Episodes

  • Ep. 030 | A Real Story of Church Revitalization

    Ep. 030 | A Real Story of Church Revitalization
    Oct 15 2025
    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...
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    51 mins
  • Ep. 029 | Hopeful Vision and Leadership Development

    Ep. 029 | Hopeful Vision and Leadership Development
    Oct 1 2025
    CHURCH REVITALIZATION BREAKTHROUGH: Master Vision Casting & Leadership Development
     Are you struggling to energize your declining church? In this powerful episode, church revitalization experts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant reveal the final two essentials that can transform stagnant congregations: creating hopeful vision and developing strong leaders.
    WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
    The 4-Component Vision Framework Every Church Needs:
    • Why Question: Defining your biblical purpose
    • Who Question: Clarifying your cultural identity
    • How Question: Building your strategic plan
    • Where Question: Painting your preferred future

    Why Most Churches Fail at Leadership Development     (and how to fix it)
    The Simple Apprentice Model     that creates exponential growth

    How to Identify Hidden Leaders in your congregation
    Biblical Foundation for Hope     using Proverbs 29:18 and Isaiah 40:31
    KEY TIMESTAMPS:     0:00 - Introduction: Fall 2025 Church Revitalization Update 5:30 - What Makes Vision "Hopeful" for Declining Churches 12:45 - The 4-Component Strategic Vision Framework 18:20 - Purpose vs Mission vs Vision Statements Explained 23:10 - Leadership Development: The Missing Ingredient 28:40 - Why Pastors Struggle with Developing Leaders 32:15 - The Exponential Apprentice Model 38:50 - Identifying Your Church's Future Leaders 42:30 - Integrating Leadership Development into Discipleship 46:20 - How Vision and Leadership Work Together
    GAME-CHANGING QUOTES:     "A manager tells people what to do. A leader inspires people to want to do it."

    "Without leaders you can't grow anything. You can't start a small group without a leader."

    "Where there is no vision, the people will perish" - but hopeful vision unifies and mobilizes your church.

    RESOURCES MENTIONED:
    • "The Vision Driven Leader" by Michael Hyatt
    • "Exponential" by John & Dave Ferguson
    • RevitalizeMyChurch.com (free resources & blog)
    ABOUT THIS SERIES: This episode concludes our deep dive into the 10 essentials for church revitalization, based on content from Terry Long and the North Carolina Baptists. Previous episodes covered dependent prayer, Christ-centered worship, gospel-centered fellowship, and joyful hospitality.
    MEET YOUR HOSTS:     Bart Blair - Director of Church Revitalization, Assist Church Expansion Nathan Bryant - Executive Director, Assist

    Both hosts have extensive experience helping struggling churches navigate change and find new life.

    READY TO REVITALIZE YOUR CHURCH? This isn't just theory - these are battle-tested strategies from the trenches of church revitalization. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or concerned member, this episode provides actionable steps you can implement immediately.
    YOUR CHURCH CAN HAVE HOPE AGAIN!     Don't let another Sunday pass wondering "what if." Every declining church has the potential for renewal when biblical vision meets intentional leadership development.

    SUBSCRIBE for bi-monthly episodes (1st & 15th of every month) LIKE if this helped your church leadership journey COMMENT your biggest vision or leade...
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    34 mins
  • Ep. 28 | The Power of Church Hospitality | Mary Ann Sibley

    Ep. 28 | The Power of Church Hospitality | Mary Ann Sibley
    Sep 15 2025
    From Parking Lot to Pew: The Power of Church Hospitality
    Church Hospitality Can Transform Your Ministry
     In this episode of Revitalize My Church, host Bart Blair interviews MaryAnn Sibley, a church hospitality expert who helps declining churches build effective volunteer teams and create welcoming environments that turn first-time visitors into regular attendees.
    How First Impressions Ministry Changes Everything
     MaryAnn shares her powerful testimony of going from Buddhist background to church leadership, emphasizing how strategic hospitality volunteers in the parking lot and at church doors made all the difference in her first church experience. Learn why "the sermon starts in the parking lot" and how your church can implement this principle.

    Building Volunteer Teams That Actually Work
    Discover the key insight that revolutionizes volunteer ministry: "You don't need more volunteers, you need the right volunteers." MaryAnn explains how to:

    • Identify and recruit the right people for hospitality roles
    • Create volunteer teams that focus on discipleship, not just task completion
    • Turn Sunday service into a "spiritual gymnasium" for volunteer growth
    Practical Church Growth Strategies for Small Churches
    Perfect for pastors leading churches of 50-200 people, this episode covers:

    Parking Lot Ministry Best Practices
    • Why every church needs parking lot volunteers (even with empty spaces)
    • How to train volunteers to create meaningful first impressions
    • Making visitors feel expected and welcomed from the moment they arrive

    Creating a Welcoming Church Culture
    • The difference between greeters and ushers
    • Strategic volunteer placement throughout your church building
    • How to help longtime members connect with newcomers

    Hospitality That Covers Ministry Weaknesses
     Learn how excellent church hospitality can compensate for:
    • Less-than-perfect music ministries
    • Developing preaching skills
    • Limited children's programming
    • Small church size

    Church Revitalization Through Volunteer Development
     MaryAnn demonstrates how volunteer ministry becomes discipleship opportunity, helping both volunteers and visitors grow spiritually while strengthening the entire church body.

    Guest Bio: MaryAnn Sibley - Church Hospitality Consultant
     MaryAnn Sibley helps churches across the country develop effective hospitality and volunteer teams. With experience helping a church grow from 100 to 6,000 attendees, she now coaches church leaders in creating welcoming environments that facilitate genuine church growth.


    Connect with MaryAnn:
    • Website: maryannsibley.com
    • Instagram: Follow for practical hospitality tips and volunteer leadership insights

    Key Takeaways for Church Leaders
    • Start with a few committed volunteers rather than trying to recruit large teams
    • Focus on discipleship through service opportunities
    • Create consistent welcoming experiences from parking lot to sanctuary
    • Expect God to bring new people and prepare accordingly
    • Authenticity matters more than perfection in church hospitality

    Perfect for:     Pastors, church volunteers, hospitality teams, small church leaders, anyone interested in church growth through improved first impressions.
    Subscribe...
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    40 mins
  • Ep. 027 | Joyful Hospitality and Meaningful Membership | Nathan and Bart

    Ep. 027 | Joyful Hospitality and Meaningful Membership | Nathan and Bart
    Sep 1 2025
    Episode 27 - Joyful Hospitality & Meaningful Membership
    Episode Details
    Podcast:     Revitalized My Church
    Episode: 27
    Hosts: Bart Blair & Nathan Bryant (Executive Director, Assist Church Expansion)
    Release Date: September 1, 2025
    Topic: Church Revitalization Essentials #7 & #8
    Episode Summary
     After a brief hiatus in August, Bart and Nathan return to continue their series on church revitalization essentials based on a framework from Terry Long and the North Carolina Baptists. This episode focuses on two critical elements that can make or break a church's revitalization efforts: creating an atmosphere of joyful hospitality and establishing meaningful membership that goes beyond just having your name on a roll.
    Main Topics Covered
    1. Joyful Hospitality: Three Levels of Welcome
     Why Hospitality Matters:
    • First-time visitors are often scared and uncertain
    • Many haven't been to church in 15-20 years or ever
    • People are looking for connection and acceptance
    • We represent Jesus and "the joy of the Lord is our strength"

    Three Levels of Hospitality:
    1. Front Door Experience
      • Genuine, joyful greeters (not just going through motions)
      • Warm welcome without being overwhelming
      • Clear directions for newcomers
    2. Corporate/Building Hospitality
      • Thinking like hosts in our own home
      • Clean, welcoming physical environment
      • Clear signage and navigation
      • Thoughtful preparation for guests
    3. Personal Hospitality
      • Leaders modeling hospitality in their homes
      • Inviting people into your life beyond Sunday
      • Building real relationships and community
      • Cultural shift that starts individual, becomes corporate

    2. Meaningful Membership: Beyond Names on a Roll
     The Problem with Current Membership:
    • Many churches have 60-80 members but only 25-50 in attendance
    • No clear expectations or obligations
    • Membership becomes a finish line instead of starting point
    • People commit more to little league than to church

    What Meaningful Membership Looks Like:
    • Covenantal commitment both directions (pastor to members, members to church)
    • Clear expectations and benefits
    • Active participation requirements
    • Integration into church family as team members/partners

    Key Components of Membership Expectations:
    • Regular attendance
    • Serving in ministry
    • Participation in small groups
    • Financial support
    • Investing in relationships with non-believers
    • Respecting church leadership and authority
    • Commitment to church mission and values

    Key Quotes
     "When you actually are thinking about how we gonna grow this thing, how we're gonna move forward, well, the primary way you're gonna do that is through relationships and connecting with people." - Nathan Bryant


    "If you're not committed to one another, in my opinion, you're not a church." - Nathan Bryant


    "The moment that they say yes to being a disciple of Jesus, a follower of Jesus, that's not the end game. That's the beginning of the race." - Bart Blair


    Practical Tips & Action Items
     H...
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    39 mins
  • Ep. 26 | Revitalizing Children’s Ministry | Lisa Rowland

    Ep. 26 | Revitalizing Children’s Ministry | Lisa Rowland
    Jul 15 2025
    Revitalizing Children's Ministry: Essential Strategies for Churches Ready to Welcome Families
    Is your church struggling to attract and retain families with children? In this comprehensive episode, host Bart Blair interviews Lisa Rowland, a seasoned children's ministry leader and consultant with Life Catalyst Consulting, who shares over 20 years of practical experience helping churches of all sizes build thriving children's programs.
    Lisa's unique journey from corporate business management to children's ministry leadership provides valuable insights for church leaders looking to create welcoming, safe, and effective programs that partner with families in discipleship. Whether your church hasn't had children in years or you're preparing for growth, this episode offers actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
    Key Topics Include:
    • Essential safety protocols and background check requirements for children's ministry
    • Creating inviting spaces for families on any budget
    • Proven volunteer recruitment strategies that work in small churches
    • Curriculum selection guidance for different church sizes and volunteer capacity
    • Building sustainable ministry teams vs. relying on solo teachers
    • Simple check-in systems that don't require expensive technology
    • Effective partnership strategies between church and family discipleship
    • Leadership skills needed to oversee vs. teach in children's ministry

    Perfect For:     Church planters, pastors of aging congregations, volunteer children's ministry leaders, church revitalization teams, and anyone interested in effective family ministry strategies.


    About the Guest:     Lisa Rowland serves at Bridgeway Church in North Texas and consults with churches nationwide through Life Catalyst Consulting. Her corporate background provides unique organizational and leadership insights that translate powerfully to ministry settings.
    Resources Mentioned:     Life Catalyst Consulting (lifecatalyst.com), church management software options, design tools, and curriculum resources for churches with limited budgets.

    This 40-minute conversation provides practical, immediately applicable strategies for churches ready to welcome families and build children's ministry programs that make a lasting impact.
    Subscribe to Revitalize My Church Podcast     for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of each month, featuring practical ministry insights and transformation stories from churches successfully reaching new families and growing younger.
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    44 mins
  • Ep. 25 | Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Missional Engagement | Nathan and Bart

    Ep. 25 | Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Missional Engagement | Nathan and Bart
    Jul 1 2025
    Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Missional Engagement for Church Revitalization Episode Overview
    In this milestone episode marking one year of the Revitalize My Church podcast, hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant continue their series on the 10 essentials for church revitalization, based on insights from Terry Long of the North Carolina Baptist Association. They explore two critical elements that struggling churches need: gospel-centered fellowship and missional engagement. This episode reveals why surface-level community isn't enough and how churches can become truly missionary-minded in their local context.

    What Is Gospel-Centered Fellowship and Why Surface Level Community Isn't Enough
     Gospel-centered fellowship goes far beyond potluck dinners and social gatherings. Nathan Bryant explains that many revitalizing churches function primarily around Sunday morning experiences and may have meaningful relationships, but lack the "deeper fellowship of interconnectedness that allows for true deep community where real discipleship takes place."
    Key Characteristics of Gospel-Centered Fellowship:
    • Vulnerable community: Creating safe spaces for confession, accountability, and real spiritual conversations
    • Life-on-life ministry: Moving beyond listening to teaching toward discussing application together
    • Biblical accountability: Where people confess what God is telling them to do and follow up on obedience
    • Transformative engagement: Relationships that actually change how people live out their faith

    The Problem with Traditional Church Community:
     Most churches focus on large group experiences (Sunday worship, Sunday school) where relationships remain surface-level. While these relationships may be meaningful and long-term, they don't provide the intimate context needed for true spiritual transformation.

    How to Move Your Church Beyond Surface Level Relationships to Deep Community
     Creating gospel-centered fellowship requires intentional steps and cultural change, especially in churches where people have known each other for decades but haven't experienced deeper spiritual community.

    Practical Steps for Pastors and Church Leaders:
    1. Visit and participate in churches that are successfully doing gospel-centered fellowship
    2. Create an incubator group with 4-5 solid families rather than trying to implement church-wide immediately
    3. Experience it yourself first - leaders need to understand the value before asking others to participate
    4. Teach the biblical foundation through preaching before launching programs
    5. Start slow but intentional - focus on quality relationships over quick expansion
    Essential Elements for Success:
    • Smaller group contexts where vulnerability is possible
    • Regular spiritual conversations about how God's Word applies to daily life
    • Accountability structures that encourage obedience to Scripture
    • Prayer and confession as normal parts of community life
    What Does Missional Engagement Mean for Churches Going Through Revitalization
     Missional engagement focuses on what churches do outside their building to connect with their community. Nathan defines it as "what we're doing with our lives in the corporate nature of the church, the group nature of the church, and the individual lives...
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    27 mins
  • Ep. 024 | Implement the DREAM Strategy | Brian Moss

    Ep. 024 | Implement the DREAM Strategy | Brian Moss
    Jun 15 2025
    Pastor Brian Moss of Oak Ridge Church shares his proven DREAM framework that transformed a dying congregation of 30 into a thriving church with 101% small group participation over 25 years.
    Brian, a former computer engineer who didn't grow up in church, reveals how he developed a systematic approach to balance the five fundamental church purposes: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. He breaks down his DREAM acronym - Design services for lost people, Reach with the gospel, Engage in growth, Activate in ministry, and Mobilize for missions.
    Key topics include creating guest-friendly services without compromising the gospel, systematic discipleship through small groups, and why 80% of modern church practices are more cultural than biblical. Brian also addresses the comparison trap destroying pastors and offers practical encouragement for church leaders feeling overwhelmed.
    Perfect for pastors, church planters, denominational leaders, and anyone seeking a biblical framework for sustainable church health and growth.
    Resources mentioned:

    • "The Dream Church" book by Brian Moss
    • Dream Church Conference (held annually each March)
    • Oak Ridge Church, Salisbury, Maryland
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    44 mins
  • Ep. 23 | Text Based Preaching and Intentional Discipleship in Church Revitalization | Nathan and Bart

    Ep. 23 | Text Based Preaching and Intentional Discipleship in Church Revitalization | Nathan and Bart
    Jun 4 2025
    Text Based Preaching and Intentional Discipleship in Church Revitalization Join hosts Bart Blair and Nathan Bryant as they explore two essential elements for successful church revitalization: text-driven preaching and intentional discipleship. Drawing from insights by Terry Long of the North Carolina Baptist Association, this episode reveals why these biblical foundations are game-changers for struggling churches.

    Key Topics:
    • Text-Driven Preaching: Learn the crucial difference between teaching and preaching, how to strategically choose Scripture passages for your church's specific needs, and why application matters more than information transfer.
    • Intentional Discipleship: Discover why discipleship doesn't happen by accident, how to create clear pathways for spiritual growth, and Jesus' proven model for developing mature followers.
    Nathan emphasizes that God's Word has transformative power when properly applied, while Bart shares his personal discipleship experience and the "laboratory vs. lecture" approach that accelerated his spiritual growth. Both hosts stress that church revitalization happens through heart transformation, not just methodology changes.
    Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about seeing real life change in their congregation. This practical episode provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately to help your church move toward a healthy, fruitful future.

    Scripture Focus: Hebrews 4:12, 1 Corinthians 11:1, and the Great Commission's practical implications for modern discipleship.
    New episodes release on the 1st and 15th of each month. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and visit RevitalizeMyChurch.com for additional resources.
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    31 mins