Solving the "Next Generation" Leadership Crisis

Aug 19, 2026

Many churches are facing a quiet crisis: the average age of senior pastors in America is rising into the mid-50s, and the problem runs deeper than the pulpit. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through the signs that church leaders may be unintentionally holding back the next generation, and they offer practical moves to start reversing that trend. Whether you lead a congregation in the U.S. or an international church with a transient membership, this conversation will challenge you to think honestly about who you are developing and empowering right now.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a ministry dedicated to helping churches move toward health and effectiveness. Scott serves as a lead consultant and trainer, and A.J. brings a global perspective shaped by years of working with international churches. Together they offer a warm, practical, and biblically grounded approach to the real challenges facing church leaders today.

• [7:32] Sign 1: You consult next gen leaders but never really include them in decisions
• [11:23] Sign 2: You celebrate next gen wins but struggle to tolerate their failures
• [16:42] Sign 3: The vision of the church is entirely dependent on one person
• [19:56] Practical Move 1: Give real ownership with real budget in a ministry area
• [22:53] Practical Move 3: Have their back publicly when things go sideways

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