The Church Revitalization Podcast

Is your church's vision still guiding decisions and inspiring people, or has it quietly expired without anyone noticing? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through three clear signs that a church's vision has gone stale, and they offer practical next steps for auditing and renewing it before it does more damage. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches develop healthy, strategic frameworks for growth and renewal. Each week they bring practical, field-tested insight to pastors and church leaders who are serious about moving their congregations forward. [4:03] Why overly broad vision statements are a warning sign right from the start [7:48] Sign 1: Nobody in your church can actually explain the vision [9:57] Sign 2: The vision is no longer driving real ministry decisions [14:46] Sign 3: The vision has already been fully accomplished or fully abandoned [17:22] Practical next steps: How to audit and renew your church's vision this week Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/340 Follow the Malphurs Group: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup https://instagram.com/malphursgroup https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup https://x.com/malphursgroup

Every growing church eventually hits a wall, and in this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three predictable barriers that slow or stall church growth. These are not problems that cause growth to begin in the first place, but rather real, pragmatic obstacles that show up when a healthy church is already moving in the right direction and needs to clear the path ahead. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are lead consultants at the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization focused on helping churches become healthier and more effective in their mission. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. Their approach is grounded, honest, and always pointed toward real-world application. [5:59] Barrier 1: The Pastor as the Bottleneck -- when the pastor's capacity for personal relationships limits how far the church can grow [11:17] Barrier 2: The Family Church Identity Problem -- when a close-knit congregation unintentionally becomes unwelcoming to newcomers [15:52] The Cost of an Insular Culture -- how new people quietly leave when they cannot break into existing relational circles [17:17] Barrier 3: The Pastor's Self-Perception -- when a pastor's internal identity keeps him from leading the church to its next level [22:10] The Value of Outside Help -- why bringing in an outside perspective can help pastors and churches see and break through these barriers Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/339 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through three practical signs that a leader may be operating with low emotional intelligence. From confusing anger with authority to struggling to read a room to reacting instead of responding, the conversation is honest, self-aware, and grounded in real pastoral experience. The goal is not to point fingers at others but to help leaders identify areas where they can grow. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through practical leadership and strategic revitalization. Each week they bring that same hands-on, field-tested perspective to the Church Revitalization Podcast, making complex leadership topics accessible and actionable for pastors and church leaders at every stage. [4:45] Sign 1: You Confuse Anger With Authority [10:50] Sign 2: You Struggle to Read the Room [14:33] Sign 3: You React Instead of Respond [19:08] How Leaders Can Actually Improve Their EQ [21:07] Closing Encouragement: You Can Grow in This Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/338 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

Growing churches and declining churches handle their facilities very differently — and it often has nothing to do with budget or building size. In this episode, Scott and A.J. break down three practical philosophies that healthy, growing churches apply to their physical spaces that plateaued or declining churches tend to overlook. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization dedicated to helping churches grow healthy and reach their communities. Each week, Scott and A.J. bring practical, actionable insights for pastors and church leaders navigating the challenges of revitalization and growth. [3:06] Point 1: Treating Your Facility as a First Impression Tool, Not Just a Container for Sunday Services [7:43] Point 2: How Growing Churches Maximize Their Space Beyond Sunday Morning [12:54] Point 3: Letting Your Space Reflect Your Priorities, Not Your History [17:10] Practical Example: Auditing Outdated Spaces and What They Communicate to New Guests [19:31] How to Conduct a Facility Audit and Take Action on What You Find Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/337 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

Pastor failures -- moral, emotional, and relational -- are rarely just personal crises. Too often, the church itself has inadvertently created the conditions for them: isolated leaders, missing accountability, and no margin for rest. In this episode, Scott and A.J. make the case that keeping a pastor healthy is a team responsibility, and walk through three practical systems any church can put in place before a problem develops. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by The Malphurs Group -- a church health and strategic planning consultancy. Scott and A.J. work with churches across the country to help leaders build healthy structures, cultures, and teams that can sustain long-term growth and ministry impact. In this episode: [00:00] Why pastor health is everybody's responsibility -- and the danger of only thinking about it reactively [04:46] The isolation problem: why the pastoral role structurally separates leaders from genuine community, and what healthy churches do about it [17:03] Accountability that protects, not just prosecutes: proactive structures including technology monitoring, honest check-ins, and mutual accountability among elders [28:17] Rest as a leadership strategy: why mandatory, guilt-free rest is essential for long-term pastoral health -- and how boards can protect it [39:18] Resources for building a healthier board culture at your church Start your free 7-day trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Show notes and resources for this episode: https://malphursgroup.com/336 Connect with The Malphurs Group on social media: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup https://instagram.com/malphursgroup https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup https://x.com/malphursgroup  

Every church feels it: attendance dips, energy fades, and ministry momentum stalls somewhere between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But the summer slump isn't inevitable. It's the result of low expectations and no plan. In this episode, Scott and A.J. make the case that April is exactly the right time to get ahead of summer, and they give you three practical categories of action to help your church stay healthy and even grow through the slower months. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by The Malphurs Group, a church health and strategic planning consultancy with decades of experience helping churches of all sizes move toward health and missional effectiveness. Each week, they bring practical, actionable conversations to help church leaders lead well. In this episode: [04:00] Why the "everybody's gone" mindset is a self-fulfilling prophecy and how to break the cycle [07:00] Point 1: Reset your expectations. Summer is a less-cluttered season, not a lost one [09:44] Point 2: Make a plan now. Three categories to act on before summer arrives: outreach, discipleship, and planning [18:43] Point 3: Protect your people's momentum. Practical ways to stay connected so the fall re-launch isn't starting from zero [20:30] The simple challenge to give your small group leaders right now Resources & Links: Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode article & resources: https://malphursgroup.com/335 Follow The Malphurs Group: Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup

Most churches run their preaching ministry and worship ministry on parallel tracks that never really meet. The result is a Sunday service that feels more like a playlist followed by a sermon than an integrated, unified experience. In this episode, Scott and A.J. explore the practical steps any church can take — regardless of size or style — to build real collaboration between the pastor and the worship leader so that Sunday morning becomes a cohesive whole. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church health consultants with The Malphurs Group and co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast. Each week they tackle practical, actionable topics to help church leaders lead thriving, healthy churches. In this episode: [00:05:45] Build a Shared Vision for Sunday — Why a preaching calendar is the foundation of worship planning, and how to give your worship leader what they need early enough to actually use it. [00:10:28] Clarify Who Owns What — How to define healthy ownership between the preaching pastor and the worship leader — and why unclear roles create unnecessary tension on Sunday morning. [00:15:02] Build in a Feedback Rhythm — Why a short debrief after (or between) services is one of the most underutilized tools in church ministry, and how to make it a regular, low-pressure habit. [00:19:08] Bonus: Stop Rehearsing Right Before Church Starts — A practical word on worship team rehearsal timing and why Sunday morning sound check is not the time to figure out if a song is ready. Resources & Links: 🛠️ Healthy Churches Toolkit — Your all-in-one leadership operating system for church health and vision. Start your free 7-day trial: healthychurchestoolkit.com 📖 Full show notes & related articles: malphursgroup.com/334 📲 Follow The Malphurs Group: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: x.com/malphursgroup

You've got guests showing up on Sunday — but they're not sticking around. In this episode, Scott and A.J. break down three common, fixable reasons your guest assimilation process is losing people, and what you can do to turn things around without a massive budget overhaul. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, part of The Malphurs Group — a church health and strategic planning consultancy that has helped hundreds of churches across the country get healthy and grow. Each week they bring practical, actionable insights to help church leaders move their congregations forward. [00:00:00] Introduction — Why guests aren't returning [00:04:19] Sponsor — TapConnect & Healthy Churches Toolkit [00:07:20] Reason #1: You don't have a clear next step for guests [00:16:39] Reason #2: Your next step asks too much, too soon [00:26:03] Reason #3: Your follow-up system breaks down under pressure [00:33:10] Closing thoughts and challenge Resources & Links Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Show notes & article: https://malphursgroup.com/333 TapConnect (use code TMG10 for 10% off): https://tapconnect.church Follow Us Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup 

Most church budget conversations focus on what to cut. But what if the real problem is what you're not funding? In this episode, Scott and A.J. make the case that churches are dangerously underfunding three key areas — and the cost shows up in plateaus, burnout, and declining impact long before leaders realize why. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with The Malphurs Group, a church health and strategic planning organization helping churches across the country move from plateau and decline toward fruitful, sustainable ministry. In this episode: [00:02:17] — Leadership Development: Why your biggest budget line item (personnel) is undermined when you invest nothing in developing those people [00:07:22] — Guest Experience & First Impressions: Signage, facilities, and follow-up systems — the areas churches know need work but never budget for [00:16:03] — Strategic Planning & Church Health: Why a one-time retreat with ideas on a whiteboard isn't a plan — and what it actually costs you not to plan [00:21:25] — Recap & Challenge: Three categories that are dangerously underfunded in most churches, and a practical challenge for each Resources & Links: 🔗 Free 7-Day Trial — https://healthychurchestoolkit.com 📖 Full article — https://malphursgroup.com/332 💳 TapConnect (save 10% with code TMG10) — https://tapconnect.church 📘 Facebook — https://facebook.com/malphursgroup 📸 Instagram — https://instagram.com/malphursgroup ▶️ YouTube — https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup 🐦 X — https://x.com/malphursgroup

"We've always done it this way." It's the most common objection church leaders face when trying to move their congregation forward — and one of the most frustrating. In this episode, Scott and A.J. break down what this phrase is actually communicating, who tends to say it and why, and walk through a practical three-step framework for responding to it without blowing up the unity of your church. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are consultants with The Malphurs Group, a church health and revitalization ministry. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast they bring practical, field-tested insights to help pastors and church leaders lead healthier, more effective churches. [00:06:34] What is the "We've Always Done It This Way" objection really communicating? Fear of loss, distrust of leadership, and absence of vision [00:12:13] Who says it? Understanding three types of objectors: the Loyal Traditionalist, the Power Protector, and the Chronic Objector [00:21:10] Step 1 — Validate, don't capitulate: honor the past without being held hostage to it [00:23:09] Step 2 — Reframe around mission, not preference: connect change to the Great Commission, not just strategy [00:26:01] Step 3 — Create small, early wins: build momentum through incremental change rather than trying to overhaul everything at once Resources & Links Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://www.healthychurchestoolkit.com TapConnect — Digital connect cards for your church (use code TMG10 for 10% off): https://www.tapconnect.church Episode article: https://www.malphursgroup.com/331 Follow The Malphurs Group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://www.x.com/malphursgroup Related Episodes: https://www.malphursgroup.com/150 https://www.malphursgroup.com/86 https://www.malphursgroup.com/270

Small groups are one of the most common ministries in the church — but are they actually producing disciples? In this episode, Scott and A.J. make the case that many churches have confused participation with transformation. Just because people show up to a group doesn't mean discipleship is happening. In fact, your small groups ministry might be the most dangerous ministry in your church — because you think discipleship is happening when it isn't. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are consultants with The Malphurs Group, helping churches develop practical strategies for revitalization, discipleship, and leadership. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they tackle actionable topics to help your church thrive. In this episode: [00:04:03] The "participation trap" — why getting people into groups isn't the same as making disciples [00:09:33] What Acts 2:41-47 tells us about what small groups should actually accomplish [00:14:11] The three things most small groups are missing: clear outcomes, accountability, and connection to the discipleship pathway [00:17:32] How to define your discipleship target and design groups around it [00:19:49] Why small group leaders need a framework, not just curriculum — and why they don't need to be Bible teachers Resources mentioned: 🛠️ Healthy Churches Toolkit (Small Groups Ministry Training by Build Groups): healthychurchestoolkit.com 📖 Full article & show notes: malphursgroup.com/330 🔌 TapConnect (church attendance & guest connection tool): tapconnect.church — use code TMG10 for 10% off Connect with us: facebook.com/malphursgroup instagram.com/malphursgroup youtube.com/themalphursgroup x.com/malphursgroup

Most churches don't lose volunteers to a dramatic exit — they lose them to a slow fade. In this episode, Scott Ball breaks down the three warning signs of volunteer burnout that leaders often miss until it's too late, and then shares three practical systems you can build right now to prevent burnout before it derails your ministry. Scott Ball is a church consultant with The Malphurs Group and co-host of the Church Revitalization Podcast. Each week, Scott and A.J. Mathieu tackle practical, actionable topics to help churches thrive. In this episode: [00:04:11] Why volunteer burnout is a barrier to recruiting new volunteers [00:04:56] Warning Sign #1 — The volunteer who's gone quiet [00:07:23] Warning Sign #2 — Scope creep without conversation [00:12:45] Warning Sign #3 — Withdrawing from community, not just ministry [00:17:31] Three systems to prevent burnout: role clarity, coaching cadence, and built-in off-ramps Resources & Links: 🔗 Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit (includes volunteer position description samples and leadership pipeline tools): healthychurchestoolkit.com 🔗 Full article and resources for this episode: malphursgroup.com/329 🔗 Sponsor: TapConnect — track guests and attendance with a simple tap system. Use code TMG10 to save 10% off any plan: tapconnect.church 📱 Follow The Malphurs Group: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: x.com/malphursgroup

What can medieval cathedral builders teach us about church leadership? Notre Dame took over 200 years to build — surviving wars, plagues, and leadership transitions — yet many modern churches can't survive a single pastoral transition. In this episode, Scott and A.J. explore why so many churches collapse when a long-tenured pastor leaves, and what you can do to build something that lasts far beyond your tenure. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants and the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, brought to you by the Malphurs Group. Each week they tackle practical, actionable topics to help church leaders and their churches thrive. In this episode: [00:00] The Notre Dame inspiration: what 200-year building projects teach us about church leadership [06:31] The problem: why your church won't survive your pastorate [07:47] Lesson 1: Mission over personality — making your church's identity transferable [10:10] Lesson 2: Distribute the knowledge — eliminating leadership bottlenecks [19:19] Lesson 3: Think generationally — laying foundations for the future [23:05] Action steps: audit bottlenecks, document everything, and test your systems 🔗 Links & Resources: Read the article: malphursgroup.com/328 Free 7-day trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: healthychurchestoolkit.com Support our global ministry: malphursgroup.com/donate Check out TapConnect: tapconnect.church (use code TMG10 for 10% off) Connect with us: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: x.com/malphursgroup

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> Every church leader faces the dilemma: someone brings you an exciting new ministry idea, and it's easier to say yes than to disappoint them. But continuously adding programs creates calendar clutter, burns out volunteers, drains resources, and confuses your congregation about what actually matters. In this episode, we equip you with a practical three-question framework to discern when to say yes to new ministry ideas—and how to gracefully say no when needed. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, where they help churches navigate decline, leadership challenges, and organizational health. Through their podcast and consulting work, they challenge conventional church leadership thinking while providing immediately implementable strategies that prioritize kingdom work over member comfort. In This Episode: [00:00] The hidden cost of saying yes to every ministry idea and why calendar clutter is killing your church [08:18] Three filtering questions to evaluate new ministry proposals: mission alignment, existing ministry overlap, and resource optimization [15:07] Walking through real examples: when to say yes, when to replace, and when to pilot-test new ideas [18:41] How to say no gracefully: affirm the heart, redirect the passion, and offer a future path [23:04] Why saying no to good things protects your ability to say yes to the best things Links & Resources: Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/327 Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free for 7 days: healthychurchestoolkit.com Learn more about TapConnect Use Code TMG10 to save 10%: tapconnect.church Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup Follow us on X: x.com/malphursgroup

Churches across America are losing 60-80% of young adults between ages 18-29, and most leaders are trying all the wrong fixes. It's not about being cooler, having better coffee, or upgrading your lights. In this episode, we break down the two real reasons young adults leave your church and give you three actionable fixes you can implement this month to turn things around. In This Episode: [02:00] Why "being cooler" won't solve your young adult problem [04:43] Reason #1: You're not giving them real responsibility or leadership opportunities [09:00] Reason #2: You're not providing authentic community—just programs [15:00] How to build natural connection points instead of more structured groups [21:08] The three questions to ask young adults in your church this week Resources & Links: 📖 Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/326 🛠️ Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit FREE for 7 days: healthychurchestoolkit.com 🌐 Connect with The Malphurs Group: malphursgroup.com Follow us on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X/Twitter: x.com/malphursgroup -- Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, helping church leaders navigate revitalization, strategic planning, and building healthy ministry systems. Together, they deliver practical, no-nonsense advice to help your church thrive.

Your church has groups, classes, Bible studies, and a beautiful buffet of programs—but your people aren't growing spiritually. You're seeing staff burnout, volunteer shortages, and 40% of your congregation still can't quote the Great Commission. The problem isn't lack of activity; it's that you've created a maze of programs instead of a clear discipleship pathway. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are your hosts for The Church Revitalization Podcast, a weekly show from The Malphurs Group dedicated to helping church leaders develop practical strategies for church health and growth. Together they bring decades of consulting experience working with churches across the country to implement effective discipleship systems. In this episode, Scott and A.J. diagnose three critical signs your church has a maze instead of a map. [2:13] Sign #1: Menu vs. Map  [6:28] Sign #2: Members Can't Name Their Next Step  [13:08] Sign #3: Measuring Programs, Not Progress  The episode concludes with practical steps to shift from program-oriented thinking to process-oriented discipleship. Ready to simplify and strengthen your church's discipleship pathway? Get a 7-day free trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit at healthychurchestoolkit.com, where you'll find Strategic Envisioning training and tools to help you build a clear discipleship process. Connect with a certified Malphurs Group guide at malphursgroup.com to partner with your church in making disciples who make disciples. Follow us on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: x.com/malphursgroup Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/325

Board meetings going nowhere? Two members dug in on opposite sides? Today we tackle one of the most common—and most damaging—situations church leaders face: how to actually lead when your board is divided. Learn to diagnose the real issue, make decisions without unanimity, and prevent division through clear authority structures. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, specializing in helping churches navigate leadership challenges, strategic planning, and revitalization. Through practical frameworks and real-world experience, they equip pastors and church leaders with actionable solutions for building healthy, thriving congregations. In This Episode: [1:11] Diagnose the Division: Understanding directional vs. relational conflict [8:45] Lead to a Decision: Why unity doesn't mean unanimity [15:42] Prevent Division by Clarifying Authority: Setting boundaries before conflict [21:40] Next Steps: Resources for healthy board leadership Links & Resources: 📖 Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/324 🎁 🎓Building a Biblical Board Course available in the Healthy Churches Toolkit Free 7-Day Trial: healthychurchestoolkit.com 📱 Connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X/Twitter: x.com/malphursgroup  

Clear communication is essential for everything from teaching God's word to casting vision, yet many churches struggle with four common breakdowns that create confusion and stall momentum. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through the most frequent communication mistakes churches make—from drowning their congregation in noise to contradicting messages from leadership—and provide practical strategies to communicate more effectively. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, helping churches navigate revitalization, strategic planning, and leadership development. With decades of combined experience working with churches across the country, they bring practical, actionable insights to help church leaders build healthier, more effective ministries. In This Episode: [2:06] Over Communicating Everything [6:15] Under Communicating the Important Stuff  [11:30] Leadership Contradicting One Another [19:41] Wrong Medium for the Message  Resources & Links: Read the full article at https://malphursgroup.com/323 Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free for 7 days: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Contact The Malphurs Group: [email protected] Visit our website: malphursgroup.com Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

Your budget is the most honest document in your church. While mission statements and value declarations tell you what you aspire to be, your budget reveals what you actually prioritize and fund. In this episode, Scott and A.J. help church leaders audit their budgets to identify misalignment between stated values and actual spending, then provide a practical framework for making strategic shifts over time without creating financial chaos. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu co-host the Church Revitalization Podcast, helping evangelical church leaders navigate the practical challenges of ministry. Both serve as consultants with the Malphurs Group, working with churches across the country on strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational health. Their conversational approach combines real-world consulting experience with actionable frameworks that church leaders can implement immediately. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:02:51] Budget Reveals the Truth [00:11:37] Conducting a Values-Based Budget Audit - [00:24:14] The Four Budget Buckets Framework [00:32:56] The Missions vs. Ministry Balance [00:37:39] Taking the Long View on Change  RESOURCES & LINKS: Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit (with new strategic planning & leadership pipeline features): healthychurchestoolkit.com Full Episode Article: malphursgroup.com/322 Connect with The Malphurs Group: Website: malphursgroup.com Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): x.com/malphursgroup Let the Malphurs Group help your church with budget alignment, strategic planning, and maximizing your ministry effectiveness. Visit malphursgroup.com to learn more about our consulting services and resources.

In this special Christmas episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu react in real time to a series of viral Christmas-themed church and Christian videos circulating online. From funny and lighthearted moments to intense theological takes and over-the-top productions, this episode explores how Christians communicate faith during the Christmas season—and how those messages are received by both believers and the watching world.  Scott Ball is joined by co-host and fellow church consultant A.J. Mathieu as they offer candid, unscripted reactions rooted in decades of ministry experience. Together, they discuss pastoral wisdom, cultural engagement, outreach effectiveness, and where well-intended Christmas expressions may help—or hurt—the church's witness.  Chapters [00:00] Introduction [02:15] Pastors, humor, and calling out fruitcake from the pulpit [04:41] "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and why punctuation matters in theology [07:45] Is Christmas pagan? Responding to extreme anti-Christmas arguments [12:44] Cross-shaped Christmas trees and symbolic overcorrections [18:08] "Christmas at the Movies" sermon series—helpful or overdone? [24:20] Mega-church Christmas productions, ticket prices, and public perception [34:12] A deeper look at A Christmas Carol and the dangers of moral rigidity Links & Resources Healthy Churches Toolkit - https://healthychurchestoolkit.com The Malphurs Group - https://malphursgroup.com Facebook - https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram - https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube - https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter) - https://x.com/malphursgroup  

Many churches struggle with volunteers who are spread too thin—serving in three, four, or even five roles. In this episode, we explore why narrowing volunteer focus actually increases effectiveness and joy in serving, and how to transition your church to a healthier, more sustainable volunteer culture. Hosted by Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group, this conversation walks you through practical steps any church can take. If you're new to the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. bring decades of combined church consulting experience, helping churches grow healthier through strategy, leadership, and intentional systems. In this episode: [00:01] Setting the stage: volunteers doing too much and the 80/20 problem [02:18] Why people fear reducing volunteer roles—and why it actually works [03:20] Step 1: Creating a realistic, intentional timeline for change [07:20] Step 2: Helping volunteers find their best-fit roles through Divine Design [12:20] Step 3: Engaging volunteers in recruiting their successors [15:27] Step 4: Why a Leadership Pipeline is essential to prevent the problem from returning [17:41] "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" applied to volunteer transition [18:47] Building systems instead of just filling slots Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit → https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Full episode article → https://malphursgroup.com/320 Website → https://malphursgroup.com Facebook → https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram → https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube → https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter) → https://x.com/malphursgroup

In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu discuss five key reasons why revitalization efforts in churches often fail. They emphasize the importance of distinguishing between activity and genuine progress, recognizing demographic changes in the community, establishing accountability structures, navigating decision-making challenges, and avoiding the consensus trap that can hinder momentum. The conversation highlights practical strategies for churches to implement effective revitalization processes and the value of having experienced guides to support them.   Chapters [00:00] Understanding Revitalization Failures [07:01] Demographic Mismatch in Revitalization [12:12] Importance of Accountability in Implementation [15:42] Decision-Making Challenges in Revitalization [19:36] Navigating the Consensus Trap Get a free 7-day trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit at healthychurchestoolkit.com Follow us online: malphursgroup.com facebook.com/malphursgroup x.com/malphursgroup instagram.com/malphursgroup youtube.com/themalphursgroup

This week, Scott and AJ take a fun holiday detour and build the ultimate Christmas worship setlist—draft style. They debate classics, song arrangements, emotional picks, and what actually serves a congregation well during Advent. Equal parts practical and playful, this episode will get you thinking about your Christmas services. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu co-host The Church Revitalization Podcast and lead The Malphurs Group, helping churches experience renewed health and grow with confidence. If this is your first time listening, welcome—expect practical, actionable conversations rooted in real ministry experience. In this episode (timestamps): 00:41 — Why Christmas music matters in worship planning 05:05 — The "draft rules" and first-round song selections 13:08 — Debating arrangements, modern twists, and nostalgia 18:00 — Vulnerable stories behind certain song choices 25:28 — Final setlists, service flow, and surprising endings LINKS Healthy Churches Toolkit — https://healthychurchestoolkit.com The Malphurs Group — https://malphursgroup.com Facebook — https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram — https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube — https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter) — https://x.com/malphursgroup  

Many churches struggle to maintain healthy membership systems. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu unpack the three most common membership pathway mistakes churches make—and how to fix them. Whether your process is too long, too short, or simply unclear, this episode will help you build a pathway that's meaningful, strategic, and effective. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and leaders at The Malphurs Group, helping churches grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and the Healthy Churches Toolkit. In this episode, you'll hear: [00:06:00] Why "right-sizing" your membership process matters [00:12:00] How to communicate the "why" behind church membership [00:16:00] Why membership should be the beginning—not the end—of discipleship [00:22:00] How to measure engagement and care for members well [00:25:00] Practical tips for evaluating and improving your membership system Links & Resources Mentioned: Full article: malphursgroup.com/317 Learn more: healthychurchestoolkit.com Visit The Malphurs Group: malphursgroup.com Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)  

Parenting in today's world can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to tackling the tough topics. In this episode, Scott Ball sits down with youth pastor and author Mark Shoemaker to talk about his new book What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen, co-written with his father, Tim Shoemaker. Together, they discuss how parents can approach difficult conversations with wisdom, grace, and confidence. Scott Ball is the Vice President of The Malphurs Group and co-host of the Church Revitalization Podcast, helping churches and leaders develop clarity, structure, and health. Mark Shoemaker is a veteran youth pastor and author, passionate about equipping parents to disciple their kids and foster meaningful communication in the home. In this episode, you'll hear: [00:02:00] The heart behind What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen [00:05:00] Why timing and emotional awareness matter in parenting conversations [00:08:00] How to prepare your heart and approach for sensitive topics [00:14:00] How church leaders and youth pastors can partner with parents [00:21:00] Practical ideas for creating space for meaningful talks with your kids Links & Resources Mentioned: Get the book: What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen  on Amazon Explore more resources: healthychurchestoolkit.com Follow The Malphurs Group on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)    

Are your staff meetings dominated by information gathering and idle chit-chat instead of strategic decision-making? In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share practical strategies to transform your weekly team time from wasted hours into productive, vision-focused collaboration that actually moves your ministry forward. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with the Malphurs Group, where they help churches develop healthy systems and strategic clarity. With decades of combined experience in church leadership, they bring practical, field-tested insights to help your church thrive. In This Episode: [00:00] Why most churches waste their staff meeting time and how to fix it [03:49] Gather information before the meeting—don't wing it or rely on repetitive updates [07:09] Prioritize collaborative decision-making over information reporting [09:04] Avoid one-on-one conversations that should happen offline [11:29] Keep vision, mission, and strategy at the center of every meeting [13:25] End with clarity: tasks, due dates, deliverables, and accountability Resources & Links: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Full Article for This Episode: https://malphursgroup.com/315 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X/Twitter: https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can a small church in a large metro area find a path toward growth? In this case study episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through the real-life scenario of a 35-person congregation with an older membership, a new part-time pastor, and big questions about what comes next. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions, they pose four critical questions every small church should ask to clarify strategy, focus resources, and take meaningful steps forward . Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you lead a small church or simply want practical insights, you'll find encouragement and actionable takeaways here. In this episode: [05:17] Why visibility—both in the community and online—matters for small churches [13:20] How to identify and invest in "tent-pole" ministries like kids or outreach [20:02] Why doubling down on bold, biblical teaching leads to real growth [25:28] Building spiritual friendships that last from Sunday to Sunday [29:45] How to balance patience with urgency when leading change Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/314Website: https://malphursgroup.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup  

Should your church do strategic planning during a pastoral transition—or wait until a new pastor arrives? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu tackle one of the most common questions churches ask during seasons of change. They outline why planning now is almost always the better choice and how it can set up your next pastor and congregation for long-term success. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. With over a decade of experience, they share practical wisdom for navigating transitions with clarity and confidence. In this episode: [02:10] When strategic planning may not be the right timing [05:30] How planning shapes better job postings and candidate alignment [08:13] Why pre-planning strengthens mission, vision, and pastoral fit [12:49] Increasing congregational buy-in and unity during transition [18:38] Giving your next pastor a better decision-making framework [22:01] Addressing the concern of "cutting out" the new pastor Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/313Website: https://malphursgroup.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can shepherding pastors lead effectively in vision and strategy? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu address a common challenge: pastors who excel in relational and pastoral care but feel less confident when it comes to vision and strategy. They share practical steps for leaning into strengths, building balanced teams, and leading with humility while still guiding the church toward God's future. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you naturally lean toward shepherding or strategy, you'll find encouragement and tools to lead with confidence. In this episode: [03:42] Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses without self-doubt [08:09] Why building a complementary team is essential for balance [11:01] How to live your role and lean into your pastoral strengths [13:57] Avoiding pride and empowering others to lead alongside you [15:33] Lessons from Moses and the importance of humility in leadership Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/312 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How do you get your team to actually use Planning Center—or any church management software—consistently?In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share practical strategies to boost adoption and ensure your church gets the most value from your ChMS investment. From identifying the right core features to building solid onboarding systems, you'll learn how to turn good intentions into long-term habits. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether your team is brand new to Planning Center or you've been using it for years, you'll find actionable tips to increase buy-in and effectiveness. In this episode: [04:02] How to determine the most critical features for everyone to use [09:37] The importance of onboarding and re-training for lasting adoption [14:15] Why checklists are your secret weapon for consistent use [18:26] How to build accountability into your software processes [21:58] Encouraging a culture of shared responsibility with Planning Center Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/311 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How can a healthy church come alongside a declining one to bring new life? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu explore practical and biblical ways for thriving churches to partner with struggling congregations. From building trust to offering tangible support, this conversation unpacks how partnerships can honor both churches' missions while maximizing Kingdom impact. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you lead a strong church or one in need of revitalization, you'll find actionable ideas for collaboration that blesses both congregations. In this episode: [04:18] Why humility is the first step toward healthy church partnerships [09:06] How to approach a declining church without creating defensiveness [14:42] Practical ways a healthy church can provide resources and support [20:17] The role of shared vision in ensuring partnership success [24:33] Long-term strategies for sustaining revitalization efforts Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/310 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

When is it time for a church to close its doors? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu discuss how to discern whether your congregation should pursue revitalization or intentionally close. Using the analogy of CPR, they outline key indicators of church health, the realities of revitalization efforts, and kingdom-minded options if closure becomes the best step.   Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether your church is facing decline or you want to prevent it, this conversation offers both practical insight and hope.   In this episode: [03:03] Understanding "critical mass" and why motivation matters more than money [07:11] The CPR analogy for revitalization—why there's no harm in trying [12:18] Why outside help is essential for near-death churches [15:16] When closing may be the best option and how to plan for it [17:57] Kingdom-minded ways to bless others with your church's assets [21:34] How closure can still be a witness of resurrection and renewal   Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/309 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

How should your church manage and prioritize community partnerships? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu unpack how to evaluate, categorize, and communicate about partnerships—whether they're with local ministries, national organizations, or groups using your facility. Learn how to align partnerships with your mission and vision while avoiding "pathway creep" that dilutes your church's focus.   Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches worldwide to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you lead a large church or a small congregation, you'll find practical steps for prioritizing partnerships that make the greatest Kingdom impact.   In this episode: [04:36] Why categorizing partnerships as primary, secondary, or good neighbor is essential [07:55] How to identify and invest in primary ministry partnerships [14:01] The role and purpose of secondary ministry partnerships [18:20] Defining "good neighbor" partnerships and when to limit promotion [26:26] How to create a communication plan that protects your discipleship pathway   Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/308 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

What makes someone truly qualified to serve as an elder in your church? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share three common pitfalls churches face when selecting elder candidates—and how to avoid them. From clarifying the difference between longevity and competency to defining role expectations, this conversation will help you build a stronger, healthier leadership team. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, equipping churches around the world to grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you're new to the show or a regular listener, you'll find practical insights you can put into action right away. In this episode: [05:31] Why confusing longevity with competency can lead to poor leadership choices [11:51] How overlooking team chemistry can derail your board's effectiveness [18:09] The cost of failing to clarify elder role expectations [22:40] Practical steps to strengthen your selection process and team unity Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/307 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

When is the right time for your church to expand its building? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share three key considerations every church should evaluate before committing to a major building project. From clarifying vision to setting measurable benchmarks and crafting a financial plan, this discussion will help you avoid costly missteps and position your church for long-term health and impact. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with The Malphurs Group, helping churches worldwide grow healthier through strategic planning, leadership development, and revitalization. Whether you're a first-time listener or a long-time subscriber, you'll find practical, actionable advice to guide your church's next steps. In this episode (with timestamps): [1:34] The first and most important question: Does your building project align with your mission and vision? [9:17] Why you need clear benchmarks before committing to construction [13:40] How to think through space optimization, parking, and other logistics before you build [17:32] Creating a rock-solid financial and campaign plan [21:53] Why working with a specialist can save you from incomplete or stalled projects   Links & Resources: Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Article: https://malphursgroup.com/306 Website: https://malphursgroup.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup  

Evangelism isn't a program—it's a culture rooted in identity. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore how churches can move from sporadic outreach events to fostering a deep, church-wide culture of evangelism that flows naturally from who we are in Christ. Hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group bring their practical experience working with hundreds of churches to help you reframe evangelism as a core component of your church's DNA, not just a once-a-year effort. In this episode: [00:42] Why evangelism is more about identity than activity [12:16] How to equip people to share their faith with confidence [20:58] Prioritizing local outreach while still supporting global missions [25:18] Why you should celebrate effort—not just results—in evangelism [27:27] The importance of sowing seeds and trusting God with the harvest Resources & Links: 🎯 Read the companion article 🧰 Explore the Healthy Churches Toolkit 📘 Learn more about the Church Ministry Analysis Follow us on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (formerly Twitter): x.com/malphursgroup  

Many churches struggle with senior leaders who are stuck doing ministry instead of leading others to do it. In this episode, we break down how to make the shift—biblically and practically—from being hands-on doers to high-leverage leaders who equip others for lasting impact. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, church consultants with The Malphurs Group, co-host the Church Revitalization Podcast. With decades of combined experience helping churches thrive, they share real-world insights for leaders looking to lead more effectively and build healthier teams. In this episode: (00:45) Why equipping others is a biblical imperative (Ephesians 4) (06:20) What it really means to lead instead of do (13:00) Why you need more tolerance for failure and less for mediocrity (19:40) How to build a culture that rewards leadership, not just busyness (23:45) Practical steps for managing the transition from doing to leading   🔗 Links & Resources → Healthy Churches Toolkit — Try it free for 7 days → Episode article & transcript → Facebook → Instagram → YouTube → X (Twitter)

People don't join small groups because of catchy announcements—they join because they're hungry for connection. In this episode, we explore how to communicate the real value of groups: not as a program, but as a path to deeper spiritual and relational health. If your small groups ministry feels stuck, this conversation will help you reframe the message and reengage your people. Hosted by church consultants Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in theology and real-world experience from helping hundreds of churches. In this episode, you'll learn: → [00:03:56] Why small groups meet a deep emotional and spiritual need → [00:10:24] How to teach the theology of fellowship without guilt-tripping → [00:15:54] Why showing (not telling) is key to group engagement → [00:19:04] How to keep momentum without falling into false starts → [00:22:47] A powerful tool that auto-generates small group guides and more   LINKS → Article: https://malphursgroup.com/303 → Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com → Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup → Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup → YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup → X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

Building a Healthy Multi-Site Leadership Culture Many churches dream of going multi-site, but few consider what it takes to cultivate a unified, thriving leadership culture across campuses. In this episode, we outline the five essential elements your church needs to lead well in a multi-site model. Your hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group bring decades of church consulting experience. They share insights from working with churches of all sizes to build healthy systems and sustainable leadership models. In this episode, we cover: → [00:05:36] Why your church needs clearly defined leadership teams across campuses → [00:10:32] The importance of meeting structure and clarifying purpose → [00:14:41] How to empower campus autonomy while maintaining alignment → [00:20:53] Creating consistent communication rhythms to avoid silos → [00:21:35] Why celebrating shared wins strengthens cross-campus unity   LINKS → Article: https://malphursgroup.com/302 → Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com → Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup → Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup → YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup → X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup

Is your church aging and struggling to attract younger families? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we explore practical strategies to breathe new life into your children's ministry and effectively connect with young families. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are experienced church consultants with The Malphurs Group. They specialize in church revitalization, strategic planning, and leadership development, helping churches become healthy, growing communities. In this episode, you'll discover: Why heart change and brutal honesty are essential first steps (4:13) How improving your physical space can attract young families (7:00) Tips for staffing children's ministries, even with limited resources (14:34) Effective outreach strategies to meet families in your community (19:36) Internal ministry ideas that build lasting connections with parents (25:33) LINKS: Healthy Churches Toolkit Related Article Follow us on Social Media: Facebook Instagram YouTube X (Twitter)

It's the 300th episode 🎉 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, and we're celebrating by answering some of your most pressing questions. From making tough ministry decisions to cultivating leadership in your church, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu provide practical, actionable advice to help your church thrive. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are experienced church revitalization consultants dedicated to equipping church leaders. Each week, they tackle important topics to strengthen your church's health and mission. In this episode: [05:07] Q1: How to make decisions about continuing, improving, or ending ministries. [08:26] Q2: The value of hiring an outside church consultant. [13:39] Q3: What to do when your church needs revitalization but doesn't realize it. [17:38] Q4: How to help people see themselves as leaders in your church. [21:07] Q5: Staying strategic and visionary as a solo pastor despite day-to-day demands. [26:10] Q6: The role of spiritual formation in revitalization. [32:00] Q7: Preparing strategically for church growth before it happens. [37:26] Q8: Should church strategy implementation always lead to numerical growth? Links: 🌐 Healthy Churches Toolkit 🌐 Full Episode Article Connect with us: 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook 𝕏 X (Twitter) ▶️ YouTube Thanks for joining us for 300 episodes of strengthening churches together!

Ready for a thriving fall ministry launch? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, we break down the three must-do steps that will set your ministry up for a successful new season—whether your summer's winding down or you're just starting to plan ahead. Your hosts, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, are passionate church consultants with years of experience helping leaders revitalize and grow healthy congregations. If you're new to the show, you'll hear practical insights and real-world strategies you can apply right away. Here's what we cover in today's episode: [02:00] Why now is the perfect time to set your sermon calendar for the fall [07:24] Proven tips for recruiting and organizing your volunteer teams [11:09] How to refresh and refocus your church's strategic ministry projects [15:29] Bonus tip: How to actually make time for planning (and stick to it!) Relevant Links & Resources: Explore the Healthy Churches Toolkit: healthychurchestoolkit.com Dive deeper with the companion article: malphursgroup.com/299 Connect with us for more tips and resources: The Malphurs Group on Facebook | Twitter Ready to lead boldly into the new ministry season? Hit play and let's get started!

This week on The Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu dive deep into one of church leadership's most sensitive questions: Can you—should you—ever fire a volunteer? From ethical violations to mismatched roles, we break down why letting a volunteer go may be necessary (and how you can do it well, with grace and clarity). Discover proactive strategies to avoid these tough situations in the first place and learn how to create a thriving, healthy volunteer culture in your church. Hosted by Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu of the Malphurs Group, The Church Revitalization Podcast tackles real-world leadership challenges to help churches grow stronger and healthier. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to ministry, Scott and AJ offer practical advice, proven tools, and plenty of encouragement for every church context. In this episode, we cover: The ethical, spiritual, and practical reasons you might need to let a volunteer go How to prevent most firings with good systems and culture Steps for having hard conversations with struggling volunteers Healthy onboarding and offboarding practices to support your teams What to do in extreme cases, including legal and church discipline scenarios Links & Resources: Get access to the Healthy Churches Toolkit: healthychurchestoolkit.com – Free 7-day trial! Connect with us: malphursgroup.com, Facebook, Twitter Dive into more episodes and resources on church volunteer management Got stories or questions about managing volunteers? Comment below or message us—your wins and horror stories help us serve church leaders even better!

Many churches are stuck with outdated or overly complex bylaws that limit their effectiveness and create unnecessary conflict. In this episode, we unpack the top five issues with church constitutions and bylaws—and how your church can fix them. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu of The Malphurs Group bring practical insights from years of helping churches navigate governance and leadership challenges. If you're new to the podcast, we help churches get healthy and grow through strategic planning and leadership development. In this episode, we cover: → [00:02:34] Why relying on bylaws instead of policies leads to dysfunction → [00:07:17] How complexity makes compliance nearly impossible → [00:11:26] What happens when bylaws are designed for the wrong church size → [00:14:03] The risks of outdated or unbiblical governance structures → [00:20:54] How vague or conflicting authority erodes trust and accountability Resources & Links: → 🧰 HealthyChurchesToolkit.com – Start your free 7-day trial and access our course on building a biblical board, plus sample policy manuals → 📘 Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/297→ 👥 Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram→ 🌐 Learn more about our work: malphursgroup.com  

Looking to level up volunteer engagement in your church? In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, we break down the best times and strategies for recruiting volunteers, drawing from current trends and real-world ministry experience. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to church revitalization, these insights will help you build a strong, servant-hearted volunteer team. Hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu—church consultants and revitalization experts—unpack practical principles and share firsthand stories to help you effectively connect people to their calling in your church community. In this episode, you'll learn: The top 5 moments to recruit volunteers (and which one you're probably missing) Why getting people serving early matters for church "stickiness" How to leverage membership classes and spiritual gifts for team-building The strengths and pitfalls of ministry fairs and seasonal "pushes" Why recruiting is everyone's job, not just the staff's 🔗 Resources & Links: Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free: healthychurchestoolkit.com Free access for international listeners: healthychurchesglobal.com Read the full episode article: malphursgroup.com/296 Connect with us on social & discover more revitalization resources at malphursgroup.com. Ready to transform your volunteer culture? Hit play and let's get started!

Myth-busting Spiritual Gifts! In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu tackle three of the most widespread misconceptions about spiritual gifts. They dig into where common beliefs miss the mark, how spiritual gifts assessments really work, and why understanding gifting is so important for engaging church members in meaningful ministry. Your hosts, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu, are church health experts with The Malphurs Group. Every week, they take practical, actionable topics and break them down into bite-sized episodes to help your church thrive. Whether you're a lead pastor, volunteer, or just passionate about church revitalization, this show is for you! Here's what you'll learn in today's episode: (02:20) Why spiritual gifts assessments are helpful but not authoritative (07:44) The Spider-Man analogy: You have to try out your gifts to know them! (12:25) Are Paul's lists in the epistles exhaustive? What's really being communicated? (18:07) Why spiritual gifts (and assessments) still matter in every church (20:32) Practical steps to help your congregation discover and use their gifts Links & Resources: Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free for 7 days: healthychurchestoolkit.com Read the full episode article and recap: malphursgroup.com/295 Connect with The Malphurs Group on social: Facebook | Twitter/X  Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let us know how you're helping your church thrive!

Unlock the secret to effective volunteer placement in your church! In this episode, we dive deep into why getting the right person in the right role—right now—matters, with a special focus on temperament and its impact on ministry effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, you'll discover actionable steps for aligning volunteer strengths with real church needs. Join hosts A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball from the Church Revitalization Podcast, brought to you by the Malphurs Group team. With years of hands-on experience in church leadership and revitalization, A.J. and Scott bring clarity, energy, and practical wisdom each week to help church leaders thrive. What's Inside This Episode: Understanding the difference between temperament and personality—and why it matters [03:30] Quick overview of the DISC assessment and how it fits church volunteer roles [11:12] Signs of volunteer misalignment and practical solutions for burnout [18:45] How to use the new Divine Design Discovery Tool for customized volunteer recruitment [4:27][23:17] Building leadership pipelines and aligning teams for greater health [22:14] Links & Resources: Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free for 7 days: healthychurchestoolkit.com Deep dive article & show notes: malphursgroup.com/294 Connect with us on social media for more weekly insights Discover how understanding temperament can energize your volunteers and transform your church—listen now and start building your healthiest team yet!

Why 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 here to help your church thrive. In this episode, we cover: - The dangers and appeal of charismatic leadership [06:01] - How consumer-oriented programs can spark attendance without real transformation [10:03] - The impact of location and demographics on church growth [15:29] - The role of transfer growth and what it really means for church health [20:13] - Practical steps to focus on healthy discipleship and mission [22:50] Links & Resources: - The Healthy Churches Toolkit: healthychurchestoolkit.com - Full episode article & resources: malphursgroup.com/293 - Connect with us: Website - More revitalization tools and leadership tips: YouTube Looking to build a thriving, healthy church? Explore the Healthy Churches Toolkit and other resources linked above!

Is 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 vision clarity directly boosts church growth (1:20) The first step: a "discernment" phase combining data and prayer (3:58) Crafting a vision draft that inspires buy-in (5:24) Cascading vision from the pulpit to every ministry area (11:24) How to measure, track, and celebrate progress—avoiding common pitfalls (17:04) Links & Resources: Discover tools & start your 7-day free trial: Healthy Churches Toolkit Show notes & episode article: malphursgroup.com/292 More from the Malphurs Group: Website Follow us on social for more church leadership tips and updates!

Is 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 matters) [00:07:04] The real issue: Why variety confuses people and stalls engagement [00:08:53] The program vs. process mindset (and how to shift gears) [00:12:25] Building a clear, 3-5 step discipleship pathway—what primary and secondary ministries are (and aren't) [00:26:31] Practical steps to combine, align, or sunset ministries for maximum impact Episode Links: Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit for free: healthychurchestoolkit.com Read the full article: malphursgroup.com/291 Connect with us on social: facebook.com/malphursgroup | twitter.com/malphursgroup Take your next step toward a healthier church today!