The Church Things Podcast

In this podcast, Kerry and Becky discuss four big ideas about gifts from Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4.  What are the gifts in Ephesians 4?  What is their purpose?  What does it mean that we are "stewards" of "our" gifts?  These are just a few of the questions discussed in episode 3 in the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ."

Last week the Holtons examined what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 about giftedness; this week, Kerry and Becky are reviewing Romans 12:3-8.  Besides a brief discussion of the seven gifts mentioned in Romans 12, they also talk about the need to know ourselves and our gifts, to accept how God has gifted us, and to use what the Spirit of God has been so generous to give.   This is episode #2 in the...

In this episode, Kerry and Becky are beginning a new series entitled, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ."  This week they take a look at 1 Corinthians 12 to find principles that are as relevant today, as they were when Paul first penned them.  Some of these principles include these notions: There are varieties of gifts, and each gift is necessary in a healthy church; God distri...

Church leaders, how much attention are you giving to what happens in your church on Sunday morning?  To the worship service?  To the children's Bible classes or the children's Bible hour?  To guest services?  In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the importance of the weekend services.  They talk about the need to give primary attention to what goes on during the Sunday morning hour,...

In this episode, #3 in their series on Church Health, Kerry and Becky discuss a third characteristic of healthy and growing churches: change is expected and is a part of their church's culture.  They give a few examples of the kind of change that churches should consider in order to accomplish their mission.  Also, they discuss why so many churches and church leaders are resistant to change.

How healthy is your church?  In this episode, Kerry and Becky talk about a second characteristic of healthy and growing churches: they prioritize reaching new people.  They have an "outsider focus."   Many churches seem to be "insider focused," which may partially explain why they are not growing.  Tune in to this discussion of some of the statements regarding outreach in the E...

How healthy is your church?  Using their Church Health Assessment as a discussion starter, Kerry and Becky talk about what they see as some of the characteristics of healthy and growing churches.  In today's episode, the first in this series, they discuss the importance of mission and vision to church health.

This episode is Part 2 of a series on 2023 church trends.  The discussion here is about trends related to churches' online, digital presence, the sermon, the volunteer crisis in many churches, and ministerial burnout.   

In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss two of the eight predicted trends itemized in Carey Nieuwhof's blogpost: "Future Church: 8 Church Trends to Watch in 2023."  They have to do with the decline of the Boomer generation in church and the openness to spirituality of members of Gen Z.  

Who should be on the leadership team of a church?  In our experience, the leadership team of most churches is comprised of the elders--and only the elders.  New Testament elders are responsible for the spiritual oversight of their church.  That's biblical.  But, why must they be the ones or the only ones who are responsible for setting the direction and making day-to-day decisions of the chur...

In this episode, Kerry and Becky identify five best practices submitted to them by elders across the country.

How may an eldership orient additional elders to their new role?  In this episode, Kerry and Becky offer three general suggestions for onboarding new elders.  They consider what an eldership may do to build trust, provide key information about church policies, processes, and systems, and introduce new elders to their role and expectations.  Also, they discuss the importance of asking each elder to...

Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss a recommended way to select and appoint elders in the local church.  They discuss a 5-step plan, with special focus on who should screen nominees.

Listen in as John Royse, an elder of the church, identifies and discusses exciting opportunities he sees for the church.  John talks about the church's mission, missions, children's ministry, and the willingness to adapt to changing times.  In this podcast, he challenges us all to look forward to the opportunities that are available.

Is it biblical and advisable for ministers to serve as elders?  Are all elders ordained by the Holy Spirit?  Who oversees the overseers?  Responses to these and other questions from listeners to this podcast are the subject of this episode.

If the scriptures support paying elders, why is this practice so uncommon?  How involved should elders be in scheduling and planning church events?  In today's episode, Kerry and Becky discuss two questions raised by listeners to the podcast.

In this episode, Kerry and Becky respond to a couple of questions raised by listeners.  They are: Who should have a say in the appointment of a church's elders? and To what extent should the members of a congregation be involved in the selection of the church's elders?  Kerry and Becky affirm that three groups or parties should have a say in who serves in this pivotal role.

This week, we are talking about holding elders accountable in the local church.  How is that done?  What kind of culture needs to be developed in the church and between elders and ministers that would allow the kind of mutual accountability which blesses the church?  Answers to these questions and other beneficial ideas are presented in this week's podcast.  Doug Parsons, longtime evangelist,...

Why does there seem to be a shortage of men who are willing to serve as elders?  What can be done to encourage more men to serve?  How might the church train future elders?  These and other questions are addressed in this conversation with Bryan Bost, a longtime evangelist, missionary to Brazil, and elder of the church.

What is the nature of the authority of a church's elders?  What are the limits of their authority?  What can be done about elders who overstep their authority?  What is their work and what kind of men should they be?  These and other questions are addressed in this episode in our series on "Elders."  Kirk Castleman, longtime gospel preacher and missionary, is our special guest, who...

Kerry and Becky discuss three specific duties of elders in this episode.  Elders are to make decisions, teach the word of God, and care for God's children.  This episode is #2 in their series on "Elders."

In this first episode in their series on "Elders," Kerry and Becky discuss the overall role of elders who are trying to imitate  first century, New Testament elders.  That role is to provide spiritual oversight .  Of note in this episode is an explanation of the definition of an overseer or episkopos, according to the New Testament.  There is also a brief discussion about one of the more...

John Maxwell, the noted author and leadership guru, said: "Everything rises and falls on leadership."  This is true in the business world, but it's true for churches, as well.  When the church's leadership is strong, the church flourishes.  When it is weak, the church falters.

In this brief episode, Becky and Kerry discuss what every church should be about and how they can measure the church's progress in that department.  The number of baptisms, the weekly attendance, and contribution are important metrics to measure a church's health.  But, is there another metric that is even more significant?

In episode #123, Kerry and Becky discussed the present reality that so many churches are closing their doors.  In this episode they offer several suggestions for what church leaders might do to prevent church closures.  Your suggestions are welcome, too.  To participate in the discussion and give your feedback, go to hello@efectivechurchleaders.com.