Church Leadership Lab

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Blair, Executive Vice President of Payments here at Ministry Brands. Robert brings decades of experience in financial services and tech to create the best digital tools that help churches grow in generosity. In this conversation, we discuss: The state of church giving in 2024 Strategies for increasing generosity in churches Overcoming barriers to digital gi...

In this episode, we sit down with Russ Ewell, Executive Minister of the Bay Area Christian Church, entrepreneur, and author of "Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself".  With over 40 years of ministry experience, Russ is passionate about reaching out to a growing demographic of people called the "nones" as well as using technology to...

In this episode, we sit down with Miriam Dicks, CEO and founder of the 180 management group. She brings over 20 years of experience in transforming organizations for optimal performance both in the corporate world and in ministry.  As a seasoned professional in operations management, consulting, teaching, and leadership roles, Miriam has a wealth of knowledge to share about fostering intentional l...

In this episode, Kacie and Scott discuss the all to common challenge that faces church leaders: Managing Your Time. There is much to do and not much time to do it which can cause tension and stress in ministry. They talk through the problem that exists and about a virtual event coming up that is designed to help. Register For the Healthy Church Summit here 👉 https://bit.ly/3TTFlQN

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Baker, lead pastor at Vital Point Church in Ontario, Canada, a multisite church that's intentionally planting sites in small towns. He's a seasoned pastor and church planter who's embraced his church's unique kingdom assignment. In this conversation, we discuss: Understanding and pursuing your unique kingdom assignment. Why they've emb...

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Johnson, who has spent the last few decades leading teams both in the corporate world and the church. He brings a wealth of experience in team-building and operational excellence to help organizations grow and thrive authentically. In this conversation, we discuss: Authenticity in church leadership. Handling underperforming team members. Building a healthy an...

Earlier this year Scott & Kacie sat down at The Church Network Conference and answered several questions from church leaders navigating ministry today. Things like: How do we increase mobile app adoption? Should we embrace AI? Reject it? Be cautious? What are ways to improve our data quality in our chMS? Ways to improve generosity Join us as they answer these questions (and more) and discuss a...

In this episode, we sit down with Stan Jantz, prolific author, longtime leader in the Christian Publishing world, and CEO of the Come and See Foundation whose mission is to share the authentic Jesus with 1 billion people through compelling storytelling. In this conversation, we discuss: The transformative power of biblical storytelling. Engaging younger generations through media. The global reach...

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Gaddis, President of Design 373 which provides digital strategies to help churches increase their digital presence and go where people in their community are gathered. In this conversation, we discuss: Engaging your community through social media. Why you may need to pivot your social strategy in 2024. Pitfalls of comparative social media strategies. Utiliz...

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Hill who has been solving technology challenges for the church for over 20 years. He was the co-founder of Ministry Brands and now serves on the executive team at Gloo. In this conversation, we discuss: Technology's evolving role in ministry. AI's potential for the church. Framework for churches adopting new tech. The importance of relationships ami...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Williamson, a Story Work coach and author who specializes in coaching and counseling pastors, missionaries, sabbatical coaching, and marriages. In this conversation, we discuss: Recognizing and healing from ministry wounds. Challenging false beliefs that fuel anxiety. Setting boundaries in ministry leadership roles. The power of vulnerability. Join us for t...

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Sheppard, CEO of Generis, and hear his interview from the last Healthy Church Summit on maximizing year-end giving campaigns. In this interview, we discuss: The significance of messaging in successful campaigns. How to set goals for year-end giving based on giver behaviors. Shifting the focus from transactional giving to forming and shaping individuals. Practi...

In this episode, we sit down with Alicia Lee, CEO and co-founder of Faithly (LinkedIn for Ministries). After spending nearly 20 years at Goldman Sachs, Alicia co-founded Faithly in 2022 to help cultivate community among ministry leaders. In this conversation, we discuss: How to have unity despite disagreements. Encouraging collaboration among church leaders. The importance of intentionality in com...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Vacher, a long-time church leader who has spent 20 years serving as an Executive Pastor as well as overseeing Worship, Creative Arts, and Multisite positions. Chris now focuses on helping churches faithfully realize their God-given vision by gaining organizational clarity, staff team development, and coaching senior leaders. In this conversation, we discuss:...

In this episode we sit down with Mark Crain, who has a background in banking and finance and for over a decade has used that experience to educate & train churches on financial systems and best practices.  In this conversation, we discuss:  Common mistakes churches make in handling their finances. The dangers of relying on a single person for financial management. How to best structure financi...

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Rukes, founder and president of Rukes Search Group, a staffing firm for churches and nonprofits. Todd has over a decade of ministry experience in various roles, including worship pastor, director of human resources, executive pastor, and senior director of communications. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in building a thriving...

In this episode, we sit down with Alaina Butler from Churches by Daniels to talk about all things church facilities. Churches by Daniels has been building churches since 1980 and are experts in all things church facilities. In this conversation, we discuss: How to determine timing for a church building project. The process of design and construction for churches. Practical aspects of buying or ret...

In this episode, we sit down with Drew Young, the Systems Manager at Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham, WA. Drew brings a wealth of knowledge on using data and systems to reach people and he's passionate about leveraging technology to connect individuals to ministries and help churches thrive in the digital age. In this conversation, we discuss: Importance of collecting and utili...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Romine, the Senior VP of Strategy at HR Ministry Solutions. Justin has a background in ministry and the corporate world which he combines to help churches and ministries create healthy cultures through effective HR strategies. In this conversation, we discuss: How good HR practices help in disciple-making. The significance of change management and the chall...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Poirier, the Senior Vice President of Ministry Lending at Christian Community Credit Union. Mike brings his extensive experience in commercial lending and his passion for helping ministries grow and achieve financial goals to our conversation. In this conversation, we discuss: Finance stewardship for churches and ministries. Trends and observations in giving...

In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Van Eps, the Church Engagement Coordinator for Made to Flourish. Bethany is passionate about empowering pastors and their churches to integrate faith and work to see communities flourishing. In this conversation, we discuss: Providing pastors with data for determining next steps. Implementing a church practicum for congregations. Breaking down the sacred s...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hamrock, the founder of Missional Marketing and we discuss: Being missional in church marketing. How to approach AI. Leveraging digital opportunities for outreach. The importance of having a strong online presence. Join us as we talk about harnessing digital channels to connect with a broader community and transforming church websites into resource tools. &g...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremiah Herrian, the founder of Forgotten Ministries. Jeremiah grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and has dedicated his life to serving others through ministry after seeing radical ministry on Skid Row. In this conversation, we discuss effective ways to engage and serve our communities. Mobilizing the church to meet community needs. Overcoming barriers to connect with...

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Allred, a marketer, social media strategist, professor, and founder of ChurchCommunications.com.  Katie is an expert in communication and online communities for nonprofits, churches, and businesses. In this conversation, we discuss: Crafting a church communication strategy. The importance of adapting to new trends and technologies. Using A.I. for church comm...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Dalrymple, Executive Director of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention. In this conversation, we discuss: Steps to prevent abuse in the church. Challenges and complications with background checks. Creating safe places for children in our churches. Having a response plan for allegations of abuse. Join us as we talk about the keys to preventing abuse in...