The Pulpit and Porch

The conversation continues on the porch! In this episode, Tony and Robert dive deeper into preparing for a meaningful and purposeful 2025. From setting goals that matter to cultivating habits that last, this is a guide to stepping into the new year with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re mapping out dreams or fine-tuning daily practices, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement to...

Lessons Learned: Part One   Pull up a chair and pour a glass of sweet tea as we dive into meaningful conversations about the year gone by. In this episode, Tony and Robert share personal stories, thought-provoking practices, and practical tips to help you reflect on 2024 and prepare for a purposeful 2025. Whether you’re seeking clarity, closure, or inspiration for the road ahead, this is the perfe...

We’re back for the second half of our year-end celebration! In this episode of  The Pulpit & Porch,  we’re diving even deeper into the best moments of 2024. From personal milestones to behind-the-scenes stories, and even some surprise favorites from the podcast, we’re wrapping up the year with heartfelt gratitude and a lot of laughs. Pull up a chair on the porch and join us as we look back, sh...

Join us on  The Pulpit & Porch  as we look back on an unforgettable year! In this special episode, we’re sharing our favorite moments from the podcast, the most impactful listener stories, and some of the life lessons we’ve learned along the way. From standout episodes to personal reflections, this is the perfect way to close out the year with gratitude and a little bit of fun. Grab a glass of...

In this special, off-the-cuff episode of  The Pulpit & Porch , Tony and Robert pull up their chairs and share stories about their favorite Christmas and New Year's traditions. From nostalgic family memories to the unique ways they celebrate the holidays today, it’s a heartfelt, humorous, and festive conversation that will leave you feeling the warmth of the season. Whether you’re looking for i...

The Christmas lights are dimmed, the carols have faded, and the nativity scenes are packed away—but what comes next? In this episode of  The Pulpit & Porch , Tony and Robert explore the often-overlooked  aftermath  of Christmas. How do we as pastors and ministry leaders continue to engage our congregations after the excitement of the holiday season? From reflecting on the significance of Jesus...

Preaching during seasonal times like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter can feel like walking a tightrope. How do you keep your sermons fresh and engaging while revisiting the same themes year after year? In this episode of  The Pulpit & Porch , we explore the balance between authenticity and creativity during seasonal preaching. We’ll share tips for keeping your messages relevant and impactfu...

In Part 2 of "Growing Pains," we continue the conversation about navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with growth. Whether you're leading a church, ministry, or organization, growth can be both exciting and overwhelming. How do you prioritize, delegate, and lead well in the midst of expansion? Join us as we share practical advice, real-life stories, and encouragement to help you l...

In Part 1 of our two-part series on  Navigating Growth in the Church , we dive into the challenges, opportunities, and decisions that come with leading a growing congregation. Growth can be exciting, but it also brings unique struggles—whether it's finding the right balance between tradition and change, or tackling the logistics of space and resources. Join us as we unpack the first steps in navig...

In the second half of our conversation with storyteller and author Tim Lowry, we delve into practical tips for pastors and church leaders on how to incorporate storytelling into their sermons and ministry. Tim shares ways to weave narrative, history, and folklore to captivate audiences and make biblical truths relatable. We explore how storytelling can bridge the gap between Scripture and modern-d...

Join us on  The Pulpit & Porch  as we welcome the acclaimed storyteller and author Tim Lowry for an inspiring conversation on the power of storytelling in ministry. In this first part of our discussion, Tim shares insights on the concept of "Ladder to the Moon" and explores biblical examples where Jesus used narrative, folklore, and parables to deeply connect with those around Him, from the wo...

With emotions running high around the recent election, we dive into the question:  How should churches and pastors navigate political conversations?   In this episode, we explore the role of faith leaders in a polarized environment and discuss whether, when, and how politics belongs in the pulpit. We'll also provide practical insights on balancing biblical values with the complexities of today's p...

In this episode of  The Pulpit & Porch , we celebrate  Pastor Appreciation Month  by taking a moment to reflect on the incredible work pastors do, often behind the scenes. Join Robert and Tony as they share encouragement for pastors and offer practical ways congregations can honor and support their leaders—not just in October, but all year round. Whether you’re a pastor or a church member, thi...

In this powerful continuation, we dive deeper into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and its lasting effects on our community. Robert and Tony share more personal stories from their time on the ground, helping with relief efforts and witnessing the resilience of neighbors banding together. This episode also offers practical ways YOU can continue to support recovery efforts, whether near or far. Fr...

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our community has faced unimaginable devastation. In this episode, Robert and Tony talk with community leaders to reflect on the firsthand experiences we’ve encountered in the aftermath of the storm and the resilience of the people working together to rebuild. We share stories from the hardest-hit areas and discuss how the church can be a beacon of hope during thes...

In the second part of this important discussion, we dive deeper into the strategies and practical steps for transitioning your team from a survival mentality to a growth-focused mindset. We’ll explore key metrics for knowing when to expand your staff, how to ensure your team is aligned with the vision for growth, and how to create a sustainable staffing model that serves both your church and your...

In this special episode, we take time to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved co-host, Bruce Montgomery, who recently passed away. We’ll reflect on his incredible legacy, his passion for ministry, the stories that made us laugh, and the wisdom he imparted over the years. This episode is a tribute to his impact not just on this podcast, but on everyone he touched with his life and leadership...

In this episode, we dive into a critical conversation for church leaders: Are you staffing just to survive, or are you preparing to grow? Join us as we explore the key differences between these approaches and why it’s essential to structure your team with a growth mindset. From practical tips on hiring to understanding when it’s time to expand your staff, this episode will help you move beyond sur...

On the 23rd anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost and reflect on how this tragic event shaped the church and faith community. Join us as we explore the immediate and long-term effects on church attendance, the role of faith leaders during times of crisis, and how the church can prepare for future challenges. We’ll also discuss the lessons learned and the importance of ho...

In this must-listen episode, we sit down with Kris Null, an expert insurance agent with Farm Bureau Insurance, to discuss the often-overlooked but crucial topic of church insurance. From liability and sexual misconduct coverage to Key Man Insurance and more, we explore the essential protections that every small church needs. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or congregation member, this...

In the final installment of our series on church finances, we shift our focus to practical steps that churches can take to educate their congregations about tithing and giving. We dive into effective ways to communicate the biblical principles of stewardship and explore valuable resources for outside giving to support your church’s financial health. Whether you’re looking to inspire generosity wit...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into church finances, we continue the conversation on the vital role of tithing in church health and sustainability. We tackle the debate on whether church leadership should have visibility into giving records and explore how tithing reflects the overall spiritual health of a congregation. If you're a small church leader struggling with financial challenges or seekin...

In this episode of  The Small Church Podcast , we dive into one of the most challenging topics for small church leaders: church finances and tithing. Join us as we discuss practical strategies to encourage healthy giving within your congregation, and explore the deeper significance of financial stewardship as a measure of church health. Should church leadership be privy to individual giving record...

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of how pastors and church leaders handle personal grief. With our co-host Robert sharing his recent experiences of loss, we explore the unique challenges pastors face when balancing their own emotional well-being with their responsibilities to their congregations. Join us as we discuss biblical insights, practical steps for processing grief,...

This week on The Small Church Podcast, we have a heartfelt and candid conversation with McKenna and Camden Marr about their experiences growing up as pastor's kids. In this special episode, they share their unique perspectives on the blessings and challenges of being part of a pastoral family. From the pressures of expectations to the joys of community, hear firsthand how their upbringing has...