lawless.
If you’re navigating difficult conversations in ministry, this episode will equip you with a gospel-cente
Leading Change Without Getting Fired
How can pastors lead meaningful change in their church without burning out—or getting pushed out? In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share practical strategies for leading church revitalization wisely, patiently, and biblically.
How to Lead Change in the Church:
Move at a shepherd’s pace, not a CEO’s pace
Teach clear, biblical reasons for
Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 3
In this final installment of our mini-series on guardrails for ministry over the long haul, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst revisit one of the most overlooked but essential leadership traits for pastors: gentleness. Pastors often underestimate how their tone, posture, and attitude shape their ministry effectiveness. This episode challenges leaders to reflect on how they shepherd ot
Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 2
In part 2 of this mini-series on guardrails for ministry over the long haul, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst unpack three critical guardrails every pastor needs to maintain integrity and credibility in their ministry calling. These practical and biblical principles help church leaders avoid common pitfalls that can derail their calling.
Key Guardrails for Pastors:
1. Don’t Touch th
Guardrails for Ministry Over the Long Haul: Part 1
In this episode of the Revitalize and Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share a foundational ministry guardrail for pastors and church leaders who want to finish well in the ministry entrusted to them: faithfulness in marriage.
Ministry longevity begins with personal integrity. Together, the hosts discuss what it means to truly be a “one-woman man” in today’s world—remaini
5 Markers of Church Decline
How can pastors and church leaders recognize when their church is drifting toward decline?
In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss five common markers of church decline and what leaders should watch for as they seek to revitalize struggling congregations.
Understanding these warning signs can help churches respond in a timely fashion and refocus on their mission before decline becom
6 Lessons for Leading Through Adversity
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss how pastors and church leaders can faithfully lead through adversity, conflict, and discouragement in ministry. Drawing from years of church revitalization experience, they share six practical lessons for staying faithful when leadership becomes difficult.
If you’re navigating church conflict, leadership pre
Some Thoughts on the Decline of Baptisms
Why have baptisms declined in recent years? Clifton and Hallock explore several contributing factors—from raising the theological bar for baptism to shifts in evangelistic practices and cultural polarization. They also discuss how fewer invitations, less evangelism training, and changing attitudes toward re-baptism may be affecting the numbers.
The conversation is honest, pastoral, and hopeful, ca
Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Preachin’
Preaching remains central to church renewal. In this episode, Clifton and Hallock share their strong opinions on sermon preparation, expository preaching, technology in the pulpit, and even the furniture that pastors stand behind.
They discuss why a renewed commitment to text-driven, expository preaching is a gift to the local church—and why sermon preparation should never be casual. From the phys
Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Singin’
If you can’t hear the congregation singing, something is wrong. In this episode, Clifton and Hallock discuss why congregational singing is a visible indicator of church health. They unpack how song choice shapes theology, why participation matters more than performance, and how gospel-centered songs can carry believers through seasons of suffering.
In struggling churches especially, singing isn’t
Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on the Lord’s Supper
How often should a church celebrate the Lord’s Supper—and what does that decision communicate about your theology? In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss why many Baptist churches moved away from weekly communion, what it means to “fence the table,” and why recovering the weight and wonder of the ordinance can be catalytic for church revitalization.
They argue that the Lord’s Suppe
Clifton and Hallock’s Strong Opinions on Baptism
What does a healthy church believe baptism actually does—and how should that shape the way it’s practiced? In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss the meaning, tone, and responsibility of baptism in the local church. They tackle whether baptisms should feel celebratory or solemn, who should perform them, and how pastors should approach baptizing children. For churches seeking renewa
Communicating with Clarity to the Unchurched
Many churches want to reach first-time guests yet unintentionally confuse them. In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical ways churches can communicate clearly and remove barriers for unchurched visitors.Discover how signage, printed programs, parking, announcements, and simple language choices can dramatically improve guest experience and help people feel comfor
5 Lessons We've Learned Through Replanting
In this episode, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share hard-earned lessons from years of church replanting and revitalization ministry. Learn why dying churches require deep compassion, how pastors can navigate conflict wisely, and why courage in spiritual warfare matters for long-term health. The conversation also explores confidence in Scripture and keeping a Christ-centered focus when
5 Common Anxieties Pastors Experience (And How to Address Them)
Pastoral ministry is deeply rewarding—but it can also be deeply stressful. In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk openly about five common anxieties pastors face and offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating them faithfully.From concerns about church growth to the pressures of preaching, pastors often carry unseen
5 Reasons Why a Local Pastor is Better Than a Podcast Preacher
In a world full of online sermons, Christian podcasts, and celebrity preachers, why does the local church pastor still matter most? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share five biblical and practical reasons why God’s design for spiritual growth centers on the local church—and the shepherd He has called to lead it.While podcasts and onli
3 Reasons Why Church Buildings Still Matter
In this episode of Revitalize and Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss why church buildings still matter in today’s ministry contexts. From fostering community presence to supporting worship gatherings, they explore how physical church spaces can serve both congregations and their neighborhoods—especially in under-resourced communities.In this episode, you’ll learn three key
When Bad Things Happen When You Preach
Preaching rarely goes exactly as planned. In this episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk honestly about what to do when unexpected disruptions happen in the pulpit—and how pastors can respond with calm, wisdom, and grace.From technical issues to personal and medical interruptions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for pastors and church plant
10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching: Part 2
In Part 2 of this two-part conversation on the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue discussing how pastors can develop a faithful and effective preaching style over time. Building on insights from H.B. Charles Jr., this episode focuses on long-term growth, healthy evaluation, and the freedom that comes from trusting God with the process—especially in chu
10 Ways to Develop Your Style of Preaching: Part 1
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how pastors can begin developing a faithful and effective preaching style without imitation or performance pressure. Drawing from insights by H.B. Charles Jr., the hosts focus on foundational disciplines that shape a preacher over time—especially for pastors serving in chu
Preaching the Gospel at Funerals
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss key insights from Brian Croft on how pastors and church leaders can faithfully and compassionately preach the gospel at funerals. This conversation addresses the tension between honoring grief and clearly proclaiming the hope of Christ, offering practical guidance for gospel-centered funeral preaching.Key To
How to Minister to Children with Autism
In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant Podcast, hosts Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss practical, gospel-centered ways churches can minister to children with autism and special needs. Whether your church is revitalizing, replanting, or simply seeking to become more inclusive, this conversation offers actionable guidance for creating a welcoming, supportive environment for fam
5 Tips to Connect with and Retain Senior Adults
In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst share practical and pastoral guidance for effectively ministering to senior adults within the local church. As many congregations face aging memberships and declining attendance among older adults, this conversation offers actionable steps to help church leaders reconnect with, value, and retain senior a
Why Senior Adults are Leaving the Church
In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a sobering trend impacting many churches today: the growing number of senior adults leaving the local church. This conversation is based on Thom Rainer’s article, “The Silent Exodus of Senior Adults,” and it explores both the causes and the consequences of this shift.As churches focus on reaching
20 Relics of the Church's Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 2
In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation around church revitalization trends that may be resurfacing in today’s ministry context. Drawing from Thom Rainer’s article, “Twenty Relics of Church Past,” they examine which historic church practices are making a comeback—and what that means for pastors, church planters, and leaders ser
20 Relics of the Church's Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 1
Are some church traditions from the past making a comeback? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss insights from an article by Thom Rainer that examines historical church practices that may be re-emerging in today’s ministry context.This conversation helps pastors and church leaders think critically about tradition, culture, and ministry effectiv
How Do I Know if I’ve Stayed Too Long?: Part 2
How can a pastor discern whether it’s time to step aside for the health of a declining church? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their discussion of an article by Chuck Lawless, focusing on deeper, more sobering indicators that a pastor may have stayed too long in one place.This conversation offers honest reflection for pastors, church lead
How Do I Know if I've Stayed Too Long?: Part 1
How can church leaders discern when a pastor’s season of leadership has come to an end? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss key insights from an article by Chuck Lawless that addresses what happens when a pastor stays at a declining church longer than he should.This conversation helps pastors, elders, and church members recognize early warning
Why Should We Revitalize Dying Churches?
Why should pastors and church leaders invest in revitalizing dying churches instead of closing their doors? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack the biblical, missional, and practical reasons why church revitalization and replanting are vital to the health of local congregations and their communities.This conversation explores the heart behind r
7 Daily Pastoral Prayers
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can deepen their daily prayer life, reflecting on an article from Chuck Lawless about seven things Tom Elliff prays for every day. If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, church planter, or replanter, this episode will encourage you to build a more intentional, Scripture-shaped pattern of prayer.In this episode, they walk through seven daily pastor
Christmas Special, Part 2: A Story of Peace and Hope with Dan Hurst
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 Chr
Christmas Special, Part 1: The Story of Christmas from Luke 2 with Dan Hurst
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 Hi
How to Leave a Church Well
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 he
Bad and Good Reasons to Leave a Church
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 in
10 Reasons Pastors’ Kids Stray
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 he
6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor
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:1. Listen
How to Make a Big Impact in a Small Town: Part 2
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 c
How to Make a Big Impact in a Small Town: Part 1
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. Mak
Thanksgiving Special: 5 Things Every Pastor Should be Thankful For
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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information
Revitalize and Replant LIVE at the 2025 Replant Summit
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. Hosted by Simpl
5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans
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:ExpositoryDoctrinalOrderlyPlainFocused on ChristResources Related to this Episode:“5 Preaching Tips from the Puritans” by Kevin DeYoung Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c
5 Sure Ways to Fail in Leading Church Revitalization
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss some sure-fire ways to fail in revitalization.Some Highlights:Lack of humilityLack of patienceLack of faithLack of perseveranceLack of love Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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