The Ministry Architects Podcast

Are your facilities a tool for the Gospel or a burden on your budget? In this episode, Renée and Anthony sit down with Matt Messier , head of the Mission Property Group at Foundry Commercial. With experience assisting over 3,000 churches, Matt shares how ministry leaders can stop playing defense against maintenance costs and start playing offense for the Kingdom. The Reality Check: Buildings as To...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sasser (Sass) and Laura Kate Yarbrough to discuss a pivotal shift in the church: moving beyond traditional "drop-off" youth and children's programs toward a comprehensive parent and family ministry. We explore how to equip exhausted parents, build relational safety nets, and create sustainable systems for family discipleship that last beyond Sunday morning....

The Science of Creative Sparks Kat Bair suggests that creativity isn't a mystical gift but a "numbers game" driven by the collision of unrelated ideas. " The Collision Theory": Creative breakthroughs often happen when two seemingly unrelated thoughts bump into each other. Diversify Your Input: Sometimes in order to have creative Ideas, it can help to consume a broad array of different kinds of con...

In this episode, Renee and Anthony Rogers sit down with Rob Dyer and Kerri-Ann Hayes to unpack the delicate balance between logistical systems and the Spontaneity of the Holy Spirit. Whether you are leading a large team or serving in a smaller ministry context, finding the "sweet spot" between a well-laid plan and the freedom to pivot is essential for sustainable ministry growth. Understanding the...

In a culture that is more connected yet more lonely than ever, how can ministry leaders create worship experiences that resonate with young adults without falling into the trap of "gimmicks"? In this episode, Chris Sasser and Anthony Rogers join Brandon Collins and Renée to explore the tension between feelings and truth, the importance of authenticity, and how to bridge the generational gap in wor...

Featuring: Robbie Seay from The Worship Initiative If you have ever felt like the people you serve are treating Sunday morning more like a concert than a communal gathering, this episode is a must-listen. Robbie Seay from The Worship Initiative joins us to unpack the exact reasons why congregational singing is on the decline and what ministry leaders can do to reverse the trend. Whether you lead a...

Guest: Anthony Hunt, Next Gen Pastor & Author of The AI-Powered Church From performing as a professional mascot for over 20 years to leading in Next Gen ministry, Anthony Hunt brings a unique energy to the conversation about the future of the church. In this episode, Anthony breaks down the walls of fear surrounding Artificial Intelligence, arguing that when used correctly, AI isn't just a shortcu...

In this episode, Renée and Brandon join Nick Hall, founder of Pulse, to dismantle the stereotypes of street-corner evangelism and reimagine what sharing faith looks like in 2026. While acknowledging that transactional, "sales-pitch" methods may be losing steam, Hall argues that the office of the evangelist is more vital than ever, particularly for a Gen Z demographic that craves raw authenticity o...

Episode Summary: As we kick off 2026, hosts Renée and Brandon Collins dive into a vital question for ministry leaders: Who is the best kind of person to walk with us when we just need another voice in our lives? Joined by veteran consultants and coaches Aqueelah Ligonde and Doug Ranck, this episode explores the nuances between coaching, mentoring, and guiding, and why having a "sounding board" is...

Ministry Architects has built a library of free, customizable tools that hundreds of church leaders are already using to strengthen their ministries. In this episode, Brandon and Renée walk through over a dozen downloadable resources, including planning guides, evaluation tools, volunteer systems, and digital ministry helps, all designed to give you more time with people and less time reinventing...

What if the best gift you could give your team this Christmas is permission to be themselves? Join guests Heather Kenny—ministry coach—and Rob Dyer—senior pastor and comedian from Southern Illinois—as they join host Renée to discuss how leaders can navigate the holiday paradox: the busiest season that also offers unexpected breathing room, where authenticity matters more than performance. Discover...

Is it better to hire a new church staff member from the outside, bringing a fresh perspective, or from the inside, leveraging someone who already knows the culture? This episode tackles one of the most common and complex questions in church leadership.   Join the Ministry Architects team as they talk with Sara Bailey (Director of the Search Division) and Jeremy Shelley (Candidate Care Consultant)...

Are you a ministry leader constantly feeling pulled in a million directions, bogged down by administrative tasks that drain your energy and keep you from your true calling? You know you need help, but asking for it feels like a failure, or maybe you believe it's your job to do it all.   In this episode, we sit down with seasoned ministry leaders David Gaddini and Annette Safstrom to tackle the cri...

Join our hosts and our special guests, Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes and Trey Wince, for a transformative conversation that will give you permission to rethink your entire approach to goals. Discover why the traditional playbook often fails in a ministry context and learn how to shift from shame-inducing output goals to life-giving habits, systems, and stories. This is your guide to building a healthier...

From social media strategy and volunteer training to the very tools we use on Sunday morning, technology is woven into the fabric of modern ministry. But are we using it effectively? How do we navigate the learning curves, avoid the pitfalls, and truly partner with families in a digital age?   In this episode, we sit down with author and ministry leader Brittany Nelson to discuss the heart behind...

Is the local church enough for deep theological learning, or is formal education essential for ministry leadership? What if you feel called to more but seminary isn't an option? In this episode, we tackle the critical and often-debated topic of continuing education for ministry leaders. Joined by guests Lesleigh Carmichael and Bianca Howard, we explore the practical reasons for pursuing a seminary...

Are church milestones just traditions, or do they hold the power to shape faith and engage families? In this episode, we explore how to create a "theology of milestones" that moves beyond one-off events to become a core part of your discipleship journey. Joined by family ministry experts Elaine Pendergrass and Werner Ramirez, discover why celebrating everything from baptism to getting a driver's l...

Are small groups a non-negotiable for pastors and staff? This episode tackles the sensitive topic of staff participation, exploring how to foster genuine community while protecting your own soul. Guests Phyllis Kim Myung, a Lead Pastor in LA, and our very own Mike Crain join the conversation to unpack the nuance. Full Show Notes and Resources

Today we're joined by guests Candi Cylar and James Warren to unpack what keeps people coming back to churches and ministries. The conversation draws from decades of ministry leadership, event planning, and hands-on experience with church growth, all aimed to equip pastors, church leaders, and volunteers—especially those serving in small or plateaued churches.   Whether you're wrestling with attend...

In this episode, we are joined by Derek DeGroot, President of Aspen Group, to explore the overlooked yet essential role of physical space in church ministry. Drawing from Derek's expertise as a licensed architect dedicated to designing and building church spaces, the discussion encompasses sacred stewardship, the intersection of tradition and innovation, and practical next steps for churches—espec...

In this episode of the Ministry Architects podcast, hosts Renee Wilson and Brandon Collins are joined by Keith Cureton, CEO of Bethany Christian Services . They dive deep into the urgent need for foster care and how churches and individuals can transform children's lives. Full Show Notes

In this value-packed episode, we dive deep into the world of ministry conferences, exploring everything from maximizing the conference experience for church teams to building meaningful connections. We discuss practical tips for both attendees and presenters, share strategies for implementing conference learnings, and offer guidance on selecting the right events for your team. Whether you're a sea...

In this important episode, host Renée Wilson talks with Laura Addis and Anthony Prince about powerful, real-world experiences and insights from leading churches through devastating natural disasters. Laura Addis recounts her church's response to Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina (September 2024), while Anthony Prince shares lessons learned from the rapidly spreading wildfires in Los An...

In this episode, Brandon and Renee chat with Todd Hixenbaugh, a ministry leader and podcaster, about the relevance, strategy, and practicalities of using podcasts as a tool for church ministry and communication. They explore current trends, audience engagement, content repurposing, and how to view podcasting as an integral part of ministry efforts. Full Show Notes

This episode dives deep into the latest research from the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible" report. John Plake shares surprising statistics about Bible engagement across different generations and demographics in America, discussing trends like "religious churn," the plateauing of the "nones," and how churches can effectively connect the gospel with today's culture. The conversation off...