15 episodios
The Last Service Podcast The Last Service Podcast
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- Religión y espiritualidad
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.
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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.
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Small Things Well with Karl Vaters, author of De-sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next
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.
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Navigating Church Closures and Mergers with Erika Cole, The Church Attorney
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.
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Ending Well: A Guide to Faithful Church Closures with Diane Kenaston of Good Friday Collaborative
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.
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The Potluck: Why start a podcast about dying churches? - with Matt McGee and Michael Lomuscio
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.
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Courageous Honesty for for Churches at the End of Their Life Cycle with John Muzyka of Church Realty
In this episode, Matt interviews John Muzyca, a church real estate expert, about how churches can navigate the end of their life cycle well. John provides wise counsel on assessing property needs, making tough decisions with church committees, finding the right realtor, and determining if the building still serves the church’s mission.