Church Leadership Lab

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Young, leadership consultant, executive coach, speaker, professor, and author with over 25 years of experience helping organizations and churches build thriving, people-first cultures. We explore the essential elements of creating a healthy volunteer culture that attracts and retains leaders in the church. In this conversation, we discuss: Motivating volunte...

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore essential healthy habits for ministry leaders as they look ahead to a new year. The conversation focuses on simple, sustainable rhythms that help leaders stay grounded, avoid burnout, and lead with greater health – spiritually, relationally, and emotionally – in every season of ministry. In this conversation, we discuss: Building a su...

This week, we’re pressing pause on our regular Church Leadership Lab episodes to share something a little different. Our hosts, Kendall Conner and Jess Moore, have a short, meaningful Christmas message just for our podcast community. This time of year is filled with celebration, reflection, and a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. For ministry leaders, it also comes with extra servic...

In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Choy, executive coach, speaker, and General Manager of Design and Project Management at HouseRight. He brings over 30 years of ministry experience, including leadership roles at Saddleback Church, Skyline Church, and North Coast Church, where he helped build teams, departments, and leaders for long-term impact. We explore practical strategies for building a...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Erickson, filmmaker, church storyteller, educator, and founder of Smartphone Storytellers, a free platform training churches and nonprofits to share stories with just a smartphone. We explore how churches can build a culture of digital storytelling to highlight real-life impact and encourage healthy ministry growth. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why sto...

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur James, seasoned educator, bi-vocational pastor, church planter, and author of "Preaching Through Pain." We unpack practical ways church leaders can avoid burnout during busy ministry seasons and find renewed purpose and strength. In this conversation, we discuss: • Finding balance versus busyness in ministry • Leading from a place of overflow • De...

This week, we are pressing pause on our regular Church Leadership Lab episodes to share something a little different. Hosts, Kendall Conner and Jess Moore recorded a short, meaningful Thanksgiving message just for our podcast community. We know this season brings full tables, full schedules, and full hearts. Ministry leaders, as you serve your church and gather with family, remember to slow down a...

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Van Kirk, Campus Pastor at Spring Lake Church, digital communications leader, and certified ministry coach. We explore practical ways churches can build a digital ministry strategy that connects people beyond Sunday. In this conversation, we discuss: Why your website is a digital front door Using technology for discipleship all week Repurposing sermons into w...

In this episode, we sit down with Joanna la Fleur, podcaster, TV host, and executive director of Word Made Digital. We explore how churches can tell better stories with limited resources and make the Good News compelling in the digital age. In this conversation, we discuss: • Storytelling that fits church budgets • Authentic content for younger generations • Proven digital tools and practical tips...

In this episode, we sit down with Preston Hocker, a pastor of 20+ years and experienced protection specialist. We explore how churches can prioritize safety while maintaining a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. In this conversation, we discuss: • Building a safety-minded church culture • Practical steps for church security teams • Best practices for creating safe environments • Technology for kid...

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical ways that churches can inspire generosity and make the most of Giving Tuesday for their year-end campaigns. In this conversation, we discuss: • What Giving Tuesday means for churches • Leveraging stories of impact to inspire giving • Effective church communications for generosity • Utilizing digital giving tools and platform...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Lippi, writer, speaker, and conference director at Church Facilities Conference & Expo (CFX). We explore how churches and ministry leaders can empower and provide care to volunteers to help them thrive in their roles. In this conversation, we discuss: • The heart behind volunteering in ministry • Keys to making volunteers feel seen and valued • Build...

In this episode, we sit down with Darcy Danson, creative team lead at Ministry Brands and a seasoned designer who blends creativity with purpose.  We explore how visual design can bring clarity and creativity to your church’s communication and identity. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why visuals matter in church ministry • Building a consistent church brand • The power of color, fonts, and st...

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong, mental health clinician, and host of the Care Ministry podcast. We explore how church leaders can prioritize their own mental health while creating caring, resilient church cultures. In this conversation, we discuss: • Recognizing compassion fatigue and burnout • Setting healthy boundaries in ministry • Building care teams...

In this episode, we recap our recent Healthy Church Summit and some of the key takeaways we learned about planning an impactful Christmas service. We share 5 practical tips that will help guide your ministry to make your upcoming holiday season your best yet. In this conversation, we discuss: • The importance of prayer in planning • Building the right creative planning team • Choosing creative spa...

In this episode, we recap our recent Healthy Church Summit and some of the key takeaways we learned about holiday communications. We share 5 practical tips that will help to communicate things clearly about your ministry's Christmas and end-of-year plans. In this conversation, we discuss: • Planning ahead for seasonal communications • Leading with “why” instead of just details • Centralizing...

In this episode, we sit down with Corinne Noble – kids pastor, author, coach, and founder of Kid Min Corinne Ministries. We explore how kids and family ministry leaders can amplify their creativity and confidence as they invest in the next generation each week. In this conversation, we discuss: • Sparking creativity with limited resources • Building confidence as a kids ministry leader • Engaging...

In this episode, we sit down with Wes Herms, Senior Channel Manager at AvidXchange with over five years of experience helping organizations streamline their accounts payable through automation. We explore how churches can lighten the load of financial tasks by implementing smart systems and automation tools. In this conversation, we discuss: • Digitizing and automating accounts payable processes....

In this episode, we sit down with Nils Smith, social media strategist and digital marketing expert who helps churches, nonprofits, and businesses maximize technology for their mission. We explore how ministry leaders can create authentic spiritual impact and meaningful community through effective use of social media. In this conversation, we discuss: The purpose behind ministry social media use Mo...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Denhart, founder of LeadMinistry.com, author, speaker, and former children's pastor. We explore a practical framework for reaching your community for Christ, offering wisdom and actionable steps for church leaders. In this conversation, we discuss: The deeper purpose behind community outreach Dangers of inward-focused churches The "good works, goodw...

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Harden, church growth consultant and co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing. We unpack practical strategies for clarifying your church’s identity and mission to foster growth and unity. In this conversation, we discuss: Communicating your church’s identity clearly Common challenges in defining mission and vision Engaging leadership in the identity process...

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical ways churches can maximize their church management software (ChMS) to strengthen ministry and streamline operations. In this conversation, we discuss: Creating a complete church directory Organizing groups for connection Sending mass communications Automating follow-up interactions Recording attendance for care Leveraging dashboar...

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Patterson, Production Pastor at Life Fellowship Church. Previously a marketing leader at MxU and Renewed Vision, Cody now consults with churches to help them thrive through practical, creative solutions. We explore smart tech and media tips to help churches do more with less, no matter their size or resources. In this conversation, we discuss: Building and em...

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Whitis, CEO of WavMaker and seasoned technology and engineering leader, and Mark Stuart, co-founder of WavMaker, Grammy-winning former lead vocalist of Audio Adrenaline, and philanthropist. We explore how churches can amplify their creative storytelling and connect with their communities more effectively through music. In this conversation, we discuss: The po...

In this episode, we sit down with Lee Coate, executive pastor, author, and president of Growmentum Group, who brings over 30 years of ministry and leadership experience. We explore practical frameworks for navigating the various seasons of life and leadership, while equipping leaders to embrace and empower multigenerational teams within the church. In this conversation, we discuss: The four season...