Replant Podcast
by North American Mission Board, Bob Bickford, Mark Clifton
Each year between 900 to 1,000 churches hold their final services and close their doors. As a part of the Send Network, Replant desires to reverse this trend. Our prayer is that communities would see the transforming work of Christ as He brings new life to these once dying churches. The Replant podcast will discuss relevant topics related to church replanting. This resource is meant to equip and encourage those who have taken on the hard task of being a church replanter.
Episodes
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Characteristics of a Healthy Bivocational Pastor
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss a few markers of healthy bivocational pastors. As more churches turn to bivocational ministry to sustain healthy leadership, pastors juggling a job outside the church face unique pressures around time,...
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7 Ways to Help Your People Navigate Youth Sports on Sunday
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst discuss how to help church members think through and navigate youth sports that play on Sunday. As youth sports increasingly compete with Sunday worship, many families are left feeling torn between team...
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Correctable Preaching Mistakes: Part 2
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk through some more mistakes that preachers and teachers often make and how to correct them, based on an article from Steve Burchett. Building off of Part 1, this conversation tackles subtler habits, like...
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Correctable Preaching Mistakes: Part 1
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst talk through some mistakes that preachers and teachers often make and how to correct them, based on an article by Steve Burchett. Even seasoned preachers can fall into habits that quietly undercut their message,...
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Loneliness in a Hyper-Connected World: Part 2
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue their discussion on why many people feel lonely even in a world that is always connected. Building on Part 1, this conversation digs into practical, often-overlooked reasons loneliness persists inside…
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Loneliness in a Hyper-Connected World: Part 1
On today's episode of Revitalize & Replant, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock and Dan Hurst discuss why many people feel lonely even in a world that is always connected. Despite constant access to texting, social media, and video calls, isolation and loneliness continue to rise, even among Christians…
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7 Characteristics of a Failing Church: Part 2
Why do churches decline, and what can church leaders do to recognize the warning signs? In this episode of the Revitalize & Replant podcast, Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, and Dan Hurst continue their discussion of 7 characteristics commonly found in failing or declining churches. They explore how...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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,...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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About this show
Each year between 900 to 1,000 churches hold their final services and close their doors. As a part of the Send Network, Replant desires to reverse this trend. Our prayer is that communities would see the transforming work of Christ as He brings new life to these once dying churches. The Replant podcast will discuss relevant topics related to church replanting. This resource is meant to equip and encourage those who have taken on the hard task of being a church replanter.
Hosted by
North American Mission Board, Bob Bickford, Mark Clifton
Categories