Mark Hallock

Disciple of Jesus, Husband, Father, Lead Pastor at Calvary Church Englewood, CO | Calvary Family of Churches | Resources:

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Almost home. Thank you, Lord.

#colorado

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

If you have been pastoring a struggling, declining church for many years, and you’re wondering if you can lead it toward renewal and revitalization, you need to ask yourself some honest questions. Not easy questions but honest ones.

Do I still have the passion for this work?

Do I have the energy for the long haul?

Do I have the gifts needed to lead this church into a new season?

Am I willing to change?

The reason why honest answers to these questions matter is because leading a church through revitalization often requires a pastor to become a different kind of leader than he has been up to this point. Not a different man. Not a different shepherd. But a leader willing to grow, adapt, learn, repent, risk, and lead with fresh courage. Maintenance leadership and revitalization leadership are not the same thing.

Hear me well: This is not about shame in any way. It’s just that the reality is sometimes the Lord renews the church by first renewing the pastor. And sometimes one of the most faithful things a pastor can do is honestly ask, “Am I still the right leader for this next chapter?” That kind of honesty is not failure. It is humble, godly wisdom.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

If Christians win a battle by using worldly means, they have really lost.

- Francis Schaeffer

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Pastor, love the people of the church more than what you want to do in the church. – Brian Croft

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

The joy of worshipping with a new church plant. So excited for what the Lord is already doing through Calvary Veritas. Keep up with what is happening at:

https://t.co/zRmaDw1E5S

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Effectiveness in teaching the Bible is purchased at the price of much study, some of it lonely, all of it tiring.

— Don Carson

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

One of the most important disciplines for all of us in online conduct, leadership, and ministry is learning to represent other people and their views truthfully and accurately. Before offering a critique, disagreement, or alternative perspective, we should first seek to understand. A helpful rule of thumb is this: Would the person I am describing agree that I have represented their position fairly? If the answer is no, we need to listen more, ask better questions, and gain a deeper understanding before speaking.

Too often we are quick to respond to a caricature of someone’s view rather than what they actually believe. Christians, of all people, should be committed to truthfulness…not only in what we say, but in how we describe others. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “The one who gives an answer before he listens, this is foolishness and disgrace for him”.

Representing people fairly builds trust and reflects the humility and integrity that should mark followers of Christ. If this is what we rightly expect of others toward us, then others should rightly expect the same of us toward them. Honesty and integrity matter before the Lord and others.

“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

- 2 Corinthians 8:21

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

- Jesus in Luke 6:31

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

@ErikReed Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon, Calvin, Sproul

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

@lukedsimmons @AJWTheology Sweet! Thanks man!

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

@lukedsimmons @AJWTheology This is so good, brother! Is there anyway I can watch the recording of this seminar online somewhere?

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Church planting and church replanting are not competing works. We need both.

We need healthy new churches planted in growing communities and unreached places. But we also need struggling churches renewed and replanted with fresh gospel hope. Across our nation, there are churches with faithful histories, strategic locations, and untapped potential that are not dead yet. By God’s grace, their story may still be unfolding.

The work is different. Church planting often begins with momentum and building something new. Replanting usually begins with lots of tactical patience, wisdom, courage, and earning trust. One launches from the ground up….the other restores what is broken and helps bring renewal where discouragement has settled in.

Both are hard. Both require faith. Both matter deeply to the mission of Jesus. This is not an “either/or” conversation. The Kingdom needs church planters and church replanters. Same mission. Same gospel. Same King.

God has a plan for EVERY church.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Pumped about our newest church plant, Calvary Veritas. Mark your calendar for our upcoming preview services!

As we approach these services, we challenge you to ask the Lord, “Who would You put on my heart to invite?”

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

@daretomultiply You are right…there will always be some pain with change.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

A few thoughts on leading change…

When leading change of any kind, it is vital to do everything you can to bring other key leaders along with you. And here’s the thing: every leader is different. Some will get on board quickly. Others will need time to process, ask questions, wrestle through concerns, and build trust in the direction you are heading. That takes patience. You can’t rush it.

Many leaders fail to lead change well because they move too far, too fast, without making sure the right people are truly with them. They may have a good vision, a good plan, and lots of passion, but if key leaders are not on board, the change will eventually create confusion, resistance, and pain. It just will. And that never ends well for anybody….for the leader, for the team, or for the people they are trying to lead.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

@drandrewhebert Amen and amen, brother.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

For those wondering, “Where can I find time to write?” Good question.

If you’re trying to find time to write…whether for fun, journaling, an article, or maybe even that book the Lord has put on your heart, I want to encourage you: you don’t need huge amounts of extra time. You just need intentional, protected space and the willingness to keep showing up consistently.

One of the most helpful things I’ve learned over the years is this: know how God has wired you. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Don’t fight it….I’ve tried. I am definitely NOT a morning person. I’m a night owl, and once I stopped feeling guilty about that, I found myself far more creative and fruitful during those quiet late night hours.

Protect that time. Say no to other things during that window. Maybe it means skipping another episode of a show or putting your phone away for awhile. Find a place in your house where you actually enjoy being, where you can focus and not disturb everyone else. Grab a Coke Zero (or whatever fuels you), put on some good music, and enjoy having some space to think, create, pray, and write.

What I have found over the years is that writing projects rarely happen through giant bursts of inspiration. Typically they happen slowly through small, consistent, disciplined blocks over time. Even 30 focused minutes a few days a week compounds over weeks and months into writing projects you have always dreamed of doing.

So, let me encourage you to write! Keep at it…your words matter far more than you think.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

This afternoon I am thankful for all the faithful pastors who spent many hard hours this past week preparing the sermon they preached this morning. We are thankful for you! What a blessing it is to have shepherds who take seriously their calling to preach and teach God’s Word with passion, joy, and clarity.

[Mark Hallock @MarkHallock]

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

- James 4:8

“If He smiles on us, it is enough, though the whole world should be against us.”

- Thomas Manton