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.
info_outline
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 → → → → →
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37680720
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37653500
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37653265
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37599085
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37459970
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37420685
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37337755
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37165800
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/37140260
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36695535
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36693595
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36693515
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36693070
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36649210
info_outline
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: 🌐 📖 🎥 🤝
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36556285
info_outline
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.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36458185
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36271260
info_outline
Starting Well at Your New Church: A Guide for Pastors
04/23/2025
Starting Well at Your New Church: A Guide for Pastors
Are you stepping into a new pastoral role? Or do you know someone who is? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu share practical, actionable advice for pastors beginning their journey at a new church. Drawing from real-world examples and years of experience, they unpack key strategies such as being a learner before a leader, the importance of building relationships over seeking immediate results, and understanding the “why” behind church traditions before making changes. Learn how to communicate hope, find early wins, and set a healthy foundation for your ministry and your new congregation. Whether you’re a senior pastor, youth pastor, or part of church leadership, these insights will help you or someone you know start strong. Full show notes:
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36267920
info_outline
Preparing Your Church for A New Pastor (New Pastor Onboarding Part 1)
04/16/2025
Preparing Your Church for A New Pastor (New Pastor Onboarding Part 1)
Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/286 Join hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu as they dive into a miniseries focused on successfully onboarding a new pastor. In this episode, the discussion revolves around how churches can prepare to welcome a fresh leader effectively. Scott and A.J. share valuable insights on practicing intentional hospitality, embracing clear and gracious communication, and being open to change. Whether you're in the midst of a pastoral transition or simply thinking ahead, this episode is packed with practical advice to set your church up for success. Don't miss out on these essential tips for ensuring a smooth transition and a thriving church community!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36135240
info_outline
Three Kinds of Churches that FAIL at Revitalization
04/09/2025
Three Kinds of Churches that FAIL at Revitalization
Read this week's article at malphursgroup.com/285 his week, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu dive deep into a topic that might make some church leaders uneasy: the reasons why some churches fail in their revitalization process. They outline three key types of churches that struggle – the poorly pastored church, the timid church, and the lazy church. Through their candid discussion, Scott and A.J. provide insights into why these barriers arise and how to overcome them. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or congregation member, this episode offers valuable takeaways for ensuring your revitalization efforts lead to success, not stagnation.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/36057455
info_outline
Three Pitfalls for GROWING Churches
04/02/2025
Three Pitfalls for GROWING Churches
Growth is often celebrated in church circles, but what if your success is hiding deeper problems? In this episode, Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu tackle the rarely-discussed challenges that growing churches face. They reveal three common pitfalls: becoming complacent with your current success, not understanding why you're actually growing, and expanding too quickly without the leadership foundation to sustain it. Whether your church is experiencing modest or explosive growth, these insights will help you build a healthier, more sustainable ministry that values depth over mere numbers. Because not everything that grows is healthy – and sometimes the most dangerous time for your church is when everything seems to be going well. Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/284
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35962965
info_outline
The Five Types of Church Teams: How to Be a HIGH PERFORMANCE Team
03/26/2025
The Five Types of Church Teams: How to Be a HIGH PERFORMANCE Team
Read the show notes at Join hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu as they delve into the dynamics of teamwork within the church context. In this enlightening episode, Scott and A.J. explore the five types of teams drawn from the insights of the book "The Wisdom of Teams" by Katzenbach and Smith. They discuss how these categories—working group, pseudo team, potential team, real team, and high-performance team—apply to church staff, elder boards, and volunteer groups. Discover practical steps to assess and elevate your team's effectiveness, fostering an environment of mutual accountability and genuine affection. Plus, explore the intrinsic value of moving from simply collaborating to genuinely caring for one another, as inspired by biblical principles. Tune in to elevate your church team's performance and unity today! Remember to check out the Healthy Churches Toolkit for resources that can transform your team's dynamics. Subscribe and transform how your church team works!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35579225
info_outline
Who is Blocking Your Ministry Vision?
03/19/2025
Who is Blocking Your Ministry Vision?
Read the show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/282 In this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu delve into the challenges churches face when trying to implement their ministry vision. They explore different archetypes of individuals who may unintentionally or intentionally hinder progress, inspired by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs' work "Developing a Vision for Ministry." Drawing from biblical examples, such as the story of Nehemiah, the hosts discuss how internal and external oppositions manifest and provide strategies for overcoming them with resilience. Whether it's addressing the concerns of vision vampires, navigating the critiques of vision vultures, or working with vision firemen who prefer the status quo, this episode offers insights and actionable advice for church leaders committed to revitalizing their ministries. Plus, discover the importance of remembering God's past, present, and future goodness in navigating challenges. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation rooted in scripture and experience.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35565850
info_outline
Christianity in America: Is the Decline Over?
03/12/2025
Christianity in America: Is the Decline Over?
Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/281 Join hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu in this episode of The Church Revitalization Podcast as they delve into the latest data on Christianity in America. After decades of decline, there's a glimmer of hope—has the trend finally plateaued? Discover the good news and the challenges still facing the church today. Scott and A.J. explore the factors contributing to the stabilization of Christian identification and the generational shifts influencing these numbers. With 86% of Americans believing in a soul and 83% acknowledging a higher power, the hosts emphasize the significant opportunities for outreach and transformation. Learn why it's crucial for churches to refocus on fundamental practices, discipleship, and outreach to turn the tide. Whether you're a church leader or member, this episode offers actionable insights to help your church thrive and impact your community. Listen now to understand what this means for your church and how you can be a part of reversing the trend. Don't miss this vital conversation on the future of faith in America.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35531885
info_outline
Church Revitalization Through Outreach: Becoming an Externally Focused Church
03/05/2025
Church Revitalization Through Outreach: Becoming an Externally Focused Church
Discover the essential keys to church revitalization through outreach in this insightful episode with Scott Ball and AJ Mathieu. Learn why most churches have outreach activities but lack effective outreach strategies, and how this disconnect becomes a major barrier to growth. The hosts break down three critical steps that can transform your congregation from inward-focused to externally-oriented: shifting your mindset from "us" to "them," genuinely understanding your community's needs beyond surface-level assumptions, and establishing sustainable outreach practices that become part of your church's DNA. Whether your church is plateaued, declining, or simply looking to maximize its community impact, these actionable insights will help you develop the external focus necessary for true church revitalization. Don't miss this practical guide to fulfilling the Great Commission in your local context. Full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/280
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35428380
info_outline
How Leadership Dysfunction Holds Back Church Growth
02/26/2025
How Leadership Dysfunction Holds Back Church Growth
Leadership dysfunction can be the silent killer of church growth, yet many leaders don't want to address it. In this episode, we explore four critical dysfunctions that might be holding your church back: poor conflict management, entrenched parties and processes, tolerance of disunifying behavior, and lack of shared vision. Learn how to identify these issues and take practical steps toward creating a healthier leadership culture in your church. Full show notes available at malphursgroup.com/279
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35383790
info_outline
How to Start a Church Revitalization Process
02/19/2025
How to Start a Church Revitalization Process
Is your church plateaued, declining, or in need of a fresh vision for the future? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosts Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu go back to the basics and break down the essential steps for launching a church revitalization process today. They discuss: ✅ Who revitalization is for (and who it’s not for) ✅ The six critical steps for turning around a struggling church ✅ Why assessment, team formation, and intentional planning are key ✅ How churches can move from decline to growth with practical, actionable strategies Whether your church needs minor optimization or major revitalization, this episode provides a clear roadmap to get started. Plus, learn how The Malphurs Group can come alongside your church with training, coaching, and strategic planning to help you succeed. 🔗 Show Notes & Resources: malphursgroup.com/278 🎧 Subscribe for weekly insights on church health & leadership!
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35338925
info_outline
Five Overlooked Guest Experience Questions
02/12/2025
Five Overlooked Guest Experience Questions
Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/277 When a guest visits your church, they've already decided to be brave. Don't let overlooked details create unnecessary anxiety for them! In this episode, we dive into five questions every guest is silently asking - from parking logistics to communion etiquette. Learn practical ways to address these unspoken concerns and create a more welcoming experience for your visitors. Whether you're a growing church looking to improve your guest services or a established congregation wanting to stay sharp, these insights will help you see your facility and processes through fresh eyes. Plus, discover why your bathroom might be more important than you think and how to make your coffee service more strategic. It's time to eliminate those small barriers that can make guests feel like outsiders.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35244835
info_outline
Top Church Volunteer Recruiting HACKS
02/05/2025
Top Church Volunteer Recruiting HACKS
Full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/276 Tired of begging for nursery workers from the pulpit? Transform your church's volunteer recruitment with four game-changing strategies that actually work. Learn how to match people with their calling, simplify recruitment, and build a sustainable volunteer culture—without the guilt trips or burnout. Perfect for pastors and ministry leaders who want to move beyond desperate announcements to create a thriving volunteer ministry. Get practical tools for identifying gifts, streamlining ministries, and keeping volunteers engaged long-term.
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35152465
info_outline
Three Things Elders Should NEVER Do
01/29/2025
Three Things Elders Should NEVER Do
In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu discuss the essential roles and responsibilities of elders within the church. They outline three critical things that elders should never do: getting too involved in the minutiae of church operations, acting unilaterally without the consensus of the elder board, and neglecting the spiritual care of the congregation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of defined roles, collective authority, and the need for elders to focus on higher-level oversight and spiritual nourishment for the church community. Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/275
/episode/index/show/churchrevitalization/id/35054725