Pastor's Growing Church Community Podcast

It is March of 2021 and we are approaching the one-year mark before COVID19 and the world was thrust into chaos. Unfortunately, many pastors and ministry leaders are still overwhelmed, frustrated, and feel like quitting. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Pardekooper gives a little encouragement to stick in there and stay the course.  If you are not yet part of the Ministry Hackers community, join...

Welcome to 2021!!! I am excited about what this year is going to bring all of us as Ministry Hackers. It is not secret 2020 was a challenge likewe have never navigated before, but 2021 has new promises,  new possibilities, and God is excited for what is coming. At the same time, 2021 feels a lot like 2020 and I wanted to start with a word of encouragement for us all. 

In this episode, Pastor Matt and I discuss something that I fight all the time when I am preaching, but I know I need to do more of it. It isn't because I don't value it, but it is because I am not wired this way. Pastor Matthew and I unpack how to maximize the impact of your sermons by using this one simple tool as often as you can.    Come be part of the Ministry Hackers community by j...

I am so excited for this episode because I get to interview Mary Valloni, Author of the book Fundraising Freedom. She specialized in helping nonprofits and ministries increase their giving, overcome financial challenges, and connect with donors inside and outside their immediate sphere of influence.   It is a great conversation and Mary is a delight to be with.  You can find her book on her websit...

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing one of my dear friends, Pastor Jimmy Banks.   Jimmy is one of the most dynamic pastors I have ever known and the best youth pastor you have never heard of. I have always appreciated his humility and genuine heart and we talk a little bit about that along with how he structures all the Next Gen ministries he oversees.    Are you a...

In this episode, I talk about the one thing you need right now as a pastor or ministry leader. Not only do you need it for right now, but you need it to get through the next several months. If you don't have this, you are going to wish you did.    Join the Ministry Hacker community by visiting the website: https://ministryhackers.com/home

In this episode, I share my favorite office event of the year. I know it isn't Christmas or anyone's birthday, but it is an event on the calendar that I look forward to all year long. It also makes my life as a pastor and the lives of my staff 100 times easier.    If you are not part of the Ministry Hacker community, yet, then you need to come on over and join us. https://ministryhackers...

In this episode, I have the opportunity to interview Mary Stegmiller, author of the book, "Life Lessons from King David and Grandma". This is an incredible book of insight into the life of David, vulnerability by Mary, and creativity. In the interview, we discuss how this book was a long time in the making, and how it is designed to be used as a resource for Bible Studies and Small Group settings....

In this episode, I discuss the one thing that may be holding the church back, may be holding you back as a pastor, and maybe holding your church back from becoming all that God has called you to be. There is a great chasm between an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset, and I think it is time for us to evaluate where we are.    If you are not part of the Ministry Hacker community yet...

In this episode, I am joined by my illustrious cohost, Pastor Matt, and we discuss why now is the time to start planning your sermons for 2021. I know, most of us have been hoping 2021 would just get here so we can get 2020 over with. But, are you ready to execute 2021? Pastor Matt and I give you the reasons why you need to start working on your 2021 sermon calendar and some tips on how to start p...

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Ty Buckingham, author of two books, "The Holy Spirit is Not a Bird" and his latest, "Better Than Jesus".  We also take some time to talk about the Holy Spirit Conference, what he is seeing as he travels to churches around the country, and a quick ministry hack to add to your tool belt.    You can get Ty's books and learn more abo...

In this episode, I reflect on a quote from one of my favorite movies of all time. The words spoken by Gandalf were profound in the context of the movie, but also profound for us today. It is an encouragement as we continue to walk through trying and difficult times.    It is time for you to join the Ministry Hackers community. I am so excited about all the things we are seeing among the...

In this episode of the Ministry Hacker podcast, I interview our very own Allen Kendrick!  A year and a half ago Allen felt God call him to plant a church...little did he know he was going to have to do it in the middle of a national crisis.   Hear Allen's story and what amazing things God has done in him as a pastor along the way.  Plus learn a very cool ministry hack to move m...

In this episode, I pull a ministry hack from the book "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordon McDonald. In it, he explains how you can increase your productivity, effectiveness, and enjoyment of your days. I unpack that simple hack so you can get your daily rhythm down.   Get your own copy of " Ordering Your Private World ". https://amzn.to/2Gef5gD   If you are not already part of the Mi...

In this episode, I pull a ministry hack from the book "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordon McDonald. In it, he explains how you can increase your productivity, effectiveness, and enjoyment of your days. I unpack that simple hack so you can get your daily rhythm down.  Get your own copy of " Ordering Your Private World ". If you are not already part of the Ministry Hacker community, you nee...

In this episode, I interview Ministry Hacker Chris McClure, author of the book "The Way to Greatness". Chris has had a career in ministry serving as an executive pastor, but in recent years transitioned to being a pastor of executives. He shares with us his framework for discovering greatness in our own lives, and he has an interesting perspective on how we can successfully navigate our current gl...

In this episode, I explain why it is time to regroup with your closest leaders and check on how they are doing. Since March most of us have been responding to the most immediate needs in front of us, trying to keep our congregations engaged, rolling with social distancing guidelines, and who knows what else is on your plate. But, when was the last time you checked in with your leaders. Those close...

In this episode, I give you a simple ministry hack no one has ever taught you before that will boost your productivity, lower your stress levels, and allow you to plan so far ahead you will be able to go hit the Frisbee Golf range.

In this episode, I share a tip from Andy Stanley's book "Can We Do That". In it, he talks about how to streamline your messaging so that you avoid causing information overload and you increase the level of engagement your congregation and teams have with your message.

In this episode, Pastor Matt and I discuss how to engage your volunteers, even if they aren't coming to your live services. Just because your volunteers are not able to come, doesn't mean they can't serve. Some of them are even looking for opportunities to serve but aren't sure how. We give you some practical tips on how to keep people engaged and feeling part of what is going on at your church.

In this episode, I am joined by Jake Johnson, author of the book "A King's Return". This first book in a trilogy explores the fantasy world of Islandia. When there was already a lack of peace among the kingdoms, the Steward King is killed and his young son is thrust into the seat of King. He must find a way to bring Islandia together while they continue to wait for the return of their beloved King...

In this episode, I unpack the parable of the sower with a little bit of a different application of the lesson Jesus was teaching. We can invest our time, energy, and resources into many different people, but too often we invest our time and energy into the wrong people and miss out on some great leaders along the way.

In this episode, I touch on the hot topic in ministry: online church. I reveal the reason that even though I believe that online church is here to stay, and should, why I think it isn't the answer to church growth. Before you stone me, or pat me on the back, make sure you listen to the reason why because it may not be what you expect.

In this episode, I share a personal hack I have used for a couple of years now. I am always trying to find ways to make my time more efficient and systems that run themselves. This one helps me get all the resources and steps in front of me in one place, and it is pretty simple to put together and maintain. This episode is inspired by Chris McClure's The Great Life Podcast episode titled "Use Your...

In this episode, I discuss how we are all facing change at a level most of us are not used to. We have two choices presented to us...we can either choose to change on our own and orchestrate it ourselves, or we can wait till it is forced upon us. The choice is in our hands now. What will we do?