Church Consultants React to Social Media Christmas Clips
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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From Burnout to Best Fit: How to Transition Over-Committed Volunteers
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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5 Reasons Church Revitalization Efforts Fail
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Scott & A.J. Debate the Best Christmas Set List
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Three Church Membership Mistakes
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Equipping Parents to Have Hard Conversations with Teens
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Making the Most of Your Staff Meetings
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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,...
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Case Study: Growing a Small Church in a Big City
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Should Your Church Do Strategic Planning Between Pastors?
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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How Pastors Can Balance Shepherding and Vision
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
info_outlineMinistry silos can cripple a church's effectiveness, creating competing calendars, duplicated programs, and territorial mindsets. In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu break down the common symptoms of siloed ministries - from calendar conflicts to information hoarding - and provide practical solutions for unifying your church's vision and systems. Learn how to identify whether your church has fallen into the silo trap and discover actionable steps to break down walls between ministries to create a more cohesive, effective church.
Show notes: Visit malphursgroup.com/274 for the full article and resources mentioned in this episode.