Better Roots Podcast

Serving others changes the servant. In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis explores a deeper theological question behind ministry, leadership, and discipleship: What is God doing in us when we serve others? Drawing from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Augustine, Ryan challenges the idea that service is merely transactional and argues that the people we serve are often the...

Excellence in ministry isn’t reserved for churches with big budgets and full-time staff. In this episode of Better Roots, Ryan sits down with Aaron, a volunteer who went from knowing nothing about sound systems to leading the church’s audio ministry. Together they share the challenges, victories, and practical lessons of creating quality worship experiences in a small church. From solving decade-o...

Doctrine is easy in theory. Applying it to real people is where ministry gets complicated.  When difficult issues walk through the front door, how do leaders respond with both conviction and compassion? Ryan shares practical wisdom for navigating tough conversations, avoiding reactionary policies, and building a church culture rooted in grace, truth, and discipleship. Interested in joining the Net...

Summer attendance may dip, but that doesn’t mean your church has to slow down. In this episode of Better Roots, Ryan Follis challenges small church leaders to stop viewing summer as a season of survival and start seeing it as one of their greatest opportunities for ministry. From Vacation Bible School and youth camps to local mission projects and creative Sunday gatherings, Ryan shares practical w...

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis challenges pastors and church leaders to stop listening only to the voices already in the room. From attendance trends and giving patterns to community feedback and leadership accountability, healthy churches are willing to hear the perspectives they may be missing. Learn why asking hard questions, tracking what matters, and inviting honest...

What separates a pastor from a leader? In this episode, Ryan Follis sits down with long time mentor and veteran pastor Daniel Messner to explore the leadership lessons that transformed a struggling church into a thriving ministry. From developing a clear vision and empowering others to navigating conflict and building healthy church culture, Daniel shares practical wisdom gained from decades of mi...

Behind every healthy church are deeper roots. In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan shares the heart and vision behind Better Roots and why strong foundations matter for healthy, lasting ministry. Through practical insights on leadership, relationships, and church health, this conversation explores how small churches can thrive, build stronger communities, and weather every season with...

What does it really take to create meaningful baptism moments in a small church? In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, we unpack the real-life challenges, powerful stories, and meaningful moments behind baptism in small churches — from hilarious logistical mishaps to life-changing transformations. You’ll also hear practical ways churches can create meaningful invitations, prepare for baptis...

In this episode of the Better Roots Podcast, Ryan Follis and Pastor Breck Nelson, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hillsboro, discuss why baptism and discipleship look different in small churches. From building authentic relationships to creating welcoming spaces for families, they unpack how healthy churches help people feel truly known — not just attended. You’ll hear powerful stories of sp...

What if the key to church growth isn’t more programs, but better connections? In this episode, Ryan shares practical strategies for creating a welcoming culture—even with limited people and resources. Discover the “guest to greeter” approach, why relationships matter more than programs, and how simple systems can help your church grow with purpose. Interested in joining the Network? Click HERE to...

Today, Ryan is joined with Kenzie Cunningham, the Network's Administrative Assistant. Together they discuss the importance of technology and the nuance of using it for the small community church. In a world of growing tech, they raise the question, what is necessary for your church and are you using it to lead your guests and church members into better connection? Listen in as they give tangi...

At the FBC Network we are passionate about connecting small community churches through tools, knowledge, and experience, to help Form Better Communities. Small town churches tend to look to what larger/city churches are doing to find their next steps, but many times the practices of the large church don't translate to the smaller church model. That's where the FBC Network comes in! We ar...