Revitalize My Church

Assist Church Expansion
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Hosted by Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant, two respected coaches in the field of church renewal, the Revitalize My Church podcast provides real-world advice and encouragement in each episode. In addition to insights provided by Bart and Nathan, you’ll also hear interviews with pastors and church leaders who have personally been involved in a successful church turnaround. They discuss the revitalization journey, keys to renewal, and lessons learned.

  1. Ep. 037 | 5 Common Reasons Church Revitalization Efforts Fail

    2D AGO

    Ep. 037 | 5 Common Reasons Church Revitalization Efforts Fail

    Episode 37: Show Notes Hosts: Bart Blair (Director of Church Revitalization, Assist Church Expansion) & Nathan Bryant (Executive Director, Assist) Episode Summary In this episode, Bart and Nathan discuss five common obstacles that derail church revitalization efforts. Based on years of experience coaching churches through renewal and replanting, they identify specific failure points and provide practical solutions to help church leaders navigate change more effectively. This episode is designed to help church leaders position their churches for success in 2026 and beyond. TLDR: 5 Critical Mistakes That Sink Church Revitalization •       Overestimated Readiness: Churches think they're ready for change but haven't prepared their congregation or identified cultural barriers—use health and readiness assessments before launching revitalization. •       Unrealistic Growth Expectations: Expecting to reach younger demographics without addressing cultural dissonance—conduct a demographic study and focus on reaching the lost, not just targeting an age group. •       Poor Leadership Pacing: Leaders often move too fast without relational capital or too slowly without momentum—get a coach and build a strategic vision team to maintain accountability. •       Complicated Decision-Making: Consensus-based governance on every decision creates red tape that prevents progress—delineate staff, board, and congregational decisions and simplify your structure. •       Unprepared for Conflict: Most churches are reactive rather than proactive in conflict management—implement Biblical conflict training before crisis hits and address issues early using Matthew 18 principles. Why Churches Overestimate Their Readiness for Revitalization Efforts Key Points: •       Hearts say "yes" to change, but heads aren't prepared to follow •       Churches are unclear about how much change is actually necessary •       They're looking for a "silver bullet" rather than understanding systemic cultural change •       Congregants have conflated practices with theology—they believe cultural expressions are biblical mandates •       Small changes (like removing a painting or changing wall colors) can create unexpected resistance Solution: •       Conduct a Health Assessment and Readiness Assessment before beginning revitalization •       Use the "Praying for Renewal in Our Church" 40-day prayer guide to prepare the congregation spiritually •       Download the Health Assessment at RevitalizeMyChurch.com •       Spend time nurturing relationships and moving people toward readiness rather than rushing into change How to Help Aging Churches Attract Younger Families Without Unrealistic Expectations Key Points: •       Churches have lost younger generations due to cultural dissonance between the church's identity and contemporary culture •       The church's identity is often frozen at its "peak"—whatever cultural expression existed when the church was most vibrant becomes permanent •       Young people feel they're "time traveling" when they enter the sanctuary •       Young adults seek churches where they can bring friends and feel culturally at home •       Focus should be on reaching the lost, not necessarily on achieving a specific age demographic Solution: •       Conduct a demographic community study to understand who lives in your area •       Ask and answer: "Who are we most likely to reach given our location and community connections?" •       Don't assume that hiring a young pastor automatically attracts young families •       Recognize that...

    49 min
  2. Ep. 036 | How Churches Can Find New Life Through a Strategic Merger

    JAN 15

    Ep. 036 | How Churches Can Find New Life Through a Strategic Merger

    How Churches Can Find New Life Through a Strategic Merger Podcast Show Notes with Jim Tomberlin TLDR: 4 Key Takeaways Church mergers are no longer a last resort – They've evolved from a "survival tactic" to a legitimate growth strategy, with 40%+ of multi-site churches now acquiring campuses through mergers rather than church plants alone. Focus on mission, not just survival – The most successful mergers happen when churches prioritize reaching their community and making disciples over simply preserving a building or institution. One church leads, one follows – A successful merger requires clear leadership dynamics (not a 50/50 partnership). Health and trajectory matter more than size or wealth when determining the lead church. Control is the biggest merger killer – More mergers fail due to pastors, board members, or donors unwilling to relinquish control than any other factor. Humility and kingdom-mindedness are essential. How to Tell If Your Church Is a Good Candidate for a Strategic Merger Jim Tomberlin breaks down the three categories of churches in America: about 20% are strong, 60% are stuck, and 20% are struggling. If your congregation falls into the stuck or struggling category, a merger might be the second chapter your church needs. Learn how to assess whether your church has the health and openness required to pursue a merger successfully. What the Latest Statistics Show About Declining Churches and Merger Trends Over 300,000 Protestant churches exist in the United States, but the landscape is shifting rapidly. Discover the current state of American churches, why approximately 100,000 church facilities could be repurposed or sold by 2030, and how mergers present an alternative to closure. This section reveals the data-driven reasons why church leadership conferences and denominational leaders are now taking mergers seriously. Why Language Matters When Discussing Church Mergers With Your Congregation The word "merger" carries negative baggage from the business world. Explore alternative language—restart, replant, partnership, adoption, collaboration, and consolidation—and learn why reframing the conversation can help your congregation embrace the possibility of joining with another healthy church. This is critical when communicating with your church members and moving toward a congregational vote. How Multi-Site Church Models Are Changing Church Merger Conversations The multi-site church movement fundamentally transformed how mergers work. Instead of the old "win-lose" merger outcomes (where one church absorbed another and both declined), today's mergers create "win-win-win" scenarios. Learn Jim Tomberlin's firsthand story from Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago and how it launched a 3,000-person campus through a strategic merger. The Dance of Leadership: Making Church Mergers Work When Personalities Clash Two churches can't have two leaders. This section explores the critical "dance" metaphor—understanding who leads and who follows in a merger conversation—and why it's not about size or wealth, but about health and trajectory. Discover the three foundational questions every merging church must answer: Is it possible? Is it feasible? Is it desirable? Merging for Mission vs. Merging for Survival: The Critical Difference Many struggling churches approach mergers from a place of desperation. But Jim Tomberlin explains why the most thriving post-merger churches shift their mindset from "how do we survive?" to "how do we reach our community?" This requires churches to let go of 1950s ministry models and embrace a "future-ready church" mentality that meets people where they are in 2025 and beyond. 25 Issues Every Church Merger Must Work Through (And Which Ones Are Deal-Breakers) Church mergers aren't simple. Tomberlin and his team have identified 25 distinct issues that every...

    46 min
  3. Ep. 035 | Five Books You Should Read in 2026

    JAN 5

    Ep. 035 | Five Books You Should Read in 2026

    Episode Summary Bart Blair shares five essential books to help church leaders grow in their ministry and guide their churches toward greater health and vitality in 2026. Whether you're in revitalization, replanting, or simply seeking to lead more effectively, these books offer practical wisdom and biblical foundations for lasting change. Subscribe & Listen to the Revitalize My Church Podcast •       Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms •       New episodes release on the 1st and 15th of each month Book 1: The Discipleship Opportunity Author: Daniel Im Lead Pastor at Beulah Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta Subtitle: How Churches Can Equip the Saints to Do the Work of Ministry Key Takeaway Every church has discipleship-related systems (classes, programs, models), but not all have an integrated discipleship pathway where systems work together to move people toward spiritual maturity. Featured Quote "I have found that every church has discipleship-related systems, but not every church has a discipleship pathway. Essentially, any sort of class, model, or program can be seen as a discipleship-related system. However, it's only when all these systems are working together in an interconnected fashion (instead of working in isolation) that you get a discipleship pathway—a system of systems." Why This Book Matters •       Moves beyond theory to practical systems •       Helps integrate disconnected programs into a cohesive pathway •       Based on real-world church implementation Book 2: The Strategically Small Church Author: Brandon J. O'Brien Subtitle: Intimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Influential Key Takeaway Small churches have unique strengths—intimacy, agility, and authenticity—that should be leveraged as advantages rather than viewed as limitations to overcome. Featured Quote "A strategically small church is not a large church that hasn't grown yet. It's a church that has intentionally chosen its size because it believes that's the best way to accomplish its mission in its community." Why This Book Matters •       Challenges the "bigger is better" mentality •       Gives permission to churches to define success on their own terms •       Helpful for replants and churches seeking to find their identity Book 3: 8 to 15 Author: Tom Mercer Subtitle: The World Is Smaller Than You Think Key Concept: The Oikos The ancient Greek word "oikos" refers to your natural network of relationships—family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances. God has already placed 8-15 of these people in your everyday world as your primary mission field. Key Takeaway Most people come to faith through close relational influence, not programs or events. Share Christ naturally over time with the people God has already placed in your life. Practical Steps •       Pray for these 8-15 people by name •       Build intentional relationships •       Share Christ naturally Why This Book Matters •       Equips every believer (not just pastors) to be an evangelist •       Shifts focus from programs to personal relationships •       Multiplies evangelism and disciple-making through natural ne...

    18 min
  4. Ep. 034 | Creating Space for Every Child in YOur Church

    12/15/2025

    Ep. 034 | Creating Space for Every Child in YOur Church

    Creating Space for Every Child in Your Church. In this powerful episode, host Bart Blair, Director of Church Revitalization for Assist Church Expansion, sits down with seasoned occupational therapist Amanda Perches to unpack practical and affordable ways every church—no matter the size—can become a welcoming space for children with special needs and their families. Are you a church leader, pastor, or ministry volunteer hoping your congregation can better serve families affected by autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or other neurodiversities? Are you searching for real, tried-and-true methods to establish special needs ministry, start a sensory room, and foster a culture of inclusion in your faith community? This is the episode for you! Key Topics Covered: - How Amanda’s 25+ years as an occupational therapist shaped her perspective on church ministry for families with special needs. - Powerful statistics about the prevalence of special needs in communities—and the essential role churches can fill (did you know that as many as 1 in 5 families have a child with special needs?). - Why small churches are naturally suited for effective special needs outreach—sometimes even better than large churches! - Busting the myth that creating “special needs spaces” or “sensory rooms” is expensive, complicated, or requires huge renovations. - Step-by-step guidance on **how to set up a special needs-friendly environment** for neurodiverse children, including practical lighting, seating, sound, and visual strategies. - The most important “non-negotiables” for a basic sensory room every church can afford to implement. - The critical importance of including parents, siblings, and teenage volunteers in church special needs ministry. - Serving not just the child, but the whole family: why support and community for parents and siblings changes everything. - How to communicate your new special needs ministry to the public with authenticity while avoiding common missteps. Real-World Takeaways for Churches: - Tips for assessing and repurposing the spaces you already have — no major construction required! - Budget-friendly equipment and furnishings that support sensory needs, focus, and calm. - Why listening first and collaborating with families is the foundational key to launching a meaningful ministry. - How teens can transform their own lives and perspectives by volunteering with special needs children—even fulfilling their service hour requirements! Whether you’re looking to attract young families from your neighborhood or simply want to serve differently-abled members of your congregation, you’ll find practical advice, encouragement, and inspiration in this episode. Listen in and learn: - How to approach outreach to families with special needs - What questions to ask when designing your church spaces - Ideas for flexible seating, fidgets, weighted blankets, quiet spaces, and more - Encouragement for small and mid-sized churches—you can make a huge difference! - Where to get professional help (and why consulting with occupational therapists matters) Don’t forget to subscribe for fresh episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month with new guests, actionable conversations, and practical church renewal strategies. If this episode helped you, please LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT with your own experiences or questions about special needs ministry! Resources & Links: - Visit our website for articles, eBooks, and free assessment tools: https://www.revitalizemy.church/ - Listen to past episodes on church revitalization, hospitality, leadership, and more! #SpecialNeedsMinistry #ChurchRevitalization #InclusiveChurch #ChildrenWithAutism #ADHD #SensoryRoom #FamilyMinistry #ChurchLeadership #BartBlair #AmandaPerches #ChurchPodcast #Neurodiversity #AssistChurchExpansion

    42 min
  5. Ep. 033 | How Pastors Can Overcome Discouragement in Church Revitalization

    12/01/2025

    Ep. 033 | How Pastors Can Overcome Discouragement in Church Revitalization

    Is ministry burnout and discouragement draining your passion for church revitalization? In this episode, Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant share five biblical and practical steps to help pastors overcome discouragement, regain momentum, and enter 2026 with renewed fire for ministry. Episode 33 of the Revitalize My Church Podcast explores: Step 1: Look to Jesus for Restoration — Understand that your identity as God's child matters more than your ministry performance. God loves you unconditionally, not because of what you accomplish. Learn how to lean into your calling with confidence in God's provision, not your own abilities. Step 2: Look Back on What God Has Already Done — High-achieving pastors often skip celebration to move to the next goal. Discover why celebrating small wins—spiritual growth, restored marriages, baptisms, and the simple fact that your church is still alive—is critical for combating discouragement. Step 3: Check the Eternal Scoreboard — Stop measuring ministry success only by numbers. Understand that one person coming to Christ has eternal consequences that far exceed any attendance metric. Fix your eyes on what is unseen, not on visible metrics. Step 4: Share the Load Through Delegation — Most pastors are doing too much and carrying unsustainable responsibility. Create a practical inventory of your tasks, identify what only you can do, and delegate the rest. Discover how delegation connects others to their calling and prevents pastoral burnout. Step 5: Rest and Care for Your Soul — Jesus modeled regular withdrawal for prayer and restoration. Learn how to implement a monthly (or weekly) personal retreat day. Nathan shares his powerful practice of using a notebook to brain-dump burdens, clearing mental space for genuine encounter with God. Bonus: Build Peer Accountability — Every pastor needs another pastor who understands the weight of ministry. Learn how to find and nurture a peer mentor relationship that provides encouragement, prayer, and authentic community. This episode includes real-world examples, like how pastor Jerry faced unexpected resistance to simply repainting his church sanctuary, and Bart's golden accountability relationship with pastor Bob Church in Alberta. Whether you're in a small church plant or established congregation, whether you're struggling with unmet goals, resistance to change, or pure exhaustion, this conversation offers hope and actionable steps to reclaim your joy in ministry. If you're tired, discouraged, or questioning your calling as a pastor in church revitalization, this episode will remind you of your true identity in Christ and provide the practical tools to sustain healthy, joyful ministry. For more resources on church revitalization, pastor burnout, and leadership development, visit RevitalizeMyChurch.com or connect with Assist Church Expansion. Subscribe to the Revitalize My Church podcast for episodes on church growth strategies, overcoming resistance to change, community outreach, and pastoral health. New episodes release on the 1st and 15th of every month. #ChurchRevitalization #PastorBurnout #MinistryDiscouragement #ChurchLeadership #PastoralCare #SmallChurchMinistry #ChurchGrowth #PastoralWellness #ChristianLeadership #LocalChurch

    27 min
  6. Ep. 032 | Building Volunteer Teams That Stick

    11/15/2025

    Ep. 032 | Building Volunteer Teams That Stick

    The Five-Step Church Volunteer Recruitment Framework That Actually Works Why Traditional Church Volunteer Recruitment Methods Fail Most churches rely on ineffective methods like stage announcements, program inserts, and mass emails. These approaches typically result in low commitment rates, with many volunteers saying yes but never following through. Nick's framework addresses this by creating a systematic process that treats volunteer recruitment like a well-designed pathway rather than random requests. Step 1: Prospects - Building Your Church Volunteer Contact List Do you have enough prospects in your pool? Think of names on a list to talk to in order to get the number of volunteers you need. This is the foundation - having specific people identified rather than making general appeals. Step 2: Conversation - Initiating Meaningful Volunteer Discussions If someone is a name on your list and you don't know them well, you need to get into a conversation with them. This might start over email, text, or in the lobby, but the goal is moving from prospect to actual dialogue about serving. Step 3: Orientation - Helping Prospects Understand the Ministry Vision Getting them into orientation, which Nick approaches differently than most churches. This is where prospects learn about the ministry's purpose and impact. Step 4: Onboarding - The Critical Process Where Churches Lose People This is where many churches lose volunteers even after they say yes. The onboarding process includes several sub-phases: Observation Phase: Letting prospects see the ministry in action Thorough Vetting: Applications, background checks, interviews Intentional Apprenticeship: Serving alongside experienced volunteers with checklists Follow-up and Placement: Six-week check-ins to ensure success Step 5: Placed - Successfully Serving in Their Ministry Role The volunteer is now actively serving in their assigned role with proper support and ongoing development. Six-Week Follow-Up Strategy for Church Volunteer Retention Retention depends heavily on early follow-up. At the six-week mark, ministry leaders should meet with new volunteers to discuss: What aspects of the role energize them What drains or frustrates them Process improvements from a fresh perspective Potential role adjustments if needed FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Up to $200,000 for Church Security What Churches Can Purchase with FEMA Security Grant Money The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides up to $200,000 per physical address for facility hardening, including: Security cameras and monitoring systems Door access control and key card entry Alarms and emergency alert systems Fencing and bollards for vehicle barriers Blast-resistant glass and window coverings Security training (up to 5% of total grant) Church Security Grant Application Success Rates and Timeline Approximately 50% of organizations that apply receive funding, but success rates are much higher for properly prepared applications. Churches working with experienced consultants see success rates around 95% when applying consistently over 2-3 years. The grant typically opens in May-June annually, with state-specific deadlines varying based on federal budget timing. How Small Churches Can Benefit from Federal Security Grants Even churches with limited budgets can effectively utilize the full $200,000 grant amount. Security upgrades often cost more than expected, and the improvements provide both enhanced sa...

    47 min
  7. Ep. 031 | Maximize Christmas for Church Revitalization

    11/01/2025

    Ep. 031 | Maximize Christmas for Church Revitalization

    How to Leverage Christmas for Church Revitalization | Church Growth Strategies In this essential episode for church leaders, Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant share proven Christmas outreach strategies that can revitalize your church and attract new visitors during the most opportune season of the year. Did you know that 60-70% of Americans attend a Christmas church service annually? Learn how to maximize this incredible opportunity for church growth and community engagement with practical, budget-friendly ideas that work for churches of any size. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why Christmas outperforms Easter for visitor attendance The 3-step framework for successful Christmas outreach How to train your congregation to invite effectively Creative alternatives to traditional Christmas services Critical follow-up strategies to keep visitors coming back Real examples from church plants and revitalizing churches How to plan impactful events with just $200 and 25 people THE THREE CRITICAL COMPONENTS FOR SUCCESS: Planning Your Event Start planning now - early November is not too early. Consider what your church can authentically do well rather than copying other churches. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm creative ideas within your budget. Mobilizing Your Congregation Train your people on how to invite effectively. Personal invitations during Christmas have the highest acceptance rate of any time during the year. Create multiple touchpoints throughout December, not just Christmas Eve. Planning the Follow-Up Have a January event already planned before Christmas arrives. Announce your next opportunity during Christmas events. Create a clear pathway for visitors to return. FEATURED STRATEGIES: Community Service Ideas: Decorating homes for elderly residents Community meals for those without family Angel tree partnerships with local schools Mobilizing neighbors for service projects Alternative Event Ideas: Fire pit parties with s'mores Outdoor Christmas BBQs Relationship-focused Christmas parties Collaborative community projects KEY TAKEAWAY: "Christmas is the greatest time of the year. We have the most amazing story to share that God came into the world and gives us hope and light and life, and Jesus is the answer for everything." - Nathan Bryant REAL CHURCH EXAMPLE: Nathan's church plant is taking on 15 families for Christmas gifts through the local school district, intentionally accepting more than their core group can handle alone. This creates opportunities to invite neighbors and friends to participate, building relationships while serving the community. FIVE MISTAKES TO AVOID: Procrastination - Waiting too long to plan Lack of mobilization - Not training your congregation to invite No follow-up plan - Missing January reconnection opportunity Copying others - Not being authentic to your church's identity Doing nothing - The biggest mistake is not trying at all ACTION STEPS: Start planning your Christmas strategy immediately Work creatively with your current budget and resources Think beyond traditional Sunday services Train congregation members on invitation strategies Schedule your January follow-up event now Focus on what your church does authentically well FREE RESOURCES: Get personalized Christmas strategy consultation and planning templates at RevitalizeMyChurch.com TOPICS: Church revitalization, Christmas outreac...

    30 min
  8. Ep. 030 | A Real Story of Church Revitalization

    10/15/2025

    Ep. 030 | A Real Story of Church Revitalization

    A Real Story of Church Revitalization - Show Notes How Pastor Tim Wilmetti Led Pataskala Grace Church From Crisis to Growth In this episode of the Revitalize My Church podcast, host Bart Blair interviews Pastor Tim Wilmetti about his six-year journey revitalizing Pataskala Grace Church in Ohio. This real-world case study offers practical insights for pastors and church leaders facing similar challenges. What Happens When a Church Loses Half Its Attendance Overnight Pastor Tim shares the dramatic story of how Pataskala Grace went from 162 to 76 attendees in a single week when the previous pastor resigned suddenly after facing resistance to change initiatives. The church was caught in worship wars, with split services between contemporary and traditional music, creating division that ultimately led to mass exodus. Key Warning Signs Your Church Needs Revitalization Help Leadership conflicts over vision and direction Congregation splitting into opposing camps over worship style Attendance declining from peak of 250-300 to under 60 people Members spiritualizing personal preferences instead of focusing on biblical matters Lack of new believers and baptisms over multiple years How ASSIST Helped Prepare Church Leadership Before Hiring a New Pastor Before Tim arrived, the remaining elders attended an ASSIST bootcamp that helped them: Unite around the need for change and new direction Prepare mentally for the challenges of revitalization Commit to supporting whatever changes would be necessary Understand their role in the revitalization process Overcoming the Biggest Challenges in Small Church Revitalization Dealing with Members Who Resist Change in Church Revitalization Tim faced pushback from longtime members who wanted to return to "the way we've always done things" from the church's peak years in the 1990s. Some examples included: A four-page letter criticizing a sermon on Jesus turning water to wine Complaints about sanctuary lighting being "too dark" for theological reasons Objections to contemporary language used during services Building a Worship Team When Good Worship Leaders Are Hard to Find The church cycled through multiple worship leaders over six years, highlighting the challenge many small churches face. Tim's advice includes: Looking beyond just musical ability to leadership and character qualities Considering older, more mature believers who bring theological depth Recruiting from local colleges, universities, and even karaoke venues Being willing to invest in temporary solutions while searching for long-term fits From Church Revitalization to Church Planting Success After growing from 50-60 to 180-200 regular attendees, Pataskala Grace is now preparing to plant a new church in Newark, Ohio. This demonstrates how successful revitalization can lead to multiplication rather than just survival. Essential Leadership Lessons for Pastors Leading Church Revitalization Why Church Revitalization Pastors Need Thick Skin and Tender Hearts Tim emphasizes the importance of: Not taking personal attacks personally while remaining compassionate Maintaining identity in Christ rather than ministry success Having unified elder support when facing criticism Learning from previous ministry mistakes How...

    51 min
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out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant, two respected coaches in the field of church renewal, the Revitalize My Church podcast provides real-world advice and encouragement in each episode. In addition to insights provided by Bart and Nathan, you’ll also hear interviews with pastors and church leaders who have personally been involved in a successful church turnaround. They discuss the revitalization journey, keys to renewal, and lessons learned.

Information

  • Creator
    Assist Church Expansion
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Revitalize My Church