Church Consultants Answering YOUR Church Revitalization Questions!
The Church Revitalization Podcast
Release Date: 07/23/2025
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...
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How to Get Your People to USE Planning Center
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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How Can Healthy Churches Help Declining Churches?
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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Should Our Church Close?
The Church Revitalization Podcast
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...
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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...
info_outlineIt'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:
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[05:07] Q1: How to make decisions about continuing, improving, or ending ministries.
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[08:26] Q2: The value of hiring an outside church consultant.
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[13:39] Q3: What to do when your church needs revitalization but doesn't realize it.
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[17:38] Q4: How to help people see themselves as leaders in your church.
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[21:07] Q5: Staying strategic and visionary as a solo pastor despite day-to-day demands.
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[26:10] Q6: The role of spiritual formation in revitalization.
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[32:00] Q7: Preparing strategically for church growth before it happens.
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[37:26] Q8: Should church strategy implementation always lead to numerical growth?
Links:
🌐 Healthy Churches Toolkit
🌐 Full Episode Article
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Thanks for joining us for 300 episodes of strengthening churches together!