Thom Rainer Podcast

Thom and Mark say goodbye in these final three episodes. In this second of three parts, they recall some of the highlights and most fun episodes of the podcast. Resources: “Reclaiming Glory, Updated Edition: Creating a Gospel Legacy throughout North America” by Mark Clifton Check out the NEW Revitalize and Replant podcast with Mark Clifton North Am…

Thom and Mark say goodbye in these final three episodes. In this first of three parts, they explain why the podcast is ending and how it began. Resources: “Reclaiming Glory, Updated Edition: Creating a Gospel Legacy throughout North America” by Mark Clifton Check out the NEW Revitalize and Replant podcast with Mark Clifton North American Mission Bo…

Thom and Mark remain obnoxious optimists about the revitalization of churches. Numerous indicators are pointing to this hope. In the final of these three episodes, they discuss how the greater awareness of issues in revitalization has created new communities of revitalization leaders. These networks are instrumental in dealing with the loneliness f…

Thom and Mark remain obnoxious optimists about the revitalization of churches. Numerous indicators are pointing to this hope. In this second of three episodes, they point to the increase in the discussions and responses to the evangelism mandate. 1. Moving from a season without evangelism. 2. New solutions for evangelism. 3. The only way to grow. 4…

Thom and Mark remain obnoxious optimists about the revitalization of churches. Numerous indicators are pointing to this hope. In this first of three episodes, they share why the awareness issue has become so positive for revitalization. Bad news is good news. Denominations and networks have become aware as well. Awareness leads to solutions. Awaren…

We are seeing many smaller churches become healthier and make great strides for the gospel. In this second of two parts, Thom and Mark look at the action shifts that took place with members and leaders of these smaller churches on the rise. 1. Understanding the micro-business revolution. 2. The power of one or a few. 3. Moving obediently into evang…

We are seeing many smaller churches become healthier and make great strides for the gospel. In this two-part series, Thom and Mark first look at the attitudinal shifts that took place with leaders of these smaller churches on the rise. 1. Understanding the micro-business revolution. 2. Resisting the attitude of “smaller is inferior.” 3. Resisting t…

Mark Clifton’s book, Reclaiming Glory, has been a foundational book for church revitalization. In this podcast, Thom interviews Mark about the release of the updated edition of the book. You will not want to miss some of the nuggets Mark drops. Those nuggets will be powerful tools for your church. 1. Why did you update Reclaiming Glory? 2. What doe…

It is almost cliche to say revitalization is tough. But it is a challenge. Thom and Mark speak with countless pastors and staff who don’t think they are up to the task. This three-part series may prove to be a blessing to those who are discouraged and wonder if they can lead the revitalization. In this third episode, Thom and Mark offer answers fro…

It is almost cliche to say revitalization is tough. But it is a challenge. Thom and Mark speak with countless pastors and staff who don’t think they are up to the task. This three-part series may prove to be a blessing to those who are discouraged and wonder if they can lead the revitalization. In this second episode, Thom and Mark look at four of …

It is almost cliche to say revitalization is tough. But it is a challenge. Thom and Mark speak with countless pastors and staff who don’t think they are up to the task. This three-part series may prove to be a blessing to those who are discouraged and wonder if they can lead the revitalization. In this first episode, Thom and Mark examine why some …

In the past, a severely struggling church typically only had one option: the church had to close. Now we know that many churches are being successfully adopted or acquired by another church. In this three-part series, Thom and Mark examine and discuss the process and accompanying issues of a church adoption. In this third episode, they look at the …

In the past, a severely struggling church typically only had one option: the church had to close. Now we know that many churches are being successfully adopted or acquired by another church. In this three-part series, Thom and Mark examine and discuss the process and accompanying issues of a church adoption. In this second episode, they look at the…

In the past, a severely struggling church typically only had one option: the church had to close. Now we know that many churches are being successfully adopted or acquired by another church. In this three-part series, Thom and Mark examine and discuss the process and accompanying issues of a church adoption. In this first episode, they look at the …

We all agree that prayer is both mandated and powerful. We likewise agree that the collective prayers of church members, called corporate prayer, are important. Mark and Thom offer five simple ways a church needing revitalization can become a greater praying church. 1. Make certain prayer is a vital part of worship services. 2. Find your prayer war…

In a recent consultation with a church, Thom encountered such entrenched denial that it was not possible for the church to move forward. Why is denial so common and so deadly in many churches today? Mark and Thom examine five reasons. 1. Denial is the most common way to deal with painful realities. 2. Many churches are still searching for the silve…

Mark and Thom delve into the painful issue of examining why churches died. They do so that future deaths might be prevented. They also show how churches today can move to health rather than death. Every church is moving either toward a more vibrant life or toward death. Most dying churches are in denial (an issue we will unpack in the next podcast)…

The common growth barrier for churches for over 50 years was 200 in average worship attendance. Thom and Mark argue that the new barrier is 50 to 100. But they not only tell you why it is the new growth barrier, they share how your church can burst through the barrier. 1. One-half of North American churches have an average worship attendance below …

In the previous episode, Thom and Mark addressed the issue of strategic patience in a revitalization, meaning that revitalization fruit may not be long-standing until five years have elapsed. But . . . the church can experience some encouraging moves forward with the concept called low-hanging fruit. 1. Low-cost paint or landscaping 2. New church s…

Leading a church in revitalization requires not only tactical patience but strategic patience as well. Thom and Mark describe strategic patience and why it the fruit of revitalization may not be evident for five years. 1. The Berry Bucket often takes that long. 2. The denial factor is often entrenched. 3. Trust in the pastor often begins after 5 ye…

It is cliche, but church revitalization is tough. Almost every revitalization leader has to deal with resentment toward people and situations at some point. In this episode, Thom and Mark offer some advice and encouragement about dealing with resentment. It depends. What is the issue? How important is it? Focus on the positive in a Philippians’ way…

Part 2 of Thom and Mark’s interview with Keith Getty on a wide range of thoughts, including: Keith’s recognition from the Queen of England and thoughts about her influence A new album. The incredible success of Sing! What’s in store for the future? How the Gettys have influenced the growth of hymnody in churches. Advice from Keith to church worship…

Part 1 of Thom and Mark’s interview with Keith Getty on a wide range of thoughts, including: Keith’s recognition from the Queen of England and thoughts about her influence A new album. The incredible success of Sing! What’s in store for the future? How the Gettys have influenced the growth of hymnody in churches. Advice from Keith to church worship…

Aging does have its advantages, such as wisdom and experience. Mark and Thom, taking the roles of older pastors, share five pieces of advice with their younger selves. 1. Consider the five-year perspective. 2. Make evangelism your personal priority. 3. Learn how to create healthy accountability. 4. Make your spouse and children your first-line chur…

More churches are combining worship services than at any point in recent history. Mark and Thom look at several issues you should first consider if this possibility is on the table. Make sure you know the “why.” Consider space psychology. What resources do you have available? Remember the “15% axiom.” Don’t forget the parking issue. Resources: “Fiv…