Church Leadership Lab

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Popadic, the executive director of the Bless app, who has 15 years of experience championing technology-driven, city-wide endeavors for the Kingdom. We explore how the technology can empower churches to build meaningful relationships to reach their neighbors. In this conversation, we discuss: Using technology to promote healthy relationships Empowering Christi...

In this episode, Scott & Kacie talk about the key factors in planning high-impact worship services. With a combined 25+ years of worship-leading experience, they walk through lessons learned, wisdom gained, and powerful advice for service planning. In this conversation, they discuss: How to ensure your team prepares. The importance of details in service planning. Why worship leaders often forg...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt and Andrea Harris from Luke 9:23 ministries. Matt has over 30 years of full-time ministry experience and Andrea brings over 25 years of nonprofit experience. We explore strategies for churches to streamline administrative tasks, allowing leaders to focus more on ministry. In this conversation, we discuss: How to use the right technology for admin tasks. Keys...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Dicks, senior leadership consultant at 180 Management Group and seasoned pastor with over 26 years in ministry. We explore how pastors can thrive amid adversity and transform their challenges into opportunities for growth. In this conversation, we discuss: What we can learn from Jesus' model for holiness in hostile environments. Why physical exercise,...

This episode features a conversation with Alex Wilson, co-founder of The Giving Block and expert in stock and crypto donations. We discuss the opportunities for generosity that stock and crypto donations present as well as: Understanding common myths about donating stock and crypto. What are the benefits of accepting non-cash assets? How to simplify the giving process. Preparing for future trends...

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Nelson, pastor of mission and outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle who brings extensive experience in church-based community development and short-term missions. We explore transforming short-term missions for lasting global impact and ensuring genuine kingdom impact. In this conversation, we discuss: Why long-term partnerships and strategic visi...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society who also brings 30+ years of full-time ministry experience as a pastor, missionary, professor, and researcher. We explore new research John and his team have cultivated on how Americans engage with the Bible and technology. In this conversation, we discuss: New research on how Americans view th...

In this episode, we sit down again with Josh Denhart, former children's pastor and founder of Lead Ministry, a master course & download system to help ministry leaders. In this episode, we explore effective strategies for navigating change in ministry and discuss: Why empathy is essential during change. How to handle pushback from change initiatives. Understanding the gradual versus disru...

In this episode, we sit down with J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio. We explore how healthy relationships and marriages positively impact churches and the transformative impact that can have on communities and beyond. In this conversation, we discuss: Why churches should normalize investing in the health of marriages. How to coach effective communication skills. Ways to address brok...

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Weikle, the lead youth pastor at United City Church in Humble, Texas, and co-owner of Simply Strategic Ministry. We delve into the nuances of reaching Gen Z and the effective use of technology in ministry. Episode Highlights: Why Youth Ministry Needs to Evolve. How to Personalize Church Assimilation Processes. Why Technology, AI, and Short-form Content Are...

In this episode, we sit down with Kendall Conner, a ministry-focused creative with 20+ years of experience both serving as a creative pastor and supporting ministries with creative resources at Church Motion Graphics. We explore how visual engagement can enhance church communication and cut through the noise. In this conversation, we discuss: Why visuals are a powerful tool in capturing attention....

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Travis Spencer, author of "Wonderful: How to Live a Fulfilled Life in a Very Full World" and Lead Pastor of The Fields Church, a multi-site church in Illinois. We explore the keys to fulfillment and longevity in church leadership and discuss: How to prioritize personal health and avoid burnout in ministry. Discerning your calling and being open to...

In this episode, we sit down with Dirk Smith, Vice President at Eastern European Mission and an expert in donor engagement and fundraising. We explore effective strategies for engaging donors and fostering deep connections that can significantly impact generosity in the church. In this conversation, we discuss: Importance of relationships in fundraising. Impactful storytelling for donor engagement...

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Denhart, former children's pastor and founder of Lead Ministry, a master course & download system to help ministry leaders. We explore how to recruit volunteers who are invested in the ministry, why most churches struggle with the 80/20 rule, and how to balance the needs of the ministry with the capacity of volunteers. In addition, we discuss: How to...

In this episode, we sit down with John Darnell, CEO of Global Outreach, and discuss the shifts and changes in mission work today. We dig into the importance of supporting missionaries and how churches can increase their involvement.  Additionally, we discuss: Navigating recent shifts in mission work. Why it's important to broaden the definition of mission work. How support for missionaries go...

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and advocate for mental health and effective care ministry in the church. We explore the crucial interplay between care ministry and mental health within the church community. Building a culture of care within the church. The distinctions between care ministry vs. discipleship. The role of boundaries in maintaining the menta...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Simmons, founding and lead pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church and president of Justice and Mercy International.  Under Jeff's leadership, Rolling Hills has grown from 15 people in a bible study to several thousand across five campuses in the Nashville area. In our conversation, we look at how church leaders can become effective and wise stewards of...

In this episode, we sit down with Kris Crim, Director of Operations and former Director of Prevention for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Kris specializes in child sexual abuse prevention and response training. We tackle the crucial topic of preventing child abuse within the church and learn from Kris's valuable insights and experiences. In this conversation, we discuss: Recognizing signs...

In this episode, we sit down with Shaila Visser, the National Director of Alpha Canada and global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International. We discuss the topic of evangelism, examine the recent shift in perspective on whether we should evangelize, and explore how church leaders can grow in awareness of the work God is already doing with people. In this conversation, we cover: How to understa...

In this episode, we sit down with Blue Van Dyke, former Executive Pastor, International Marketplace Executive, Venture Capitalist, and the founder of The StudioC. We explore the importance of alignment and engagement within the church, focusing on how to effectively communicate through member engagement and messaging strategies while leveraging technology and data to connect and better shepherd pe...

In this episode, we sit down with James Whitford, founder of Watered Gardens Ministries and the True Charity Initiative. We explore how churches can transform their approach to serving the poor with dignity and sustainability. In this conversation, we discuss: Transitioning from relief to development. The harm of dependency in charity. Building long-term community relationships. Educating on effec...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors USA, and an advocate for the persecuted church around the globe. With extensive experience in shepherding teams for Kingdom impact, he’s passionate about helping U.S. believers grow their faith as they connect with their persecuted family around the globe.  In this conversation, we discuss: How the church in the US can gain awareness...

In this episode, we sit down with Joanna la Fleur, speaker, podcaster, TV host, and communications consultant. We look at the current digital landscape and how it's impacting ministry as well as the opportunities in front of us to reach more people. In this conversation, we discuss: Reaching people amid digital life. Strategic social media use for church growth. Embracing AI for church leader...

In this episode, we hear teaching from the most recent Healthy Church Summit. Mark MacDonald teaches how you can find the common thread running through your ministry and then be known for it. Hear from Jenni Catron as she helps us manage and steward our time well to accomplish what matters most. Watch the Healthy Church Summit on demand: Watch Here Download the “My Trust Building Checklist” from J...

In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder of Missional Labs, Stephen Mulder. Stephen brings a passion for leadership development, the local church, and entrepreneurship together to support innovative, mission-minded leaders and startup organizations, working on the frontiers of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting In this conversation, we discuss: Challenges of technology in discip...