20 Relics of the Church's Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 2

Show Notes

In this episode of the Replant & Revitalize Podcast, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock continue their conversation around church revitalization trends that may be resurfacing in today’s ministry context. Drawing from Thom Rainer’s article, “Twenty Relics of Church Past,” they examine which historic church practices are making a comeback—and what that means for pastors, church planters, and leaders serving in replant and revitalization settings.

This discussion helps church leaders discern whether these returning practices are helpful tools for gospel ministry or remnants better left in the past.

Church Practices and Ministry Trends Discussed

Church choirs and their role in congregational worship
The church parlor as a space for fellowship and connection
Weekly home visitation as a discipleship strategy
The return of hymnals in worship services
Wednesday night fellowship meals and community-building
A casual approach to recruiting children’s ministry volunteers
Program-driven philosophies of ministry
Large pulpits and traditional sanctuary design
Special music and choir anthems
Food pantries as a community outreach tool
Use of the King James Version (KJV) in preaching and teaching
Office hours for ministry staff and accessibility
Landline phones and church communication methods

Whether you’re leading a declining church, revitalizing a legacy congregation, or planting with an awareness of church history, this episode offers practical insight into how the past can inform the future of local church ministry.

Resources Related to This Episode

“Twenty Relics of Church Past” by Thom Rainer

Published January 15, 2026

20 Relics of the Church’s Past: Which Ones are Returning?: Part 2

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