The Last Service Podcast The Last Service Podcast

In this special "Potluck" episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt McGee catches up with his old friend, Dr. Jim Trammell, Associate Professor of Communication at High Point University, a frequent contributor to Baptist News Global, and deacon at Emerywood Baptist Church, to discuss the evolving role of media in modern church worship. They explore how technology and media shape congregations, online church services' pros and cons, and the challenges facing traditional and contemporary worship styles.
Key Topics Discussed:
The impact of media and technology on church services
Differences between traditional and contemporary worship spaces
The rise of online church and its effects on community
Balancing evangelism and discipleship in media-driven churches
The inevitability of church closures and how to approach them
The "coolness factor" in modern worship and its implications
Notable Quotes: "In a lot of contemporary media-centric churches, media is so important to how they do worship that if you eliminate all the electronic media, you no longer have a service." - Dr. Jim Trammell 
Keyword Tags:church media, worship technology, online church, church closures, contemporary worship, traditional worship, evangelism, discipleship, church community

In this insightful episode, Verlon Fosner shares the powerful story of how his dying church was revitalized through the Dinner Church movement. He discusses the sociological issues facing the modern church, the need for a more inclusive and accessible form of worship, and how the simple act of gathering around a table for a meal and sharing the stories of Jesus can profoundly impact lives. Fosner’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, compassion, and a willingness to rethink traditional church models.

Karl Vaters joins The Last Service Podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing small churches. With over 40 years of pastoral experience and as the author of several books on small church ministry, Karl provides valuable insights to help small congregations thrive.

In this insightful episode, Matt talks with Erika Cole, known as the Church Attorney, about navigating the legal process of church closures and mergers. Erika provides a wealth of knowledge on checklist items, vital documents, legal steps, and wisdom for churches going through this transition.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Rev. Diane Kenaston, co-founder of The Good Friday Collaborative. They discuss how churches can approach the difficult process of closing, merging, or consolidating ministries faithfully and pastorally. Diane shares her own experience leading a church through a merger and the valuable lessons learned. She also unpacks the five stages of church closures outlined by The Good Friday Collaborative as a framework for congregations.

In this special ”Potluck” episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt McGee is interviewed by his friend Michael Lucio about the origins of the podcast, the declining state of church attendance and membership, and what constitutes a good or bad church closing.