The Church Revitalization Podcast
Each week, The Malphurs Group team tackles important, actionable topics to help your church succeed in revitalization and leadership. We want to equip your church break through barriers and maximize your impact.
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Three Church Membership Mistakes
11/19/2025
Three Church Membership Mistakes
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: Learn more: Visit The Malphurs Group: Follow us on social media:
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Equipping Parents to Have Hard Conversations with Teens
11/11/2025
Equipping Parents to Have Hard Conversations with Teens
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: Explore more resources: Follow The Malphurs Group on social media:
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Making the Most of Your Staff Meetings
11/05/2025
Making the Most of Your Staff Meetings
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: Full Article for This Episode: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X/Twitter: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Case Study: Growing a Small Church in a Big City
10/29/2025
Case Study: Growing a Small Church in a Big City
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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Should Your Church Do Strategic Planning Between Pastors?
10/22/2025
Should Your Church Do Strategic Planning Between Pastors?
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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How Pastors Can Balance Shepherding and Vision
10/15/2025
How Pastors Can Balance Shepherding and Vision
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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How to Get Your People to USE Planning Center
10/08/2025
How to Get Your People to USE Planning Center
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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How Can Healthy Churches Help Declining Churches?
10/01/2025
How Can Healthy Churches Help Declining Churches?
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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Should Our Church Close?
09/24/2025
Should Our Church Close?
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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How Churches Can Manage and Prioritize Community Partnerships
09/17/2025
How Churches Can Manage and Prioritize Community Partnerships
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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Three Elder Selection Pitfalls
09/10/2025
Three Elder Selection Pitfalls
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: Episode Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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Should Your Church Do a Building Project?
09/03/2025
Should Your Church Do a Building Project?
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: Article: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (Twitter):
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How Do We Create an Evangelism and Outreach Culture in Our Church?
08/27/2025
How Do We Create an Evangelism and Outreach Culture in Our Church?
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: 🎯 🧰 📘 Follow us on social media: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: X (formerly Twitter):
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From Doing to Leading as a Church Leader
08/20/2025
From Doing to Leading as a Church Leader
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 → — Try it free for 7 days → → → → →
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How to Get More People into Small Groups
08/13/2025
How to Get More People into Small Groups
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
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Building a Healthy Multisite Church Leadership Culture
08/06/2025
Building a Healthy Multisite Church Leadership Culture
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
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Growing Younger in an Aging Church
07/30/2025
Growing Younger in an Aging Church
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: Follow us on Social Media:
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Church Consultants Answering YOUR Church Revitalization Questions!
07/23/2025
Church Consultants Answering YOUR Church Revitalization Questions!
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: 🌐 🌐 Connect with us: 📷 📘 𝕏 ▶️ Thanks for joining us for 300 episodes of strengthening churches together!
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Three Ways to Prepare for the Fall Ministry Launch
07/16/2025
Three Ways to Prepare for the Fall Ministry Launch
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: Dive deeper with the companion article: Connect with us for more tips and resources: | Ready to lead boldly into the new ministry season? Hit play and let’s get started!
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How (& When) to Fire Church Volunteers
07/09/2025
How (& When) to Fire Church Volunteers
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: – Free 7-day trial! Connect with us: , , 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!
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The Top 5 Church Constitution & Bylaw Problems
07/02/2025
The Top 5 Church Constitution & Bylaw Problems
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: → 🧰 – Start your free 7-day trial and access our course on building a biblical board, plus sample policy manuals → 📘 Read the full article: → 👥 Connect with us on and → 🌐 Learn more about our work:
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When Is the Best Time for Volunteer Recruitment?
06/25/2025
When Is the Best Time for Volunteer Recruitment?
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: Free access for international listeners: Read the full episode article: Connect with us on social & discover more revitalization resources at . Ready to transform your volunteer culture? Hit play and let’s get started!
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Three MYTHS About Spiritual Gifts
06/18/2025
Three MYTHS About Spiritual Gifts
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: Read the full episode article and recap: Connect with The Malphurs Group on social: | Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let us know how you’re helping your church thrive!
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Why Temperament Matters in Church Volunteer Roles
06/11/2025
Why Temperament Matters in Church Volunteer Roles
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: Deep dive article & show notes: 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!
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Why Unhealthy Churches Sometimes Grow
06/04/2025
Why Unhealthy Churches Sometimes Grow
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: - Full episode article & resources: - Connect with us: - More revitalization tools and leadership tips: Looking to build a thriving, healthy church? Explore the Healthy Churches Toolkit and other resources linked above!
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Vision That Sticks
05/28/2025
Vision That Sticks
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: Show notes & episode article: More from the Malphurs Group: Follow us on social for more church leadership tips and updates!
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Streamlining Discipleship Ministries: A Guide to Effective Church Engagement
05/21/2025
Streamlining Discipleship Ministries: A Guide to Effective Church Engagement
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: Read the full article: Connect with us on social: | Take your next step toward a healthier church today!
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How to Build a Thriving Small Groups Ministry + Build Groups Partnership (w/ Adam Erlichman)
05/14/2025
How to Build a Thriving Small Groups Ministry + Build Groups Partnership (w/ Adam Erlichman)
In this episode, we dive into what it takes to develop a healthy, growing small groups ministry that actually connects people and fosters transformation. Whether your church uses Sunday School, home groups, or a hybrid model, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer practical steps forward. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are joined by Adam Erlichman from Build Groups—a national consultant helping churches grow their groups ministry by 30–50% in under a year. Adam shares powerful stories, best practices, and a major new announcement about exclusive training content now available through the Healthy Churches Toolkit. In this episode: (00:03:08) Why Sunday School vs. Small Groups is a false dichotomy (00:05:36) What most churches get wrong about launching groups (00:10:31) The right metrics to track group health (and the ones to stop using) (00:26:37) What qualitative factors reveal if your groups are thriving (00:30:16) A behind-the-scenes look at the brand new Build Groups Masterclass Links & Resources: 🌐 📖 🎥 🤝
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Five Things Worship Leaders Should STOP Doing
05/07/2025
Five Things Worship Leaders Should STOP Doing
Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/289 Welcome to the Church Revitalization Podcast, where we tackle the real issues facing today’s church leaders. In this episode, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu dive into the top five things worship leaders should stop doing right now. With candid stories from Scott’s own years as a worship leader—and A.J.’s trademark humor—they break down common pitfalls and offer practical advice for creating a more engaging, distraction-free worship experience. Whether you’re a worship leader, senior pastor, or just passionate about church health, this episode will challenge your perspective, spark some laughs, and help your church worship grow stronger.
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How Big Is Your Church...Actually?
04/30/2025
How Big Is Your Church...Actually?
Do pastors really know who's attending their church every week? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball dig into the common myth that "only half the church is present on any given Sunday"—and challenge assumptions about church attendance. They discuss the roots of this belief, why it persists, and, most importantly, why getting the real numbers actually matters for effective ministry and discipleship. Learn practical ways to move beyond gut feelings and start gathering actionable data on church engagement—plus, helpful ideas for tracking attendance without burdening your team or your church members. Whether your church is large or small, knowing who's truly present is key to intentional shepherding, boosting engagement, and making better strategic decisions. Show Links: Start your free trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: Global listeners: access the toolkit for free at For more practical insights to help your church thrive, follow the Church Revitalization Podcast and connect with the Malphurs Group team each week!
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