Building Healthy Churches: A Conversation with AJ Mathieu of The Malphurs Group
In this episode, we sit down with AJ Mathieu from The Malphurs Group to discuss church revitalization, leadership development, and building healthy churches. Drawing from his decade of experience in ministry and the legacy of Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, AJ shares valuable insights on how churches can move from decline to vitality.
Key Quote
"We can't make anybody change. And we tell every single church we work with, we will lead you through this with the greatest capability and resources we have. But we cannot make you do the work. You have to want it." - AJ Mathieu
About Our Guest
AJ Mathieu serves with The Malphurs Group, continuing the legacy of Dr. Aubrey Malphurs who was a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary for 35 years and authored 26 books. The organization focuses on church health, revitalization, and leadership development.
Key Insights from the Episode
On Church Assessment
"Ninety to ninety-five percent of churches are plateaued or declining in the U.S. and then even more broadly speaking in the West."
The Malphurs Group evaluates churches in four key areas:
- Mission focus
- Current values assessment
- Discipleship pathway
- Vision assessment
Common Revitalization Mistakes
"There's an illusion that us meeting and talking about things and planning is actually doing the work and it's not."
Key pitfalls to avoid:
- Over-relying on cosmetic changes
- Implementing changes too quickly
- Extended planning without action
- Insufficient relationship building
On Building Leadership Teams
"We want it to be a positive group of people that all feel positively about the potential for the future of the church working together."
Recommended characteristics for strategic leadership team members:
- Ministry leaders (paid or volunteer)
- Future-focused individuals
- Active church participants
- People with godly character
- Those who respect church authority
Resources Mentioned
The Malphurs Group Tools
Healthy Churches Toolkit
- Comprehensive resource launched September 2023
- Features training videos, assessments, and AI tools
- Monthly workshops and new resources
- Digital versions of Dr. Malphurs' assessments
Book Reference
"Advanced Strategic Planning" by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs
- Essential resource for church leaders
- Includes practical assessments and worksheets
- Used in seminaries worldwide
Connect with The Malphurs Group
- Website: malphursgroup.com
- Services available to churches across denominations
- Free initial consultation available
Final Encouragement
"No matter how alone you might feel in ministry, you're not. And there's people that want to see you thrive and they want to see you get back to that first vision you had... whenever God called you to ministry." - AJ Mathieu
The episode emphasizes that while church revitalization is challenging, it's possible with the right approach, proper pacing, and adequate support. The key is being willing to do the work while maintaining hope and seeking help when needed.
