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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Year-End Giving: 3 Ways to Engage Your People Before December 31
11/11/2026
Year-End Giving: 3 Ways to Engage Your People Before December 31
Nobody really likes talking about year-end giving, but there is a big difference between a December 28th plea to cover the budget gap and a thoughtful invitation that shows people the impact of their generosity. In this episode, Scott and A.J. share three ways to engage your people before December 31: celebrate what God did this year, give a clear and compelling invitation for 2027, and make it easy for people to give. Whether your church is ahead of budget or behind, you will walk away with practical steps you can put in place over the next few weeks. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and serve as practitioners with the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through strategic coaching and revitalization. Each week they bring practical, actionable insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. [2:32] Way 1: Celebrate What God Did This Year [6:29] One Good Story Is Better Than Ten Statistics [8:57] Way 2: A Clear and Compelling Invitation for 2027 [10:58] How to Lead from Vision When You Are Behind Budget [14:11] Way 3: Make It Easy for People to Give Support Our Ministry: https://malphursgroup.com/donate Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/365 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Creative Guest Follow-up Ideas
11/04/2026
Three Creative Guest Follow-up Ideas
Your church is great at getting people to show up for the trunk or treat or fall festival, but what happens next? In this episode, Scott and A.J. share three creative guest follow-up ideas that go far beyond the usual "we'd love to see you Sunday" email: a family Advent kit, a full-size candy bar coupon, and a local holiday care package with a free breakfast invitation. Every idea is affordable, and you could put one into action this week. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and serve as practitioners with the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through strategic coaching and revitalization. Each week they bring practical, actionable insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. [5:20] Idea 1: A Family Advent Kit That Serves Young Families [12:18] Idea 2: The Full-Size Candy Bar Coupon [18:48] Idea 3: A Local Holiday Care Package and a Free Breakfast [22:53] People Will Respond: Why Two Families Beats Zero [29:47] Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/364 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Why Your 2027 Priorities Need to Be Finalized by December
10/28/2026
Why Your 2027 Priorities Need to Be Finalized by December
January feels like go time, but if you wait until the new year to decide your church's priorities, you are already behind. In this solo episode, Scott explains why your 2027 priorities need to be settled before December, how to keep your budget from quietly starving your vision, and why a sluggish January start can cost you the whole year. You will walk away with three simple steps your team can take in the next few weeks so you hit the ground running on January 1. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and serve as practitioners with the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through strategic coaching and revitalization. Each week they bring practical, actionable insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. A.J. returns next week. [1:52] Why Your Budget and Your Vision Are Probably Misaligned [6:05] The Hidden Cost of a Sluggish January Start [12:38] Three to Five Strategy Projects Aligned with Your Discipleship Pathway [16:18] Every Priority Needs a Point Person and a Clear Target [19:13] Three Steps to Finalize Your 2027 Priorities Before Christmas Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/363 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Why Your Church’s "Growth" Might Actually Be Churn
10/21/2026
Why Your Church’s "Growth" Might Actually Be Churn
Your attendance number might look steady, but is your church actually growing, or are you just churning people? In this episode, Scott and A.J. show how to look beneath the top line by following one group of people over three years, so you can see exactly where folks are slipping away: at the front door, in discipleship, or before they ever start serving. You will walk away with four simple numbers that tell you far more than average attendance ever could. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and serve as practitioners with the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through strategic coaching and revitalization. Each week they bring practical, actionable insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. [3:17] Two Prerequisites: Attendance Tracking and a Church Database [7:37] Why You Need a Truly Random Three-Year Cohort [12:47] Stay, Grow, Lead: Finding Where People Drop Off [17:31] Four Numbers to Track Instead of Average Attendance [22:18] Static Plateau or Active Plateau? Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/362 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Reasons You Should Partner with a Church Consultant
10/14/2026
Three Reasons You Should Partner with a Church Consultant
What does it actually look like to partner with a church consultant, and why would it benefit your congregation? In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three compelling reasons every church leader should consider working with an outside guide: objectivity, a proven framework, and accountability. Whether your church is stuck, stagnant, or simply ready for the next season, this conversation will help you see what outside partnership can unlock. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and serve as practitioners with the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through strategic coaching and revitalization. Each week they bring practical, actionable insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. [4:11] Reason 1: The Value of Objectivity from an Outside Perspective [9:07] Why a Consultant Has No Hidden Agenda in Your Church [10:11] Reason 2: Working Within a Proven, Biblical Framework [16:46] Reason 3: Accountability Throughout the Process [24:13] Recap of All Three Reasons and Next Steps for Your Church Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/361 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Navigating Church Politics
10/07/2026
Navigating Church Politics
Church politics is an unavoidable reality in any community of people, and learning to navigate it well can mean the difference between a thriving church and a fractured one. In this episode, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu unpack three layers of church politics, from competing visions to power dynamics to practical de-escalation, and offer honest, grounded guidance for church leaders who want to lead well through relational friction. Whether you are a pastor, elder, or ministry leader, this conversation will help you understand the dynamics at play and move forward with wisdom and clarity. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting and coaching organization that has helped hundreds of churches across the country navigate change and pursue health. Scott serves as a lead consultant and brings years of hands-on experience working directly with church leaders in the trenches of revitalization. A.J. is a consultant and coach who, among other things, brings a background in local politics to the table, giving him a unique perspective on how people and organizations navigate competing ideas and interests. [3:50] Layer 1: The Visionary Layer, how competing visions create political tension in the church [9:01] Layer 2: The Power Layer, positional authority and how governance structures shape conflict [15:28] Layer 3: De-escalation, practical approaches for cooling tensions and moving forward [22:25] Outdated governing documents and how vague or aging bylaws create unnecessary friction [26:34] Understanding the person behind the politics, how to read the motivation beneath a conflict Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/360 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Title: Moving Men from Consumers to Contributors
09/30/2026
Title: Moving Men from Consumers to Contributors
Many churches struggle to move men from the seats to meaningful service, and this episode tackles that challenge head-on. Scott and A.J. dig into the mismatch between what men bring to the table professionally and what churches typically ask of them, offering practical ways to close that gap. If your church has untapped male talent sitting in the pews, this conversation is for you. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a ministry consulting organization dedicated to helping churches thrive. Scott and A.J. work as church consultants and coaches, bringing a mix of practical wisdom and theological grounding to topics that matter most to pastors and church leaders navigating the challenges of revitalization. [3:15] Why men volunteer less and where the real gap is in middle-aged men [4:27] The communication mismatch between a man's professional identity and church service [5:34] Low-leverage versus high-leverage volunteer roles and why both matter [14:36] Identifying and personally inviting the right men into meaningful roles [19:14] The toolbox framework: knowing what skills and gifts your people actually have Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/361 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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How to Jumpstart Church Growth from a Plateau
09/23/2026
How to Jumpstart Church Growth from a Plateau
If your church has hit a plateau, this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast gives you a practical, no-nonsense framework to get things moving again. Scott and A.J. walk through four key questions every church leader should honestly answer, covering community presence, follow-up systems, barrier removal, and mobilizing your people to serve. Whether you have been plateaued for a while or just feel like you need a kick in the right direction, this episode is packed with actionable next steps you can start on this week. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches develop healthy strategy, leadership, and discipleship culture. Each week they bring honest, practical conversations designed to help pastors and church leaders move their congregations forward with clarity and confidence. [4:52] Question 1: Are we aggressively present in our community? [7:48] Question 2: Are we aggressively following up with new contacts? [11:07] Question 3: Are we removing barriers to the next step? [16:23] Question 4: Are we aggressively asking our people to serve? [22:24] Getting started this week: picking one thing to work on Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/358 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Are You Ready to be a Church Consultant QUIZ
09/15/2026
Are You Ready to be a Church Consultant QUIZ
Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a church consultant? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through a 10-question quiz designed to help you honestly assess your readiness for church consulting work. Whether you are exploring certification or just curious about what good consulting looks like, this episode gives you a practical, candid look at the skills, mindset, and motivations that matter most. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants and the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group. Each week they tackle practical topics to help church leaders move their congregations toward health and growth. Scott brings deep experience in pastoral ministry and strategic planning, while A.J. brings a background rooted in business and church leadership development, and together they serve churches across the country through consulting and certification training. [2:31] Question 1: The number one skill a church consultant needs [8:14] Question 3: What a consultant's job actually is (and is not) [11:16] Question 4: Why a repeatable framework matters more than raw talent [19:57] Question 6: The authority (or lack of it) a consultant actually holds [30:09] Question 9: The biggest reason new consultants fail Guide Certification Information: https://malphursgroup.com/certification Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/357 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Fixes for Failing Strategies
09/09/2026
Three Fixes for Failing Strategies
Many churches abandon strategies too quickly, assuming an idea simply "didn't work" when the real problem may be in how the strategy was implemented. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three key diagnostic questions to ask before scrapping a ministry initiative, helping church leaders check their work rather than just look it over. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church revitalization consultants with the Malphurs Group, a firm dedicated to helping churches develop healthy, sustainable ministry strategies. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical, field-tested insights drawn from years of consulting with churches of all sizes across the country. [9:13] Fix 1: Check for a lack of leadership or training among those responsible for executing the strategy [14:28] Fix 2: Evaluate whether the strategy had the resources and focus it actually needed to succeed [27:29] Fix 3: Examine how success was being measured and whether the timeline was realistic [22:08] The long-term perception damage that comes from repeatedly launching and abandoning initiatives [26:36] Asking the foundational question: was there actually a clear, shared plan to begin with Leadership Pipeline Cohort: https://malphursgroup.com/pipeline-cohort/ Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/356 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Why Your Church Needs a Formal Review Process
09/02/2026
Why Your Church Needs a Formal Review Process
Most churches skip formal review processes entirely, leaving staff, board members, and volunteers without the feedback they need to grow. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three distinct areas where intentional reviews can strengthen your church: staff performance, board accountability, and volunteer development. Whether you are a solo pastor or leading a multi-staff church, this conversation gives you a practical starting point for building a culture of healthy, consistent evaluation. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches revitalize and grow through practical strategy and leadership development. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring candid, actionable conversations designed to help pastors and church leaders move their congregations forward with clarity and confidence. [1:09] Why churches avoid reviews and why that needs to change [6:14] People are more likely to quit because of a lack of feedback than too much of it [12:44] Reviewing church staff: moving beyond a simple performance checklist [15:15] Reviewing the pastor and the board: a shift most churches have never considered [24:30] Reviewing volunteers: what they actually want from the process Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/355 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Volunteer Recruitment Mistakes
08/26/2026
Three Volunteer Recruitment Mistakes
Every church knows the panic of scrambling for volunteers at the last minute, but reactive recruiting is just one of the mistakes that keeps your bench thin and your team burned out. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three of the most common volunteer recruitment mistakes churches make and, more importantly, how to fix them with practical systems you can put in place right away. If your church is tired of guilt-tripping people from the pulpit, this conversation is for you. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches develop healthy strategies for growth and renewal. Together, Scott and A.J. bring practical, field-tested insight to church leaders each week, covering topics from leadership development to volunteer management to organizational health. Whether you are a senior pastor or a ministry director, their goal is to give you tools you can actually use. [4:47] Mistake 1: Recruiting Reactively Instead of Proactively [6:42] Building a Volunteer Pipeline to Replace Last-Minute Scrambling [8:54] Mistake 2: Relying on Gut Instinct Instead of Objective Information [16:13] Mistake 3: No Follow-Up After a Volunteer Says Yes [20:41] Using the Healthy Churches Toolkit to Systematize Your Pipeline Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/354 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X (Twitter): https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Solving the "Next Generation" Leadership Crisis
08/19/2026
Solving the "Next Generation" Leadership Crisis
Many churches are facing a quiet crisis: the average age of senior pastors in America is rising into the mid-50s, and the problem runs deeper than the pulpit. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through the signs that church leaders may be unintentionally holding back the next generation, and they offer practical moves to start reversing that trend. Whether you lead a congregation in the U.S. or an international church with a transient membership, this conversation will challenge you to think honestly about who you are developing and empowering right now. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches move toward health and effectiveness. Scott serves as a lead consultant and trainer, and A.J. brings a global perspective shaped by years of working with international churches. Together they offer a warm, practical, and biblically grounded approach to the real challenges facing church leaders today. [7:32] Sign 1: You consult next gen leaders but never really include them in decisions [11:23] Sign 2: You celebrate next gen wins but struggle to tolerate their failures [16:42] Sign 3: The vision of the church is entirely dependent on one person [19:56] Practical Move 1: Give real ownership with real budget in a ministry area [22:53] Practical Move 3: Have their back publicly when things go sideways Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/353 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Reasons Your Gut Feeling is a Dangerous Growth Strategy
08/12/2026
Reasons Your Gut Feeling is a Dangerous Growth Strategy
Most church leaders trust their gut more than they realize, and that instinct can quietly steer a congregation in the wrong direction. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through the most common pitfalls of gut-driven decision making, explain why anecdotal information is not the same as real data, and offer practical questions leaders can ask to start making better, more informed choices for their churches. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a consulting firm that helps churches develop healthy strategies for growth and ministry effectiveness. Scott and A.J. bring a blend of theological grounding and practical church leadership experience to every conversation, making the show a trusted resource for pastors and ministry leaders who want their churches to thrive. [1:08] Why gut feelings can be confirmation bias dressed up as Spirit-led discernment [5:02] Problem 1: Treating anecdotes as data and confusing what is loud with what is true [9:15] Problem 2: Silence in your church is not the same as satisfaction or health [13:59] Questions to test your assumptions about ministry programming and strategy [16:49] Who in your church holds a different view, and have you actually listened to them? Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/352 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Leading Indicators That Predict Healthy Church Growth
08/05/2026
Leading Indicators That Predict Healthy Church Growth
What if you could see church growth coming before it actually arrives? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through three leading indicators that can predict future church health and growth, rather than simply reviewing what has already happened. They explain the difference between lag measures (like attendance) and lead measures, and show how tracking the right numbers gives church leaders real leverage to make smarter decisions. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting and coaching organization. Scott serves as a Vice President at the Malphurs Group and works closely with churches navigating revitalization, while A.J. brings a background in church health strategy and practical leadership coaching. Together they make complex ministry concepts accessible and actionable for pastors and church leaders at every stage. [5:11] Lead vs. Lag Measures: The Odometer vs. Speedometer Analogy [7:55] Introduction to the Three Leading Indicators [9:08] Indicator 1: Connection Cards and First-Time Guest Engagement [15:16] Indicator 2: Moving People from Large Gatherings to Small Groups [17:46] Indicator 3: Volunteer Engagement as a Predictor of Church Health Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/351 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Warning Signs Your Church Is Trapped in the Consumerism Cycle
07/29/2026
Warning Signs Your Church Is Trapped in the Consumerism Cycle
Is your church full of attendees but short on disciples? In episode 350 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. dig into one of the most common and quietly damaging patterns in church life: the consumerism cycle. They walk through three concrete red flags that signal your congregation may be consuming church rather than contributing to it, and then offer a practical framework for shifting the culture toward ownership and discipleship. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches across North America thrive. Scott and A.J. bring a mix of pastoral insight and practical strategy to each episode, making the show a go-to resource for pastors and church leaders navigating real challenges in ministry today. [4:04] Red Flag 1: Preference-driven complaints as a sign of a consumer mindset [7:02] Red Flag 2: Low volunteerism and the gap between attendance and participation [9:36] Red Flag 3: Giving culture and what it reveals about congregational ownership [15:43] Culture shift framework: Reframing belonging, language, and what your church asks of people [19:20] Leveraging low-bar entry points to build high commitment over time Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article (Ep. 350): https://malphursgroup.com/350 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Communicating with Your Church Before Strategic Planning Starts
07/22/2026
Communicating with Your Church Before Strategic Planning Starts
Is your church full of attendees but short on disciples? In episode 350 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. dig into one of the most common and quietly damaging patterns in church life: the consumerism cycle. They walk through three concrete red flags that signal your congregation may be consuming church rather than contributing to it, and then offer a practical framework for shifting the culture toward ownership and discipleship. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping churches across North America thrive. Scott and A.J. bring a mix of pastoral insight and practical strategy to each episode, making the show a go-to resource for pastors and church leaders navigating real challenges in ministry today. [4:04] Red Flag 1: Preference-driven complaints as a sign of a consumer mindset [7:02] Red Flag 2: Low volunteerism and the gap between attendance and participation [9:36] Red Flag 3: Giving culture and what it reveals about congregational ownership [15:43] Culture shift framework: Reframing belonging, language, and what your church asks of people [19:20] Leveraging low-bar entry points to build high commitment over time Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article (Ep. 350): https://malphursgroup.com/350 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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The Gen Alpha Shift: 3 Things Every Kids Ministry Must Change Now
07/15/2026
The Gen Alpha Shift: 3 Things Every Kids Ministry Must Change Now
Gen Alpha kids (born 2010 to 2024) are reshaping what families expect from children's ministry, and most churches need some practical, achievable adjustments to keep up. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three concrete changes any church can make to better reach Gen Alpha kids and their parents. Whether your church is just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already have, this conversation will give you a clear path forward. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization dedicated to helping churches move from decline to health. Scott brings the perspective of a millennial parent raising Gen Alpha kids, while A.J. brings a Gen X practitioner's eye for what actually works in the local church. Together they offer frank, field-tested guidance for pastors and ministry leaders every week. [4:07] Communication With Parents: Why digital-first but not digital-only matters for millennial families [9:09] Finding the Right Communication Mix: Avoiding the constant deluge and building a consistent plan [11:18] Safety Systems: Why check-in and checkout protocols are non-negotiable for Gen Alpha families [17:18] Practical Safety Setup: Single point of access, digital check-in, and low-cost ways to make it work [18:36] Tech Expectations in the Classroom: Meeting Gen Alpha where they are without dumbing down the message Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/348 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Beyond the Logo: 3 Steps to Define Your Church's Irresistible Identity
07/08/2026
Beyond the Logo: 3 Steps to Define Your Church's Irresistible Identity
What does your church actually stand for, and does your community know it? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through three practical steps to help your church define and communicate a genuine, compelling identity, one that goes far deeper than a new logo or a refreshed website. Drawing on real examples from ministry and culture, they make the case that a church's brand must grow out of who it truly is, not out of what it wishes it looked like. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church health consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches move from decline to sustainable vitality. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring honest conversation, practical frameworks, and field-tested insight to help pastors and church leaders do the hard work of revitalization. Whether you are a longtime listener or finding them for the first time, expect straightforward guidance rooted in decades of on-the-ground ministry experience. [1:07] Why rebranding without self-knowledge backfires, and what churches should do first [7:39] Step 1: Discovering your church's real, God-given identity [11:46] Step 2: Articulating your identity in language that is clear and distinctive [19:54] Step 3: Aligning your culture and strategy so your identity is lived out, not just stated [25:33] Starting with biblical alignment as the foundation of everything Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/347 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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The "Side-Door" Strategy: 3 Ways to Reach Your Community Without a Sunday Invite
06/24/2026
The "Side-Door" Strategy: 3 Ways to Reach Your Community Without a Sunday Invite
Many churches default to the Sunday morning invite as their primary outreach strategy, but for a growing number of people, that front door feels intimidating before a relationship even exists. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three practical "side door" approaches that churches can use to build genuine connections with their communities before ever asking someone to show up on a Sunday morning. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church health consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches navigate revitalization and growth. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical, field-tested insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. [0:38] Why the Sunday invite alone is not enough -- and the anxiety unchurched people feel about walking through the front door [5:24] Side Door 1: Community events and services your church organizes to serve people and build relationships outside the building [7:08] The "serve first, sell nothing" mindset that should shape every outreach effort your church pursues [9:48] Side Door 2: Having a consistent presence in third places where people already gather in everyday life [13:31] Side Door 3: Partnering with community organizations your neighbors already know and trust Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/346 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Types of "Gatekeepers" in Your Church
06/17/2026
Three Types of "Gatekeepers" in Your Church
In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. break down three distinct types of "gatekeepers" that show up in churches and how each one can quietly block healthy growth and mission. From information filters to change blockers to ego-driven power players, this conversation gives church leaders the language and insight to identify what might be holding their church back. The discussion is practical, honest, and backed by real consulting experience. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are lead consultants at the Malphurs Group, a church health and revitalization consulting ministry that has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring field-tested insights to help pastors and church leaders navigate the real challenges of leading a church toward health and mission. Whether you are a longtime listener or just finding the show, you will find their conversations to be direct, grounded, and genuinely helpful. [1:20] Defining what a gatekeeper actually is in a church context [5:50] Gatekeeper Type 1: The person who controls what the pastor gets to hear [8:47] Gatekeeper Type 2: The person or group that blocks change before it can happen [14:33] Gatekeeper Type 3: The leader whose ego or insecurity becomes a barrier to progress [26:02] How to actually work around the gatekeeper problem in your church Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/345 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Overcoming Decision Fatigue for Pastors
06/10/2026
Overcoming Decision Fatigue for Pastors
Pastors make hundreds of decisions every week, and not all of them deserve the same mental energy. In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through four practical categories of decisions that pastors should consider offloading, delegating, or systematizing so that the decisions that truly matter get the attention they deserve. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches move toward health and sustainable growth. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical, field-tested insights drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leadership teams across the country. [3:40] Category 1: Operational and Administrative Decisions — Why routine approvals, purchases, and scheduling items should never land on the pastor's desk [8:08] Category 2: Pastoral Care Decisions — How to triage care needs and build a team so the pastor is not the first and only point of contact [10:59] Category 3: Volunteer and Ministry Team Decisions — Giving volunteers real authority within clear boundaries so leaders stop second-guessing every call [15:04] Category 4: Requests That Should Follow a Written Process — Why benevolence, events, and staff time off need a policy, not a conversation [16:56] Practical Next Step — How to track your decisions this week and identify which ones you should stop making altogether Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/344 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Financial Reports Every Church Should Make
06/03/2026
Three Financial Reports Every Church Should Make
Most church finance reports put people to sleep, but they don't have to. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three financial reports every church should be sharing with its congregation, including one that almost no church is currently doing. These reports go beyond the standard budget line items to give leaders and members a clearer, more motivating picture of where the church stands financially and where it is headed. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a consulting and coaching ministry dedicated to helping churches become healthier and more effective. Scott serves as the President of the Malphurs Group, and A.J. is a ministry consultant and coach on the team. Together they bring practical, research-informed guidance to pastors and church leaders each week. [2:37] Report 1: The Giving Trend Report and what it reveals over time [7:09] Report 2: A fresh approach to presenting your church budget [12:55] Report 3: The Giving Units Report that most churches are not tracking [15:29] Why showing giving unit trends on screen can be powerful for the congregation [18:45] How to close your financial report with transparency and encouragement Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/343 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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3 Signs Your Pastor (or You!) Can't Receive Feedback
05/27/2026
3 Signs Your Pastor (or You!) Can't Receive Feedback
Every pastor says they want honest feedback, but do their actions back that up? In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three clear signs that a pastor or any church leader may have a blind spot when it comes to receiving input, from defensive reactions to punishing the messenger to making decisions in a complete vacuum. If you have ever felt like bringing feedback to your leader is more trouble than it is worth, this episode will help you name what you are seeing. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are lead consultants at the Malphurs Group, a church consulting and coaching organization dedicated to helping established churches find a way forward. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical, field-tested insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leadership teams across the country. Their conversations are honest, sometimes funny, and always aimed at helping churches become healthier. [4:35] Sign 1: Defensiveness — shutting down conversations and deflecting feedback [10:25] Sign 2: Punishing the Messenger — what happens when the person who brings information pays a price for it [12:58] Sign 3: Decisions Made in a Vacuum — leading without meaningful input from the team [13:57] Real-World Story — a case study from the consulting room showing all three signs in action [20:11] The Payoff of Humility — why leaders who welcome feedback lead longer and lead better Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/342 Follow the Malphurs Group: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup https://instagram.com/malphursgroup https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Ways Being "Nice" is Killing Your Church Revitalization
05/20/2026
Three Ways Being "Nice" is Killing Your Church Revitalization
Being nice sounds like a virtue, but in church revitalization it can quietly work against you. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three specific ways that avoiding hard conversations and tolerating the wrong things in the name of kindness can stall or even sabotage your church's mission. The goal is not to be harsh, but to lead with the kind of courageous clarity that actually serves your congregation well. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are ministry strategists and consultants with the Malphurs Group, a firm dedicated to helping churches develop healthy, mission-driven cultures. Each week they bring practical leadership insight to pastors and church leaders navigating the challenges of revitalization. Whether you are a longtime listener or joining for the first time, you will find their conversations grounded, direct, and built for real-world ministry. [4:44] Way 1: Tolerating the Wrong People in the Wrong Roles [10:12] Way 2: How Being Nice Can Derail Your Planning [15:53] Softening Fear to Maintain Comfort Only Makes Leading Harder Later [16:00] Way 3: Letting Culture Drift [21:39] The Closing Challenge: Be Strong, Be Kind, and Actually Lead Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/341 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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How to Know if Your Church Has Expired Vision
05/13/2026
How to Know if Your Church Has Expired Vision
Is your church's vision still guiding decisions and inspiring people, or has it quietly expired without anyone noticing? In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu walk through three clear signs that a church's vision has gone stale, and they offer practical next steps for auditing and renewing it before it does more damage. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast and consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches develop healthy, strategic frameworks for growth and renewal. Each week they bring practical, field-tested insight to pastors and church leaders who are serious about moving their congregations forward. [4:03] Why overly broad vision statements are a warning sign right from the start [7:48] Sign 1: Nobody in your church can actually explain the vision [9:57] Sign 2: The vision is no longer driving real ministry decisions [14:46] Sign 3: The vision has already been fully accomplished or fully abandoned [17:22] Practical next steps: How to audit and renew your church's vision this week Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/340 Follow the Malphurs Group: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup https://instagram.com/malphursgroup https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Why Churches Stop Growing at Predictable Barriers
05/06/2026
Why Churches Stop Growing at Predictable Barriers
Every growing church eventually hits a wall, and in this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three predictable barriers that slow or stall church growth. These are not problems that cause growth to begin in the first place, but rather real, pragmatic obstacles that show up when a healthy church is already moving in the right direction and needs to clear the path ahead. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are lead consultants at the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization focused on helping churches become healthier and more effective in their mission. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast, they bring practical insight drawn from years of working directly with pastors and church leaders across the country. Their approach is grounded, honest, and always pointed toward real-world application. [5:59] Barrier 1: The Pastor as the Bottleneck -- when the pastor's capacity for personal relationships limits how far the church can grow [11:17] Barrier 2: The Family Church Identity Problem -- when a close-knit congregation unintentionally becomes unwelcoming to newcomers [15:52] The Cost of an Insular Culture -- how new people quietly leave when they cannot break into existing relational circles [17:17] Barrier 3: The Pastor's Self-Perception -- when a pastor's internal identity keeps him from leading the church to its next level [22:10] The Value of Outside Help -- why bringing in an outside perspective can help pastors and churches see and break through these barriers Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/339 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence in Pastors
04/29/2026
Three Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence in Pastors
In this episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, Scott and A.J. walk through three practical signs that a leader may be operating with low emotional intelligence. From confusing anger with authority to struggling to read a room to reacting instead of responding, the conversation is honest, self-aware, and grounded in real pastoral experience. The goal is not to point fingers at others but to help leaders identify areas where they can grow. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are church consultants with the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches thrive through practical leadership and strategic revitalization. Each week they bring that same hands-on, field-tested perspective to the Church Revitalization Podcast, making complex leadership topics accessible and actionable for pastors and church leaders at every stage. [4:45] Sign 1: You Confuse Anger With Authority [10:50] Sign 2: You Struggle to Read the Room [14:33] Sign 3: You React Instead of Respond [19:08] How Leaders Can Actually Improve Their EQ [21:07] Closing Encouragement: You Can Grow in This Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/338 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Three Things Growing Churches Do With Their Facilities That Declining Churches Don't
04/22/2026
Three Things Growing Churches Do With Their Facilities That Declining Churches Don't
Growing churches and declining churches handle their facilities very differently — and it often has nothing to do with budget or building size. In this episode, Scott and A.J. break down three practical philosophies that healthy, growing churches apply to their physical spaces that plateaued or declining churches tend to overlook. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization dedicated to helping churches grow healthy and reach their communities. Each week, Scott and A.J. bring practical, actionable insights for pastors and church leaders navigating the challenges of revitalization and growth. [3:06] Point 1: Treating Your Facility as a First Impression Tool, Not Just a Container for Sunday Services [7:43] Point 2: How Growing Churches Maximize Their Space Beyond Sunday Morning [12:54] Point 3: Letting Your Space Reflect Your Priorities, Not Your History [17:10] Practical Example: Auditing Outdated Spaces and What They Communicate to New Guests [19:31] How to Conduct a Facility Audit and Take Action on What You Find Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/337 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
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Healthy Churches Have Healthy Pastors
04/15/2026
Healthy Churches Have Healthy Pastors
Pastor failures -- moral, emotional, and relational -- are rarely just personal crises. Too often, the church itself has inadvertently created the conditions for them: isolated leaders, missing accountability, and no margin for rest. In this episode, Scott and A.J. make the case that keeping a pastor healthy is a team responsibility, and walk through three practical systems any church can put in place before a problem develops. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by The Malphurs Group -- a church health and strategic planning consultancy. Scott and A.J. work with churches across the country to help leaders build healthy structures, cultures, and teams that can sustain long-term growth and ministry impact. In this episode: [00:00] Why pastor health is everybody's responsibility -- and the danger of only thinking about it reactively [04:46] The isolation problem: why the pastoral role structurally separates leaders from genuine community, and what healthy churches do about it [17:03] Accountability that protects, not just prosecutes: proactive structures including technology monitoring, honest check-ins, and mutual accountability among elders [28:17] Rest as a leadership strategy: why mandatory, guilt-free rest is essential for long-term pastoral health -- and how boards can protect it [39:18] Resources for building a healthier board culture at your church Start your free 7-day trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Show notes and resources for this episode: https://malphursgroup.com/336 Connect with The Malphurs Group on social media: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup https://instagram.com/malphursgroup https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup https://x.com/malphursgroup
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