The Last Service Podcast

The Last Service Podcast
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The Last Service Podcast Podcast

The Last Service Podcast explores the narratives of American churches that have closed, consolidated, or merged. But this isn’t a tale of despair; it’s a celebration of good endings, enduring legacies, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. American churches are closing at a pace faster than new ones are emerging, the need for thoughtful conversations around closures is more crucial than ever. By shedding light on the paths taken by these congregations, we aim to inspire and encourage church leaders facing difficult decisions. Join us as we delve into the lives of these churches, sharing stories that resonate with wisdom, and a commitment to ending well. So, whether you’re a pastor navigating the delicate balance of transition or a curious listener seeking wisdom from these poignant narratives, The Last Service Podcast is your haven for stories of faithful endings.

  1. The Benediction: A Pastor's Guide to Church Closures

    17 SEPT

    The Benediction: A Pastor's Guide to Church Closures

    In this compelling episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt interviews Dave Meserve, an experienced transitional pastor who has guided multiple churches through the difficult process of closing. Dave shares powerful stories and invaluable insights on how to approach church closures with compassion, wisdom, and a focus on spiritual health. Key Points: Dave's unique journey from traditional ministry to becoming a "pastor at large" and transitional leader The importance of addressing "faith ceilings" and allowing for spiritual growth in church leadership Detailed accounts of two non-denominational church closures Dave facilitated The critical role of trust-building and transparent communication during church transitions How to create meaningful closing ceremonies that honor a church's history and provide closure The significance of "staying for the benediction" - finding blessing in the ending process Insights on matching pastoral leadership styles to church size and growth goals The value of diverse leadership teams, including both men and women Understanding churches as relationships with natural lifespans Quotes: "Don't leave before the benediction - there's a blessing if you stay to the end." - Dave Meserve "Churches have lifespans. They have beginnings, long middles we hope, and ends." - Dave Meserve Keywords: church closure, transitional pastor, faith ceiling, non-denominational churches, church leadership, pastoral care, church ceremonies, spiritual health, church size dynamics, diverse leadership, church lifespan This episode offers essential guidance for church leaders, pastors, and congregants facing potential church closures or significant transitions. Dave Meserve's experiences provide a roadmap for approaching these challenging situations with grace, intentionality, and a focus on long-term spiritual wellbeing.

    1h 0m
  2. Church Closure: Gail Cafferata's Journey and Research Findings

    3 SEPT

    Church Closure: Gail Cafferata's Journey and Research Findings

    In this episode, host Matt interviews Gail Cafferata, author of ”The Last Pastor” and a retired Episcopal priest who closed a church. Gail shares her personal experience closing a congregation and insights from her research surveying over 300 pastors who have gone through church closures.

    59 min
  3. Urban Skye: Innovative Ministry Beyond Church Walls with Mike Sares

    20 AUG

    Urban Skye: Innovative Ministry Beyond Church Walls with Mike Sares

    In this episode, we sit down with Mike Sares, director of Urban Skye, to discuss their unique approach to ministry outside traditional church structures. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience, including pastoring Scum of the Earth Church and working with various faith entrepreneurs.

    1h 2m
  4. The Jubilee Program: Rescuing Struggling Churches and Preserving Kingdom Assets with Bart McDonald

    5 AUG

    The Jubilee Program: Rescuing Struggling Churches and Preserving Kingdom Assets with Bart McDonald

    In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt interviews Bart McDonald from the Southern Baptist of Texas Foundation about their innovative Jubilee Program. This program helps struggling churches preserve their assets and legacy while transitioning to new ministries or congregations.

    1h 7m
  5. Navigating Scarcity in the Church - Insights from Dr. Myles Werntz

    23 JUL

    Navigating Scarcity in the Church - Insights from Dr. Myles Werntz

    In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt McGee interviews Dr. Myles Werntz, Associate Professor of Theology at Abilene Christian University. They discuss the concept of scarcity in churches and how it’s affecting congregations across denominations. Dr. Werntz shares insights from his recent Christianity Today article ”Scarcity’s Strange Gifts” and explores the challenges and opportunities presented by resource constraints in modern church settings.

    54 min
  6. Navigating Church Decline and Closure with Dr. Stanley Granberg

    9 JUL

    Navigating Church Decline and Closure with Dr. Stanley Granberg

    In this episode of The Last Service Podcast, host Matt interviews Dr. Stanley Granberg, founder of Heritage 21, an organization dedicated to helping declining churches make critical decisions about their future. Dr. Granberg shares his extensive experience in church planting, missions, and organizational leadership, offering valuable insights into the challenges facing aging congregations. Key topics discussed: The Quick 50 Assessment: A simple tool to determine if a church needs to consider its existential future, based on three factors: church age, average member age, and attendance. The threshold for church survivability: Why 60 in attendance is a crucial number for church sustainability and the shift from public to private spheres. The concept of "stewarding God's mission" and how it applies to churches in various stages of life, including decline. The five systems that impact church health: theological, missional, leadership, relational, and physical. The importance of perspective and making proactive decisions before reaching a stage of "leadership dementia." A case study of a church closure that resulted in positive outcomes and the continuation of God's mission through new church plants. The challenges of conflict resolution in declining churches and the impact on closure decisions. The inevitability of system failures in churches and the opportunity for renewal. Dr. Granberg emphasizes the importance of courage, facing reality, and putting plans on paper to gain perspective when dealing with church decline. He encourages church leaders to view their situation objectively and make informed decisions about their future. 3 Key Takeaways: The Quick 50 Assessment (50 years old, 50 average age, 50 or fewer in attendance) is a useful tool for identifying churches that may need to consider their long-term viability. Church planters consider 60 in regular attendance to be an indicator of viability. 60 feels like a crowd and has adequate energy to do ministry. Addressing church decline requires a systems-thinking approach.  Churches are a network of systems.  Like organs in a body, the systems will eventually fail. Resources: Empty Church: Why People Don't Come and What to Do About It by Dr. Stanley Granberg Heritage 21

    59 min
  7. The Potluck: The Role of Media in Modern Church Worship with Dr. Jim Y. Trammell

    25 JUN

    The Potluck: The Role of Media in Modern Church Worship with Dr. Jim Y. Trammell

    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

    56 min
  8. Revitalizing Church Through the Dinner Church Movement with Verlon Fosner

    11 JUN

    Revitalizing Church Through the Dinner Church Movement with Verlon Fosner

    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.

    1h 20m
See All (22)

Trailer

About

The Last Service Podcast explores the narratives of American churches that have closed, consolidated, or merged. But this isn’t a tale of despair; it’s a celebration of good endings, enduring legacies, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. American churches are closing at a pace faster than new ones are emerging, the need for thoughtful conversations around closures is more crucial than ever. By shedding light on the paths taken by these congregations, we aim to inspire and encourage church leaders facing difficult decisions. Join us as we delve into the lives of these churches, sharing stories that resonate with wisdom, and a commitment to ending well. So, whether you’re a pastor navigating the delicate balance of transition or a curious listener seeking wisdom from these poignant narratives, The Last Service Podcast is your haven for stories of faithful endings.

Information

  • Creator
    The Last Service Podcast
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Last Service Podcast

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