How Churches Can Manage and Prioritize Community Partnerships
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Three Elder Selection Pitfalls
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Should Your Church Do a Building Project?
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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,...
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How Do We Create an Evangelism and Outreach Culture in Our Church?
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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From Doing to Leading as a Church Leader
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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How to Get More People into Small Groups
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Building a Healthy Multisite Church Leadership Culture
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Growing Younger in an Aging Church
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Church Consultants Answering YOUR Church Revitalization Questions!
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Three Ways to Prepare for the Fall Ministry Launch
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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: ...
info_outlineMyth-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:
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(02:20) Why spiritual gifts assessments are helpful but not authoritative
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(07:44) The Spider-Man analogy: You have to try out your gifts to know them!
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(12:25) Are Paul’s lists in the epistles exhaustive? What’s really being communicated?
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(18:07) Why spiritual gifts (and assessments) still matter in every church
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(20:32) Practical steps to help your congregation discover and use their gifts
Links & Resources:
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Try the Healthy Churches Toolkit free for 7 days: healthychurchestoolkit.com
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Read the full episode article and recap: malphursgroup.com/295
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Connect with The Malphurs Group on social: Facebook | Twitter/X
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