The Ministry Architects Podcast

How do you know when you've got the right person in the right place in your ministry? On this week's episode, the team talks more about volunteers and how to make sure you've got people serving in the role that fits them best.

On this week's episode, the team talks about fun! Fun may not always be the goal in your ministry, but here's how it can play a worthwhile part in getting there.

If you're going to make Sabbath work, you've gotta plan for it! On this week's episode, the team talks about how to prepare for your Sabbath, including a strategy to help you plan flexibility into your week.

Is it really alright to take a break when the world is like...well, this? On this week's episode, the team talks about the importance of Sabbath – even, and especially, during these upside-down times. 

Don't let current circumstances stop you from building and growing your ministry team! On this week's episode, the team debunks some myths around volunteer recruitment during this time of upside-down ministry.

Don't just call them volunteers - the work is bigger than that! On this week's episode, the team discusses three big myths about recruiting people to serve in key roles at your church.

How are you using this unique Lenten season to prepare your congregation for this year's Easter? On this week's episode, the team talks about the advantages of planning for Easter now, as well as discussing the types of needs your congregants might be feeling during this Lenten season.

It's not too early to start looking ahead - especially given the times in which we're doing ministry! On this week's episode, the team talks about preparing for Easter, and how the changes that will come this year can still make Easter fruitful.

Every ministry has turnover - so how do you find the next right fit for your open position? On this week's episode, the team talks tips for starting the search process for your next ministry leader, including how to prepare, who to include, and where to begin.

A light shines in the darkness - but in the middle of a pandemic, can we see it? On this week's episode, the team talks about this, the season before Christmas, and the different ways we can help our congregations get ready to welcome the newborn baby – even in the middle of this upside-down time.

What does it take to make a church's family ministry fruitful - and sustainable? On this week's episode, Bryant welcomes author and pastor Chris Sasser to talk about the essentials of family ministry, and the steps you can take to build bridges between parents and the church.

What do you do when the job feels like a lot? On this week's episode, the team talks about the importance of self-care in your ministry, especially in these times when so much around us is draining.

When a Major Event is over, what should you do - other than take a nap? On this week's episode, the team talks about what happens after a Major Event, and what is and is not different in that process during the pandemic.

Why do you do the events you do - and could the pandemic give you a chance to do some much-needed pruning? On this week's episode, the team talks about the Major Events Calendar, a tool for establishing rhythm in your ministry, and how our current circumstances might give you opportunities for growth and change.

How are you feeling as you look at your ministry calendar for the fall? On this week's episode, the team discusses the very real fatigue many of us are feeling right now, including tips for facing your weariness with grace and love.

How are you feeling about ministry this fall? On this week's episode, Bryant welcomes children's ministry expert Annette Safstrom to the podcast team, discussing how finding ways to be grateful during this time can help your ministry to become more innovative. 

Welcome back to the Sustainable Ministry Show! On this week's episode, Bryant and Aqueelah reconnect for the first time on the podcast since the beginning of the pandemic, discussing the journey of the last four months and what it means for churches and church systems as we strike a new way forward.

When a church empowers its youth, God shows up in incredible ways - and during this season, the church needs that power more than ever! On this week's episode, Mark is joined by two teenagers, Colette and Avery, to talk through how listening to the youth in your church can be a source of amazing innovation, especially during this unprecedented time.

Now that we're past the chaos of planning for an Easter under quarantine, we can turn our attention to the road ahead - but what does that even mean? On this week's episode, Mark and the team talk with ministry pro Jen DeJong to hear her thoughts on how long we might find ourselves in this unprecedented season, and how we can plan to be innovative for an extended period of time. 

This is a uniquely stressful time, so as ministry leaders, what kind of toolbox do we need to make sure we don't buckle under the weight? On this week's episode, Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries and our panel welcome special guest Margaret Burnett to talk about resilience, and how centering yourself can help center your kids and your church.

As our churches begin to adapt to doing life in this unprecedented time, what should our ministry begin to look like? On this week's episode, Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries and familiar Sustainable Ministry Show voice Aqueelah Ligonde talk with the team about doing ministry in the middle of this moment of crisis, focusing on how to move from a place of survival to a posture of service to...

As we get our feet under us in this unprecedented time, how do we use the tools we have to still do ministry well? On this week's episode, Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries leads a panel discussion on doing ministry while your community is away from your church building, including innovative ways to use technology, how to plan for Holy Week, and more.

We are living in unprecedented times - and God is calling us to be innovators in how we minister to our churches right now. On this week's special episode, Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries leads a panel discussion with ministry experts about what it means to be innovators during the disruption caused by the novel coronavirus. 

What common problems do churches usually have in recruiting volunteers, and how do they frame those problems? On this episode of the Sustainable Ministry Show, the team starts a two-part conversation about volunteering, introducing the problem of how ministries tend to talk about the issues of volunteer recruitment and retention. 

On this week's episode, the team welcomes April Diaz, founder of Ezer & Company, to share her story about how her personal faith journey has led to a passion for empowering women around the world.