Shows
The Church Revitalization PodcastWhy Unhealthy Churches Sometimes GrowWhy do some unhealthy churches seem to be growing rapidly? In this episode, we peel back the layers behind fast-growing churches and explore whether all that glitters is truly gold. Join us as we discuss the hidden factors that can fuel church growth and how to discern authentic health from surface-level success. Your hosts are Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group. Each week, we bring practical insights and real-world advice to help pastors and leaders revitalize their churches and lead with confidence. Whether you're a first-time listener or a longtime subscriber, we’re he...2025-06-0425 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastVision That SticksIs your church’s vision stalled or ineffective? In this episode, we break down actionable steps to create and communicate a compelling vision that drives real growth and engagement within your congregation. Discover how clarity and strategy can move your church forward, whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current direction. Join hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from the Malphurs Group, whose expertise in church revitalization empowers ministries worldwide. Their passion: helping churches thrive with practical insights, real data, and biblically-rooted strategies. What you'll hear in this episode: Why visi...2025-05-2824 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastStreamlining Discipleship Ministries: A Guide to Effective Church EngagementIs your church overwhelmed by a maze of groups, classes, and ministries—or struggling to get people engaged at all? On this episode, we break down how to streamline your discipleship ministries for greater clarity and real spiritual growth. Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group, bring years of hands-on experience revitalizing churches. Each week, they share practical strategies for church leaders to create healthier, more effective ministries—no matter your church’s size or context. In this episode: [00:02:14] Announcement: New “Six Areas of Groups Ministry” Masterclass partnership (and why it...2025-05-2138 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastHow Big Is Your Church...Actually?Do pastors really know who's attending their church every week? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball dig into the common myth that "only half the church is present on any given Sunday"—and challenge assumptions about church attendance. They discuss the roots of this belief, why it persists, and, most importantly, why getting the real numbers actually matters for effective ministry and discipleship. Learn practical ways to move beyond gut feelings and start gathering actionable data on church engagement—plus, helpful ideas for tracking attendance without burdening your team or y...2025-04-3029 min
The Candid Mic With Fran Strine🎤 The Candid Mic: Inside the Mind of Artist Gregory Malphurs – Creativity, Passion & Inspiration! 🎨Send us a text🎤 The Candid Mic with Fran Strine – Live & Unfiltered! 🎤In this episode of The Candid Mic with Fran Strine, I sit down with the incredibly talented artist Gregory Malphurs to explore what fuels his creativity and the inspiration behind his stunning artwork. From his artistic process to the emotions woven into each piece, we uncover the stories that make his work truly one-of-a-kind.🔹 What drives Gregory Malphurs' passion for art? 🔹 How does he bring his visions to life? 🔹 What unexpected sources inspire his masterpieces?This is a conv...2025-03-311h 31The Church Revitalization PodcastWho is Blocking Your Ministry Vision?Read the show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/282 In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu delve into the challenges churches face when trying to implement their ministry vision. They explore different archetypes of individuals who may unintentionally or intentionally hinder progress, inspired by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs' work "Developing a Vision for Ministry." Drawing from biblical examples, such as the story of Nehemiah, the hosts discuss how internal and external oppositions manifest and provide strategies for overcoming them with resilience. Whether it's addressing the concerns of vision vampires, navigating the...2025-03-1932 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Start a Church Revitalization ProcessIs your church plateaued, declining, or in need of a fresh vision for the future? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu go back to the basics and break down the essential steps for launching a church revitalization process today. They discuss: ✅ Who revitalization is for (and who it’s not for) ✅ The six critical steps for turning around a struggling church ✅ Why assessment, team formation, and intentional planning are key ✅ How churches can move from decline to growth with practical, actionable strategies Whether yo...2025-02-1934 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastThe Best (& Worst) Times for Strategic Planning **FULL SHOW NOTES @ malphursgroup.com/266** In today's episode titled "The Best & Worst Times for Strategic Planning," your hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu dive into an essential discussion for church leaders. They'll explore the nuances of optimal timing for strategic planning processes in churches, highlighting why some times of the year can be more favorable for gaining momentum and implementing change. However, they also emphasize that sometimes urgent needs can override timing concerns. Whether your church is in the midst of a crisis or routine planning, Scott and A.J. provide actionable insights to h...2024-11-0621 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastThe Five Habits of a Healthy ChurchWelcome to Episode 257 of The Church Revitalization Podcast! In this special anniversary episode, your hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu reveal "The Five Habits of a Healthy Church." We’ll emphasize the power of storytelling to engage your congregation and drive your mission, as well as the importance of embedding core values into daily decisions. Tune in to discover practical strategies for communicating your church's mission, conducting effective weekly strategy reviews, and prioritizing impactful tasks. We'll also discuss partnerships with the Malphurs Group and Healthy Churches Global for revitalization efforts. Celebrate our 5th anniversary wi...2024-09-0437 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastWhere Are We Going? Answering the Vision QuestionRead the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/227 Dive into Episode 227 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosted by The Malphurs Group, as we tackle the essential topic of vision in church leadership. "Where Are We Going? Answering the Vision Question" unravels the complexities of establishing a clear and shared vision within the church community. We address the three prevalent vision challenges: absence, lack of communication, and resistance to vision, providing practical solutions for each. This episode emphasizes the significance of collaborative vision-casting, led by pastors but enriched by ministry leaders, to ensure alignment with...2024-02-0739 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastBuilding a Disciple-Centric Church: The Role of Primary and Secondary MinistriesDive into Episode 226 of the Church Revitalization Podcast with Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, brought to you by The Malphurs Group, as we dissect the critical dynamics between primary and secondary ministries within the church. This episode shines a light on how these ministries intertwine to fulfill the church's mission of disciple-making and spiritual growth. Learn the key distinctions that set primary ministries apart as the cornerstone of spiritual development, and discover how secondary ministries play a supportive role, enhancing the discipleship pathway without overshadowing the primary focus. We'll also tackle the common pitfalls t...2024-01-3137 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastFive Painful Problems SOLVED By a Leadership PipelineWelcome to Episode 222 of The Church Revitalization Podcast, brought to you by The Malphurs Group. In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the transformative world of leadership pipelines and how they can lead to unprecedented growth and vitality in your church community. Are you struggling with leadership shortages, undefined roles, or stagnant growth within your ministry? Discover the five essential strategies to overcome these common challenges and unlock the full potential of your church leadership. We discuss the importance of defining a clear leadership philosophy, implementing a consistent development process, and taking decisive steps to establish...2024-01-0342 min
Clergy Wellbeing Down Under"Healthy Churches Aren't a Pipe Dream" with A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs GroupAs our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. In this episode we are joined by A.J. Mathieu president of The Malphurs Group. A.J. Mathieu has over 25 years of experience as a business owner, 5 years as an elected official serving local and regional constituencies in north Texas, and joined The Malphurs Group in 2014. He co-hosts the Church Revitalization Podcast with Vice-President Scott Ball. A.J. leads the Strategic Envisioning pro...2023-11-0150 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastRethinking Leadership: How Broken Leadership Methods Are Holding Your Church BackRead today's show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/214 Sign-up for the Leadership Pipeline Cohort at https://malphursgroup.com/pipeline-cohort Discover the transformative power of biblically-based leadership in today's episode. We'll uncover how some leadership methods might be holding your church back and how turning to Scripture, especially Exodus 18, can pave the way for a thriving leadership ecosystem. Presented by The Malphurs Group, this episode offers a sneak peek into our Leadership Pipeline Cohort's principles and practices. Dive in, be inspired, and let's revolutionize leadership together. If this resonates with you, share with fellow leaders, and...2023-11-0145 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Answer the Biggest Questions Seekers Have About FaithRead the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/208 In this thought-provoking discussion, Scott & A.J. dive deep into the essential skills every church leader needs to tackle the tough questions that spiritual seekers often pose. Join us as we explore key strategies for addressing common questions about God, faith, the Bible, and morality. Learn how to engage with humility, empathy, and clarity to effectively communicate the truth. In this episode you'll discover: Practical steps for defining your answers to critical questions. Insights on creating environments for respectful truth-seeking discourse. Strategies for...2023-09-2050 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastIs Pastoral Care the Primary Role of the Pastor?Where did this common view that equates the pastor’s ministry primarily with hands-on pastoral care come from? While Scripture uses shepherd imagery, shepherds did much more than just provide pastoral care for their sheep. On this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we're asking the question, "Is pastoral care the primary role of the pastor?" and sharing our experiences with churches on this issue. To read the original article written by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1962023-06-2836 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastEmpowering the Global Church: How You Can Make a DifferenceDo you (or your church) love the thought of participating in the movement of the Gospel around the world? Do you (or your church) want to see disciples on every continent become disciple-makers? Do you (or your church) see the value in building up leaders that can lead well into a challenging and uncertain future? We do! And if you answered “yes” to one or more of those questions, then you are in a position to help us increase all of those things! As a well-known leader in church health and lead...2023-05-0337 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastFive Sermon Series Ideas for Revitalizing ChurchesWe haven’t done the hard work for you, just given you a path. A common question that we as Malphurs Group Guides get from pastors that we work with is “Do you have any suggestions for sermon topics that will help with revitalization?” Generally, the answer is to preach through the primary topics of a healthy church: Great Commission mandate, building up mature disciples, and having a compelling future-focused vision. For this week’s episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, though, we’ve zoomed out to some broader themes and given you five sermon series outlines to take yo...2023-03-0130 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastAdvent: Peace*This week's episode of the podcast was written and recorded prior to the passing of Dr. Aubrey Malphurs. You can read a statement from our TMG team here: https://malphursgroup.com/press As we continue through advent, we’re talking about peace. There are dozens of references to peace in the New Testament alone. Peace is certainly a key theme in the coming of the Messiah, and in His imminent return. With the birth of Christ we gained an option of peace never before seen. When Jesus returns we will finally gain the peace promised, once and fo...2022-12-0839 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastExpecting Revitalization: Reason for HopeWhen we celebrate Advent, we remember the fulfillment of God’s promises in the birth of Jesus–but we also embrace the sense of expectation for Christ’s imminent Return. In reflecting on this season on our team at The Malphurs Group, we realized that there’s a clear connection between Advent and church revitalization. Over the next four weeks, we’ll tackle each of the traditional four topics: hope, love, joy, and peace. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we will dive into how hope plays a critical function in empowering your church for revitaliza...2022-11-3028 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastFour Common Barriers to Strategy ImplementationMaking plans is fun. Following through is hard. Most churches fail before they even begin the implementation journey because they did not account for the barriers. Our team at the Malphurs Group has guided hundreds of churches through strategic planning, and on this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we are addressing four common barriers we’ve noticed. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1642022-11-0231 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastMinistering as a CoupleIf marriage isn’t difficult enough, try doing ministry together. Ministry places intense pressure on marriages. At the same time, ministry together can be extremely rewarding and impactful. In this episode, we'll dive into some of the unique challenges and opportunities created by ministering as a couple with our guests, Pastors Matt & Heidi Messner. Matt is a certified consultant with The Malphurs Group, and Heidi is a Regional Pastor with the Foursquare Church, overseeing 50+ churches in Northern California, Utah, and Nevada. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1442022-06-1535 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastManaging as a Conscientious-Type Leader: Deep on DiSC Part 4Are you a details person? Do you thrive in an environment with clear rules and guidelines? You might be a C-Type (Conscientious-Type) leader. There are a lot of helpful tools for understanding your personality. At The Malphurs Group, we regularly use the DiSC Assessment. In this multi-part article and podcast series, we are exploring the primary DiSC types and how they impact your leadership. In this final installment, you’ll learn the strengths, challenges, and keys to success for the C or Conscientious type personality. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1392022-05-1122 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastLeading as a Steady-Type Leader: Deep on DiSC Part 3Do you value stability and loyalty? Do you avoid decisions that could lead to conflict? You might be an S-Type (Steady-Type) leader. There are a lot of helpful tools for understanding your personality. At The Malphurs Group, we regularly use the DiSC Assessment. In this multi-part article and podcast series, we are exploring the primary DiSC types and how they impact your leadership. In this third installment, you’ll learn the strengths, challenges, and keys to success for the S or Steady Type personality. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1382022-05-0430 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastLeading as an Influence-Type Leader: Deep on DiSC Part 2Are you always chasing the next big idea? Are you a connector and networker? You might be an I-Type (Influence-Type) leader. There are a lot of helpful tools for understanding your personality. At The Malphurs Group, we regularly use the DiSC Assessment. In this multi-part article and podcast series, we are exploring the primary DiSC types and how they impact your leadership. In this second installment, you’ll learn the strengths, challenges, and keys to success for the I or Influence type personality. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1372022-04-2724 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThriving as a Dominant-Type Leader: Deep on DiSC Part 1Are you motivated by competition, winning, and success? Are you outspoken, determined, and always up for the challenge? You might be a D-Type (Dominant-Type) leader. There are a lot of helpful tools for understanding your personality. At The Malphurs Group, we regularly use the DiSC Assessment. In this multi-part article and podcast series, we are exploring the primary DiSC types and how they impact your leadership. In this first installment, you’ll learn the strengths, challenges, and keys to success for the D or Dominant type personality. To read today's show notes, visit: ht...2022-04-2028 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Attract Younger People to Your Church | Reaching the Next GenerationMost declining churches are also aging churches. If you want to reach the next generation, it's not going to happen by accident. It requires a desire to change, a strategy to change, and a commitment to follow through on that change. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we cover 3 strategies to reach younger people at your church. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1262022-02-0933 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Write Volunteer Job Descriptions | FREE Editable Job Description TemplateNot enough volunteers at your church? Create volunteer job descriptions. Volunteer attrition can be caused by unclear lines of authority, mismatched strengths, undefined roles, and undetermined time commitments. Having a job description for every volunteer position (from small group leader to greeter) empowers your church to attract and retain volunteers. In this episode, we'll cover how to write a volunteer job description. We'll also provide you a free, editable job description template as a starting point. To read today's show notes (and download a free, editable job description template), visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1252022-02-0232 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThree Keys to Transformational Worship ServicesDo you feel like your worship services are stuck in a rut? Ministry is hard, and it's easy to go on autopilot. It's tempting to just do the minimum to make Sunday happen - but that is a far reach from what you intended when you first got into ministry. In this episode, we cover 3 keys to transformational worship that can unlock a new level of effectiveness for your church, regardless of your size, budget, or facility. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1242022-01-2633 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast5 Reasons Why You Have an Apathetic Church Congregation (and What to do About it)Are you concerned about apathy in your church congregation? Are people uninterested and disengaged? A recent Lifeway survey of pastors recorded many of them listing apathy as their primary concern for their church. Apathy is a real problem - and the good news is, there's something we can do about it. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we cover 5 reasons your congregation is apathetic (and what to do about it). To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1232022-01-1935 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastDo Church Mergers Work?We've all heard news of a church merger - or maybe we've even been involved in one. But do church mergers really work? Should you peek below the surface, you would probably find that blending smaller struggling churches often results in one larger struggling church, not necessarily a spiritually healthy church. In this episode, we cover 3 reasons church mergers often DON'T work, and 5 things you can do to make a merger more successful. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1222022-01-1227 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastFive Habits of High Impact Leaders | Become a Better LeaderYou can't become a high-impact leader overnight. It's not an achievement you can earn in a moment. Mastering leadership requires practicing leadership. And practicing leadership well requires leveraging certain habits. In this episode, we cover five habits that high-impact leaders use to help them perfect their practice of leadership. Practice these habits to improve your leadership skills and become a better church leader. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1212022-01-0535 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastTop 5 Church Revitalization Topics of 2021In this episode, we collected the Top 5 Church Revitalization topics of 2021. Learn what was on the minds of pastors and church leaders this year, how to apply these trends and ideas to see new growth, and how to set your church up to thrive in 2022. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/120 Want free church leadership resources to help your church thrive in 2022? Visit: https://malphursgroup.com/free-church-leadership-resources/2021-12-2914 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastReasons to be Hopeful About 2022Do you feel discouraged? Tired? Weary? Confused? Struck down? It's no secret that the last couple of years of ministry have been hard. From logistics to livestreams, from illness to injustice, leading a church in this world is hard. Going into next year, it’s important to be intentional about viewing our world through our hope in Jesus and the certain future God gives us. To read today's show notes (and find encouragement for your weary heart), visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1192021-12-2216 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastEssentials of Assimilating Newcomers Into Your Church: Guest Assimilation TipsSo - you had a visitor to your church. They made the first move, showing up at a new, unfamiliar place. They're looking for answers and hope. What's next? Every church should have an intentional process to assimilate newcomers. You need to be intentional about the things you say and the actions you ask visitors to take. But where to start? In this episode, we'll cover the essentials of assimilating newcomers into your church. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1182021-12-1527 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Increase Your Team’s Incompetence 🤔👎Wait... create an incompetent team? Who wants that? Today, we'll be looking at volunteer team management from the OPPOSITE perspective. What would you have to do to decrease the competence of your team? And how can you avoid doing those things? Leading a healthy ministry requires working with people and helping them to be their best. Understanding which factors can most influence a person’s behavior can unlock the full potential of your staff and volunteer teams. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1172021-12-0828 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThree Communication Tips to Retain Volunteers 💬Losing a volunteer is the worst. Retaining volunteers is important for the health and impact of your church. But did you know - one of the biggest reasons people will quit a volunteer role is a lack of clear communication? A significant percentage of volunteers could be retained (even if on a modified schedule) if you improve key communication skills. In this episode, we'll cover three simple habits that can transform your team, reduce attrition, and enhance your volunteers’ understanding of their importance. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1162021-12-0126 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastThanksgiving Bonus Episode 🍗🥧 + Limited Time OfferWe can all agree - it's been a tough year and a half of ministry. Whether you're stepping away to rest, or still leading the charge, we're thankful for you. ⭐ Limited Time Offer ⭐ The journey towards church health starts with a clear understanding of where you are right now, and what you need to do to grow. The Church Ministry Analysis is a custom report that empowers your church with the information you need to grow and change. To get 10% off this custom report for your church, visit https://malphursgroup.com/cma/ and use...2021-11-2409 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast5 Sustainable Strategies for Healthy Church Growth 🌱📈Healthy, sustainable church growth requires focusing your energy on the right things. Church growth isn’t about nickels and noses. It’s not about fog machines and cool lights. Church growth isn’t about fueling your ego. But God is calling every church to grow because every church is called to go and make disciples. In this episode, you'll learn five key strategies your church can use to sustain healthy church growth. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1152021-11-1735 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Manage Church PoliticsA lot of pastors leave the ministry because they claim to despise church politics. But church politics are a necessary aspect of leading in the church. The politics, in and of themselves, are not good or bad, healthy or unhealthy. They’re merely a reality that must be navigated. In this episode, we'll discuss five key action points that empower church leaders to manage church politics in a healthy way. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1142021-11-1030 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastMoving People From Your Church to the Kingdom ⛪It’s easy to retreat into a myopic view of our local church and forget that there’s a whole global Church (and a lost world) out there needing the human resources that we’ve been gifted with. How can we move people from the church to the Kingdom? Learn more in this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1132021-11-0327 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastCreative Christmas Church Outreach Ideas 🎄🎅⭐ FREE DOWNLOAD in show notes: 10 Christmas Church Outreach Ideas To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/112 Your church has a nearly unparalleled opportunity to reach your community during the holiday season. In this episode, we'll explore six key questions you should be asking in order to implement creative Christmas outreach ideas. To jumpstart your planning and brainstorming, download our resource 10 Christmas Church Outreach Ideas. 2021-10-2729 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastUsing Technology to Become More RelationalThe problem is not that we use technology, the problem is that we use technology poorly. At the end of the day, the goal of the Church remains one of relationship building. First, person to person, and then person to Christ. Would we not use every opportunity to do so? In this episode, we discuss how to use technology to become more relational. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1112021-10-2027 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Run a Men’s Ministry at Your ChurchMen are at a crisis point in our society, and your church's men's ministry can stand in the gap. If the church builds up men, everyone benefits. Likewise, building up women and kids to thrive helps the whole of the family and society. In this week's podcast, explore five ways the church has failed men, and what your church and men's ministry can do about it. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1102021-10-1331 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastWhy People Don’t Volunteer at Your Church"Why don't people volunteer at our church?" "How can our church get more volunteers?" Have you ever asked these questions? Most church leaders have - you're not alone. Many leaders think people simply don't want to volunteer, but that's usually not the case. The good news? This is a situation you can fix. In this episode, we'll cover 6 common problems that lead to a lack of volunteers, and what your church should do to get more volunteers. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1092021-09-2939 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast10 Deadly Church Planting MistakesDon't make these 10 deadly church planting mistakes! Church planting is difficult, treacherous, and not guaranteed to succeed. However, you can be aware of the ten deadly church planting mistakes. By being intentional about navigating around these church planting mistakes, you can see your church plant beat the statistics and reach more people with the Gospel! To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1082021-09-2236 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThe Secret Power That Can Build Up or Tear Down Your ChurchEvery church operates out of what it values. The problem is that most churches never take the time to consider what those core values truly are. Do you know what your church's actual core values are? Could you defend those values by your actions? In this week's episode, we discuss 5 ways to leverage your core values for greater church health. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1072021-09-1533 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastIs Church Marketing Biblical? With Ryan Wakefield"Is Church Marketing Biblical?" The Short Answer: Absolutely. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, special guest Ryan Wakefield from Church Marketing University joins us to discuss this question. We'll discuss marketing in the Bible, how to use marketing to build relationships, and more. To get your ticket to the Church Marketing Conference (and get access to all of Church Marketing University until October 7), visit: https://malphursgroup.com/cmu To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1062021-09-0830 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastSecrets of a Church Consultant: 5 Realities About Church ConsultingWhat does it take to be a successful church consultant? Having a successful church consulting ministry depends on certain skills, abilities, and commitments. You’ll need to invest time, energy, and resources into networking with churches and serving them well. In this episode, we'll cover five realities of church consulting that you should keep in mind if you want to start a church consulting ministry. To learn how to become a Malphurs Group Certified Guide, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/certification To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/105 2021-09-0144 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Increase Church Giving (and Stop Leaving Money on the Table)Take a look at 3 ways to increase giving in your church. Spoiler alert: there is no magic, but there are strategies. We’ve worked with a lot of churches, and some are blessed with an abundance of finances, and some struggle all the time. Of course, there are many factors that may predispose a church to greater financial resources such as location, size, and demographics of the congregation. If everything was equal in those respects, there are still things that one church could do that would provide different results from another. Here are three. To re...2021-08-2541 minThe Church Revitalization PodcastThree Budget Hacks to Grow Your ChurchNo pastor got into ministry because he wanted to make a budget, but the budget season is an excellent time to think strategically. Ministry cannot happen without resources. In this episode, we'll cover three church budget strategies that can go overlooked. As your church builds the budget for next year, keep these three strategies in mind. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1032021-08-1832 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastWhy Your Outreach Strategy Isn't Working: 5 Ways to Fix ItLet’s be honest with each other. Your church’s outreach strategy probably isn’t working particularly well. The vast majority of churches in the United States are in decline, and of those that are growing, only a fraction of them are reaching the unchurched. The failure to create a winning outreach strategy is usually rooted in the inability to conceive of anything different from what has already been done. In this week's episode, we’ll explore how you can use five criteria to help you craft a custom outreach strategy that works in your context...2021-08-1143 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThe Importance of Strategic PlanningWhy is strategic planning important? Is strategic planning Biblical? Strategic planning is critical for churches that want to make a kingdom impact. Indeed, churches that fail to plan are likely to suffer. However, strategic planning in the church isn’t an easy task. Leveraging a proven process and tools tailored to the ministry context can help your church immeasurably. In this episode, we'll discuss why strategic planning is important and how it can make a difference in your church. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1012021-08-0435 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastDr. Aubrey Malphurs: 5 Competencies of High Impact LeadersGood leaders are born and made. Regardless of how easily good leadership comes to you, you can improve your skills, and should seek that improvement out. The Church is in dire need of quality leaders who will constantly point people back to Christ, and model well for them the traits of the Savior. In this episode, we'll cover 5 areas of development you can lean into to grow as a high-impact leader. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/1002021-07-2839 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastSmall Group Killers: 5 Problems That Plague Small Group MinistriesHave you felt frustrated that many in your congregation aren’t involved in any groups, but other members attend two or three classes or Bible studies? What’s happening? Why is it so difficult - especially for new families - to get plugged into the fellowship? There are several common mistakes churches make in small group ministries. In this episode, we’ll explore the five problems that plague small group ministries in churches, and how you can avoid them. To read today's show notes, visit: https://www.malphursgroup.com/992021-07-2133 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastBreaking News: Three Key Insights from Newly Released Church ResearchNew research indicates troubling trends in the American Religious landscape. Discerning churches will pay attention to these trends and act on their implications for their congregation. All of the top line trends suggest that evangelical churches must overcome serious challenges and shortcomings in order to thrive. In this episode, we'll share three key data points and how your church can respond. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/982021-07-1428 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast10 Freedoms Pastors Have in the ChurchHere in the United States we just celebrated our independence on the 4th of July. Regardless of whether you’re an American or not, there are some freedoms that you may need to be reminded of. Oftentimes, pastors get caught in cycles in which they feel oppressed by their circumstances. Sometimes, those circumstances are self-imposed. In this episode, we'll cover 10 freedoms you, as a pastor, have in your church, and help you break free of the things that bind you. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/972021-07-0726 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThree Tips for Better Staff MeetingsDo most of your staff meetings feel like they could have been an email? The sad reality is most church meetings are too long, too report-driven, and just plain boring! Bad meetings are not unique to churches. But your church’s staff meetings don’t have to be bad or boring. In this episode, we’re sharing three tips for better staff meetings. Develop these three habits, and your church will thrive, and you will stop dreading staff meetings. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/962021-06-3016 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast5 Roadblocks to a Healthy Church BoardHave you ever felt like your church’s board wasn’t reaching its full potential? Most church board members are good people that have good intentions. But they’re often inefficient and ineffective because they don’t know how best to spend their time and energy. In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we’ll share five common roadblocks to a healthy church board and the shifts your team can make to be more effective. These subtle shifts make all the difference. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/952021-06-2340 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast7 Vision Failures Holding Churches BackHave you worked on vision in your church, but you’re not really seeing the positive effects that you expected? Vision can be tough, and it doesn’t come easy for many, so you’re not alone if you’re struggling. Vision cannot be overlooked, though. It is a critical component of a healthy, thriving church. In this week's episode, we'll cover 7 vision failures that may be happening in your church and how to make plans for a course correction. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/942021-06-1642 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow Do I Know If My Church Is Revitalized?If you don’t know how you’re doing, how can you know if you’re doing the right things? One of the components of church revitalization is measuring success. In our Strategic Envisioning process of church revitalization, we work through five things that are essential to church health. If you’re seeing these five things happening in your church, there is a very good chance that you’re reversing a trend of decline, and will begin to see a new trend of Kingdom expansion. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/932021-06-0935 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Leverage the Summer for GrowthHas your church ever experienced a summer slump? Nearly every church sees a dip in attendance over the summer, and it can make you want to shrug your shoulders and take the loss. But what if you could leverage the summer for growth? Not all growth is numerical, but all growth contributes to your overall health. In this week's episode, we’ll explore five things you can do to grow as a church over the summer--and who knows, perhaps your congregation may pick up some new people along the way! To read today's show notes, vis...2021-06-0230 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastA Pre-Revitalization ChecklistAny church revitalization should start with a church revitalization checklist. Preparation is key. To be a successful revitalizing pastor, you need to use your own pre-revitalization checklist. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we share a Pre-Revitalization checklist that will set your church up for success. Learn how to clarify, set expectations, and prepare yourself and your team. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/912021-05-2624 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastKeeping Your Church From a Slow DeathIf your church remains a closed system, it will inevitably die. Given the trajectory your church is on, is it spiraling downward or is it genuinely being given outside energy, opening itself up to authentic leadership and deep change? Church death doesn’t have to be inevitable. In this week's episode, we'll cover four things you can do to start the process of breakthrough. To reach today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/902021-05-1934 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastChurch Leaders are the ProblemMore than 80% of churches are plateaued or in decline, and church leaders are the problem. The greatest barrier to your church’s success is not your strategy, it is your leaders. Having ineffective church leaders is not a death sentence! Church leaders can grow, change, learn, and become effective. But if you want to see strategic change, you have to first admit where and how your church leaders are the problem. In this episode, we'll cover five symptoms of church leaders that are a problem. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/892021-05-1233 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastResults-Based Discipleship: From Status Quo to GrowthIs an ineffective discipleship model a concern for you in your church? Learn more as we construct and discuss a results-based discipleship model. Most churches start with predetermined means and try to shoehorn the ends. It never occurs to them that there may be a better way. If you’ve ever asked yourself how you could make Sunday School or Wednesday night better, you may be ready for results-based discipleship. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/882021-05-0531 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastWhat Difference Does Emotional Intelligence Make?Is emotional intelligence really that important to the church and its leaders? Does it make a difference? Great leaders lead through emotions. They move us. They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us. In this episode, dive into fourteen reasons why every Christian, and leaders in particular, should understand and value the importance of emotional resonance. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/87 Note: The show notes from this episode are an excerpt from Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, published by Baker Books, 2018.2021-04-2826 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastChallenging the Status Quo: How Churches Can Inspire Deep ChangeBy definition, the status quo is the current state of affairs. Regardless of cause, a lack of forward progress in making and maturing disciples of Jesus leaves churches in an unhealthy state. Things are always changing whether we want them to or not, or whether we choose to direct the change or not. Positive change in the church is change that is biblical, intentional, strategic, and measurable. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we'll share 5 ways to challenge the status quo and inspire deep change. To read today's show notes...2021-04-2132 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastChurch Strategic Planning: How to Create a Planning RhythmAt its core, good church strategic planning is not an event—it is a process of continuous improvement. Most churches fail to make plans. Or, at best, they will put ideas on paper but fail to follow through. The solution is to re-conceptualize church strategic planning as a healthy habit rather than an event. In this episode, you’ll learn the five moments—think of them as beats—that define a healthy rhythm for church strategic planning. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/852021-04-1442 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastNine Obstacles to Effective Communication in the ChurchIf you’ve spent any time on social media, watching TV, reading newspapers, or even listening to family and friends try to tell you something “factual,” you’ve likely noticed that there are communication problems out in the world. Unfortunately, those same problems exist in the church as well. If we’re going to be on mission communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ, we need to communicate all things well. In this episode, learn 9 obstacles to effective communication. To read today's show notes, visit malphursgroup.com/842021-04-0740 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast5 Warning Signs of Narcissistic LeadershipIn pop culture, narcissism is funny and we derive entertainment from it. In the church, not so much. Narcissism is easy to identify in others but hard to see in ourselves. The success of our leadership, however, depends on our ability to know ourselves. In this episode, explore five warning signs of narcissistic leadership to ensure you are being the strongest leader you can be. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/832021-03-3124 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastCultivate Individual EvangelismThe single most effective form of evangelism is simply living out a life transformed by Christ and telling other people your story about how you came to know Him. In this episode, we share 3 ways that churches can cultivate creative individual evangelism among their congregations. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/822021-03-2437 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastReaching a Post-Christian World: 3 Evangelism Lessons from Saint PatrickThe real Saint Patrick’s story is more relevant than ever for reaching a post-Christian world. Leaders like Patrick remind us that God is able to use willing people to accomplish unimaginable things. In this episode, we cover three evangelism lessons from Saint Patrick. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/812021-03-1746 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastMinistry Goals: Five Winning CharacteristicsYour church will never go where you are not intentionally leading it. To see long-term, sustained success in ministry, you will need to chart a course to ministry goal setting and achieving those goals. Winning ministry goals are Mission-centric, measurable, specific, performance-based, and temporary. Learn more about each of these winning characteristics and how to apply them in this week's episode. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/802021-03-1023 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast11 Church Hospitality Tips to Serve GuestsThe way you treat guests is a reflection of your practical theology. One of the Bible’s deepest values is hospitality, and so if your church is aiming to be Biblical… your church must value hospitality, too! If you’ve heard criticisms of your hospitality from churchgoers, or you haven’t heard them because guests keep slipping out the back door, chances are you need to take a hard look at your approach to hospitality. In this episode, learn 11 small things your church can do to serve guests better. To read today's show notes, v...2021-03-0345 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThe Church’s Competitive Advantage Around the Multi-Ethnic ConversationRegardless of your political and social position, we can probably agree that our nation is divided and more tragically, the Church is divided. It would be easier for us to stay in our corners, divided and entrenched in our points of view, but that's not what God is calling us to do. As ministers of reconciliation and peacemakers, we are called to seek a solution for the issues that exist among us. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/782021-02-2429 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThe Power & Pitfalls of MetricsWe all want our churches to be healthy. We want them to bear fruit and be strong enough to hold out hope in a world that is seemingly turning against Christianity. But how healthy is your church? Metrics have real potential to help us explore what is happening. But where there is power in metrics to help us, there are pitfalls we ought to be aware of. To read today's show notes, visit malphursgroup.com/772021-02-1728 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastStop Training Your LeadersYou read that right. Stop training your leaders if you want to see better staff and volunteer performance. This sounds almost unbiblical but it has been proven in multiple business studies over multiple decades. In this week’s podcast we discussed six factors that affect workplace and volunteer performance. Learn how to equip your leaders to do the work of ministry well. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/762021-02-1033 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastFour Challenges Hispanic Churches FaceSpanish is the second most spoken native language in the world. If reaching Spanish-speaking communities isn’t on your church’s radar, you will fall behind one of the greatest ethnic shifts of the next century. Many Anglo and Black pastors are disconnected from the unique challenges that face Hispanic congregations. In this episode, we'll discuss four of these challenges. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/752021-02-0324 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastRevitalizing The RemnantFor many years, Europe has been called "the dark continent." The decline of churches here has been phenomenal, and churches closing down is common. Sometimes the declines are recognized too late since its progression was in slow motion. Join in this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast as we discuss the history of the Church in Europe, and how the remnant is taking root today. To read today's show notes, visit: https://malphursgroup.com/742021-01-2722 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast5 Myths About Leadership AccountabilityChurches without leadership accountability have a one-way ticket to organizational implosion. This isn't an overstatement. It's the truth. When pastors lack effective accountability, eventually the ministry will fail. That's why leadership culture is one of the components we assess in our Church Ministry Analysis process. In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we'll dive into the five myths (and five realities) of leadership accountability. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/732021-01-2027 min
Inside Medical AssistingThis Medical Assistant Opened 5 Rural Health Clinics: The Patricia Malphurs StoryThe Fruit of Love “SERVICE” In the mid-1960’s, the physician shortage in rural areas had reached a crisis. The supply of physicians had become insufficient to meet the demands of many communities, particularly in small, isolated rural areas. A new breed of caring, purpose driven people were needed to serve the needy of the unwanted...
The post This Medical Assistant Opened 5 Rural Health Clinics: The Patricia Malphurs Story first appeared on Inside Medical Assisting Podcast.2021-01-1908 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastMake Church Fun AgainMany would agree that, overall, 2020 was not fun. But, what if we saw the trials and struggles of 2020 as a kickstart to rethink how we approach everything we do? What if we broke the rhythm a little and made church fun again? In this episode, we'll talk about two keys to bringing joy back into ministry. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/72 2021-01-1333 min
The Church Revitalization Podcast10 Church Consulting Essentials To Know Before Hiring a ConsultantChoosing a church consulting partner is a huge responsibility. How do you navigate the complexity? How can you be sure you have chosen the right partner? That complexity is why we created this list of 10 tips you should know before hiring a church consultant. We want you to be well-informed about what to look out for in this space. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/712021-01-0639 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastGetting Ready for 2021In this week's episode, we outline one key action every church leader must take to prepare for 2021 and we share the details about an exciting giveaway.2020-12-2916 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThe Best PresenceWhen you choose to win at ministry but lose at home, you’re on a dangerous road. You can win at both. It is possible to be a successful leader and have a healthy family life. But to win at both, you have to be intentional about winning at home. So if you’re feeling like you’re losing at home this Christmas after a long and hard year, we want to give you some incredibly simple-yet-powerful tips that can help you win at home. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss practical things you can do tod...2020-12-2323 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastClarity Drives MinistryWant to see greater ministry fruit, a more productive staff, and less office drama? Communicate clearly. Lack of clarity in communication to ministry leaders delays effective church ministry. As Donald Miller says, “If you confuse, you lose,” and that is exactly what happens in churches every day. This week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, we talked through three principles for better leadership communication to help you sharpen your leadership. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/682020-12-1623 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastIs Your Church Healthy?“Is your church healthy?” is not intended to be a rhetorical question. The problem with the typical answers is that there is no consistent foundation for what should be measured. Most church leaders have not taken the time to think about what should be measured or how to measure it. This week on the podcast, we talked through five essentials of church health, so your church can get focused on what’s most important. There’s a bonus sixth element at the end that can’t be overlooked either. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup2020-12-0947 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastBuilding Your Schedule to Build Your ChurchGetting more out of your leadership is easier than you might think. You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars getting another seminary degree or hundreds of dollars on a shelf-full of books. Improving the quality of your leadership is achieved by mastering your schedule. In this week's episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we'll give you a practical example of what it looks like to build your schedule to build your church. To read today's show notes, visit: malphursgroup.com/662020-12-0226 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastThree Creative Christmas Outreach Ideas: Pandemic-Proof Ways to Reach Your CommunityCovid restrictions don't have to mean your church can't reach more people this Christmas. This episode provides three practical outreach ideas churches of any size can implement quickly and on a budget. Read the show notes at malphursgroup.com/652020-11-2423 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastWhy Your Church Isn’t Developing LeadersEmpowerment is about authority. Authority is decision-making power. The heart of empowerment is the transfer of decision-making control over an area of ministry. No amount of leadership development--classroom training, reading, practicing, or mentoring--can produce a leader without ultimately handing off ministry to emerging leaders. Therefore, understanding and applying the concept of empowerment are essential to developing more leaders in your church. To read today's show notes, visit malphursgroup.com/642020-11-1834 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastFuture-Proof Church MetricsIn the first few minutes of nearly every meeting with a new church contact, we’ll inevitably hear their current attendance and their pre-covid attendance. I don’t say that to give anyone a hard time, but instead to set up this week’s topic on developing future-proof church metrics. You may think it’s premature, but we’re saying today...let go of the past and the numbers that went with it. It’s ok to mourn the past (for a brief time), but God is always calling your church forward. Let’s look at three fresh principl...2020-11-1147 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastGrowing Your Small Groups Ministry Despite the PandemicIn Episode 55 of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we spoke with Bo Patterson. Bo is a Guide on the Malphurs Group team, but more relevantly, he is an expert in group ministry. He's personally launched dozens of groups at the churches where he has served over the past five years and launched ten new groups since the pandemic started. Bo gives highly practical insight into growing your small group ministry, even in this challenging climate. Listen to the full episode below to glean all the tips. To read today's show notes, visit malphursgroup.com/55.2020-09-1639 min
The Church Revitalization PodcastHow to Recruit a Healthy Church Board In this week’s episode, host A.J. Mathieu talks with Malphurs Group C.E.O. Ron Donnini about how to identify the right leaders to serve on your senior leadership board or council. Your congregation will never outpace the health of your senior leadership. Therefore, it’s critical that you elevate the right leaders to serve on high-level boards. Ron shares the four character competencies and the four capacity competencies that are central to effective and healthy board members. To read today’s show notes, visit malphursgroup.com/18. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and share with your friends i...2019-12-1834 min
The 95 Podcast: Conversations for Small-Church Pastors5 Deadly Sins of a Dying Church (w/ The Malphurs Group) - Episode 7"Your church can change."If there's one theme from this conversation that I walked away with, it's this. There is hope for the future. Even if your church is declining. Even if you're not sure where to go next. Your church can regain momentum to better reach your community.Join us for this discussion with Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group about some common issues they see in dying churches and how churches on the decline can turn things around.This is a powerful and honest conversation with two...2019-09-1138 min