How to Create Vision-Focused Goals & Measures in the Church

Join this special episode of the Church Revitalization Podcast, where host Scott Ball interviews Build Groups founder and the author of Group Leader Training, Adam Erlichman. In this episode, we dove deep into all things Groups Ministry. We explored what makes a Groups ministry thrive, how can impact the overall health and growth of your church, and the biggest challenges that prevent churches from having an impactful Groups ministry. The advice is incredibly practical—whether you have a small groups or Sunday school approach.

Read the full show notes and enjoy a bonus article from Adam Erlichman at https://malphursgroup.com/232

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/231

Welcome to The Church Revitalization Podcast! In this episode, A.J. Mathieu and Scott Ball dive into the crucial topic of what to know before hiring a church consultant. Drawing from their experience in church consulting, they provide valuable insights for churches considering this important decision.

Acknowledging their own involvement in the church consulting space, the hosts aim to offer genuine advice to help churches navigate the complexities of working with consultants. From theological alignment and the importance of a balanced approach to the significance of clear consulting processes and implementation coaching, they cover a wide range of essential considerations.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable knowledge on forming empowered leadership teams, the role of assessments in the church revitalization process, and the necessity of maintaining good decision-making based on sound information. A.J. and Scott express the importance of maintaining theological alignment, shared goals, and building genuine relationships in the church setting.

Tune in as the hosts recap 10 key factors to consider when hiring a church consultant and discuss upcoming guide training opportunities. For further insights and resources, be sure to visit https://malphursgroup.com/231 for additional show notes and an informative article.
Whether you're a church leader seeking guidance or simply interested in the intricate world of church revitalization, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help navigate the process of hiring a church consultant.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/230

This episode dives into the crucial role of vision indicators in guiding your church towards its mission and vision, akin to navigating a ship with a clear compass in the vast ocean of ministry.

Discover the art of selecting, implementing, and refining vision indicators that are not only measurable but deeply impactful and aligned with each step of your discipleship pathway. Learn about the importance of focusing on output-oriented measures to truly gauge the effectiveness of your church's efforts and how these indicators can inspire strategic action within your congregation.

Scott and A.J. will share practical advice on developing effective vision indicators, highlight inspiring examples, and discuss strategies for ensuring these indicators remain relevant and continue to drive meaningful progress towards your church's goals. Whether you're looking to establish new vision indicators or revitalize existing ones, this episode is packed with insights to help your church navigate its journey with confidence and clarity.

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes on church leadership, strategic planning, and transformative insights for church revitalization. Share this episode with fellow church leaders and join the conversation on steering congregations towards vibrant growth and impactful ministry.

#ChurchRevitalizationPodcast #TheMalphursGroup #ChurchGrowth #VisionIndicators #ChurchLeadership #StrategicPlanning

Join us in Episode 229 of the Church Revitalization Podcast as we dissect the latest Lifeway Research on baptism trends within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and discuss the implications of declining membership numbers. With a significant 46% increase in baptisms over the past two years, we dive into what this means for the SBC amidst an overall downward trend in membership, now standing at 13,223,122 in 2023.

🔹 What We Cover:

• The surge in baptisms in 2022 and its impact.
• The long-term decline in SBC baptisms and memberships.
• Insights into how demographics, church size, and engagement strategies are influencing these trends.

🔹 Engage With Us: We're eager to hear your perspective! Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below. How is your church adapting to these challenges?

🎧 Full show notes available at malphursgroup.com/229

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on church growth and revitalization.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/228

Explore the multifaceted journey of becoming a church consultant in Episode 228 of the Church Revitalization Podcast with hosts Scott Ball & A.J. Mathieu. 

This episode delves into the rewarding aspects of church consulting, such as witnessing transformation, leveraging entrepreneurial skills, and deepening your love for the church. It also addresses the challenges, including the commitment required and the competitive landscape. 

Join us for an insightful discussion that balances the highs and lows of church consultancy, offering a comprehensive perspective for those considering this path.

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/227

Dive into Episode 227 of the Church Revitalization Podcast, hosted by The Malphurs Group, as we tackle the essential topic of vision in church leadership. "Where Are We Going? Answering the Vision Question" unravels the complexities of establishing a clear and shared vision within the church community.

We address the three prevalent vision challenges: absence, lack of communication, and resistance to vision, providing practical solutions for each. This episode emphasizes the significance of collaborative vision-casting, led by pastors but enriched by ministry leaders, to ensure alignment with God’s Word and congregation engagement.

Join us for a concise exploration of transforming vision obstacles into opportunities for growth and unity within your church. Perfect for church leaders seeking to navigate vision-related challenges and inspire a collective journey towards a compelling future.

Dive into Episode 226 of the Church Revitalization Podcast with Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu, brought to you by The Malphurs Group, as we dissect the critical dynamics between primary and secondary ministries within the church.

This episode shines a light on how these ministries intertwine to fulfill the church's mission of disciple-making and spiritual growth. Learn the key distinctions that set primary ministries apart as the cornerstone of spiritual development, and discover how secondary ministries play a supportive role, enhancing the discipleship pathway without overshadowing the primary focus. 

We'll also tackle the common pitfalls that churches face, including the challenges of communication, the lifecycle of ministries, and the phenomenon of program creep, providing practical insights and strategies to navigate these issues effectively. Join us in this compelling conversation as we explore the delicate balance and strategic alignment of church ministries to maximize impact and foster a thriving spiritual community.

For more insightful discussions on church leadership, growth strategies, and pastoral insights, subscribe to The Church Revitalization Podcast and join us in our mission to empower church leaders and bring revitalization to communities worldwide.

Learn more by reading the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/226

Read the full show notes at: https://malphursgroup.com/225

In this enlightening episode, our hosts Scott Ball & A.J. Mathieu delve deep into the vital role of discipleship in the church's mission, as mandated by the Great Commission.

🌟 Key Highlights:

• Understanding Discipleship: Discover why discipleship isn't just an activity but the essence of everything a church should engage in.
• Edification and Transformation: Learn about the importance of edification in discipleship, ensuring spiritual growth over mere program attendance, and aiming for transformation as seen in Acts 2:41-47.
• Integrating Evangelism: Uncover the inseparable link between discipleship and evangelism. Understand how effective evangelism involves both proclamation and action, creating a "feedback loop" that furthers the spread of the Gospel.
• Building an Effective Pathway: Explore how a well-crafted discipleship pathway focuses on desired actions and outcomes, constantly adjusting for maximum effectiveness.
• The Positive Feedback Loop: Engage with the concept of discipleship as a journey that extends outward, transforming not just individuals but communities.
• The Church's True Mission: Reflect on the dichotomy of the church's role as primarily focused on making and maturing disciples, and how every activity within the church should align with this mission.

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/224

In this enlightening and engaging video, we delve deep into the heart of what makes a ministry truly impactful and transformative. Join us as we explore the four essential types of core values that are pivotal to the health and effectiveness of any church or ministry.

🔹 What You'll Learn:

1. Actual Discipleship Values: Discover the foundational values that naturally emerge in a healthy faith community and how to actively nurture and articulate them.
2. Aspirational Discipleship Values: Understand the importance of identifying and cultivating the missing elements in your church's spiritual life.
3. Unique Values: Learn about the special, distinctive qualities that make your church stand out and how they contribute to a diverse and vibrant global faith community.
4. Anti-Values: Recognize and address the negative attitudes and behaviors that can hinder your church's growth and mission.

🔸 Why Watch?

• Whether you're a church leader, ministry worker, or just someone interested in the dynamics of faith-based communities, this video offers invaluable insights.
• Gain practical tips and strategies for nurturing a balanced and thriving spiritual environment.
• Understand the challenges and rewards of fostering core values in ministry.

✨ Don't Forget:

• Like, Share, and Subscribe for more inspiring and educational content about faith, community, and personal growth.
• Leave a comment below to join the conversation. We love hearing your experiences and insights!

Read the full show notes at https://malphursgroup.com/223

Welcome to Episode 223 of the Church Revitalization Podcast! In today's insightful episode, we delve deep into the heart of church mission statements, exploring their critical role in guiding and defining the purpose of a church community.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

1. Understanding the Mandate of the Church: We kick off with a thought-provoking discussion on the fundamental mandate of the Church, exploring how our understanding shapes our mission and actions.

2. The Great Commission - Core of the Mission Statement: Delving into Matthew 28:19-20, we analyze how the Great Commission serves as the essential foundation for a compelling mission statement, emphasizing the need to make and mature disciples as a primary mission.

3. Balancing the Great Commission and the Great Commandment: We tackle the often-discussed balance between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22). Discover how focusing on the Great Commission inherently fulfills the command to love God and love people.

4. Articulation and Clarity in Mission Statements: How well does your mission statement communicate the dual aspects of the Great Commission? We explore the importance of clear articulation and understanding in crafting an effective mission statement.

5. Simplicity and Memorability: Understand why a mission statement must be simple and memorable, resonating with your church’s culture and language, and how this impacts the engagement of your congregation.

6. Application and Practicality: We discuss the crucial aspect of not just having a mission statement but actively using it to guide all church ministries and activities. Learn how to align your church's actions with its stated mission.

🔍 In this Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why many churches struggle with ineffective or unknown mission statements.
• Insights into how the Great Commission should be the driving force behind your mission.
• Practical tips on evaluating and revitalizing your church's mission statement.
• Strategies for ensuring your mission statement is both understood and actively implemented.