The Vital Podcast

In this episode of Healthy Leaders, Holy Limits, Mark Eldredge and Brian Pape continue the conversation on clergy burnout by asking: what if some exhaustion is not simply personal, but systemic? Rooted in Exodus 18, they explore Jethro’s counsel to Moses and what it teaches pastors, vestries, and church leaders about overfunctioning, unclear expectations, anxiety, and the need to redesign ministry...

What does it mean for the Church to be a mother? In this special Provincial Council 2026 episode, Canon Tony Melton of Always Forward and Canon Mark Eldredge of the American Anglican Council join us to discuss their workshop on church planting and revitalization. Together, they explore the biblical vision of the Church as a life-giving community, the connection between church health and mission, a...

In this episode, we take the next step: If limits are holy… then what do we do with burnout? Canon Mark Eldredge and Rev. Brian Pape are joined by leadership coach and author Alan Briggs to explore a critical reframing: Burnout is not a personal or spiritual failure. It’s often the result of what Alan calls “voluntary self-exploitation.” Many leaders aren’t breaking down because they lack faith or...

In the opening episode of Healthy Leaders, Holy Limits , Mark and Brian lay the theological foundation for the series by naming the exhaustion many leaders carry quietly and faithfully. Drawing on Jesus’ example in Mark 1:32–39, they explore how limits are not a failure of faith, but a gift that clarifies calling, protects love, and makes long-term faithfulness possible. Healthy Leaders, Holy Limi...

In this second episode of VITAL stories, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Cedric and Sarah Benner from Bishop Cummins Reformed Episcopal Church in Catonsville, MD. Since engaging with Canon Mark through Revive, there has been steady growth, engaging ministry, and breakthrough, despite significant challenges. Both of them share their story of revitalization and show how life continues in the ACNA at...

In this Pentecost interview, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Clancy Nixon, Director of Renew, a ministry of Anglican Revitalization Ministries. Rev. Clancy talks about the history of Anglican renewal, his own experience as an Anglican priest pursuing ministry through the Holy Spirit's power, and the importance of renewal for the health and growth of the local Anglican church. For more informat...

In this first episode of VITAL stories, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Bryan Stewart from Holy Cross Anglican Church in Abilene, TX. Since engaging the Revive process, there has been steady growth, engaging ministry, and worthwhile challenge. They break down this parish's story and show how life continues in the ACNA through prayer and determination for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Canon Mark discusses the importance of leading churches through change without causing chaos and the challenges of revitalizing declining churches. He emphasizes the need for strategic change management, patience, and long-term commitment in the revitalization process. Canon Mark also highlights the importance of considering various factors when deciding whether to revitalize a church and the nece...

In this episode, Canon Mark Eldredge, the Director of Anglican Revitalization Ministries, discusses the transition of the Rev. Brian Pape and the upcoming launch of a new podcast focused on developing faithful leaders. He emphasizes the importance of authentic community and lay mobilization in church growth, and the need for a plan to help new members discover their role and responsibility in the...

In this episode, Cn. Mark discusses the importance of annual parish meetings in focusing on the vision and mission of the church. He emphasizes the need for clarity, which should drive decisions and be widely understood by the congregation. He suggests that the annual parish meeting is a great opportunity to reaffirm the vision and align the spirit and effort of your congregation with it. Visit ww...

Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the third VITAL sign of a healthy church: Transformation Into Christlikeness. It's the main point of why disciples of Jesus walk the path that they do, to become like Him and one with Him. This is what true church health and growth looks like. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to take your next step, visit www.churchrevive.org...

Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the second VITAL sign of a healthy church: intentional worship. What does that mean and how do Anglicans encourage intentional worship that is heartfelt, transformational, and Anglican in its expression. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to take your next step, visit www.churchrevive.org .

Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the first VITAL sign of a healthy church: a vision for evangelism. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to take your next step, visit www.churchrevive.org .

Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the importance of church health. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to take your next step, visit www.churchrevive.org .

Despite their best intentions, churches who have to print their values in the foyer, bulletin, or on lanyards are usually kidding themselves. Our actual core values– what we really believe– are visible through the actions, relationships, and culture of the place. Join Mark and Brian as they discuss the power of what you really value.

Canon Mark and Brian sit down with The Rev. Canon David Roseberry to discuss his updated book entitled The Rector, The Vestry, The Bishop: An Essential Guide for Anglican Leaders. This is a tremendous resource for every rector, vestry member, and bishop within our Province.

Canon Mark and Rev. Brian explore the significance of providing visionary leadership. How does God want to express Himself through this church, in this community, at this time? As leaders answer this key question, they offer a compelling vision of the church's future, igniting passion, fostering unity, and empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact in their community and beyond.

There is no revitalization without renewal. In part 2 of this conversation, Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the importance of missional renewal. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to take your next step, visit  www.churchrevive.org .

There is no revitalization without renewal. In this first part episode, Canon Mark and Rev. Brian discuss the first steps of the church revitalization journey, finding renewal and relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. To find out more about Anglican Revitalization Ministries and how to plug in, visit www.churchrevive.org.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of church health. How does a church begin the journey towards thriving instead of just surviving? Join Canon Mark and Brian as they explore this topic and introduce The Revive Church Health Assessment tool.

In this episode Canon Mark and Fr. Brian introduce a new Vital Podcast series on church revitalization. They discuss an overview of the principles and processes that go into turning a church around. We hope this series will help you think, pray, and prepare your plans for revitalizing your local church!

In this second part of a two part interview, Canon Mark and the Rev. Brian Pape interview two pastors in the field who have led churches through major change: the Rev. Chase Campbell and the Rev. Clint Kerley. How do you survive a major church transition at a time of leadership change? Is it better to be the one coming in or the pastor going out? Is there hope for major growth in the midst of a ma...

How do you survive a major church transition at a time of leadership change? Is it better to be the one coming in or the pastor going out? Is there hope for major growth in the midst of a major shake up? Canon Mark and Rev. Brian interview two pastors in the field who have led churches through major change: the Rev. Chase Campbell and the Rev. Clint Kerley. This is part one of a two part interview...

In a continuing series on Transitions, Canon Mark and Rev. Brian interview the Rev. Geoff Chapman from St. Stephens, Sewickley, to talk about what it’s like to be in transition, how to move through it gracefully, and embracing a new season in life and ministry. This special episode was produced with pastors in mind who are retiring, moving into a new vocation, or leaving one parish for another.

In this episode, Cn. Mark and Fr. Brian continue their series on leading the church in times of transition with an interview with Ron McCormick. Ron is a lay leader and was the head of a search committee that oversaw the transition process following a long term rector. His experience and insights will be helpful to anyone going through that process, both lay and clergy!