Podcast Episode #217

Discussion about why we are optimistic about the state of the church in North America. The sky is not falling, and here are seven particular reasons why that is the case. And we even snuck an Al Gore reference into today's episode.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

• The influx of church planters has been a good thing for the state of the church in North America.
• Church splits are no longer the most common way new churches start, and that's a good thing.
• Church planters are starting more churches with evangelistic DNA than ever before.
• New churches have the opportunity to have a more intentional evangelistic DNA than established churches.
• Millennials are pushing churches toward more of a community emphasis.
• One of the main reasons the American church has been unhealthy over the past few decades is because of its inward focus.
• It's hard to say a church is about others when it spends all of the church's money on the members.

The seven reasons for optimism in American churches we discuss are:

• New churches replacing dying churches
• New churches truly becoming evangelistic
• Balance of practical and classical training for pastors and staff
• Better use of facilities
• Millennials moving church members to the community
• Re-examination of church budgets
• Church revitalization

Episode Sponsors
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Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped hundreds of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.
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Feedback
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Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

• How Do I Know if My Church Is Evangelistically Effective?
• I Am a Church Member