The Small Church Ministry Podcast

If you’re tired of doing it all yourself and you want to get some fresh volunteers along with fresh ideas, hosting a Planning Party is the way to go.  The Planning Party system we teach has been used by tons of churches with great results. Including better dates that stick, more volunteers, and increased participation.  Planning Parties are a great way to: Plan your entire year in 1 evening Involv...

Today we’re talking about core values.  Before you imagine a dusty binder with statements created before your time, imagine instead more impact, increased consistency, and shared passion in your ministry area.   This is what core values done right can do for you. Listen in to hear: Two of the biggest small church struggles that core values can help solve Real-life stories of how core values impact...

If you’re looking for the secret to better community outreach, don’t miss this episode. Listen in to hear how one small church pastor led his church to become the place the community turns to for help. From opening their church building for local high school events to providing memorial dinners for community members with no strings attached, this small church has become a hub of community care. Ou...

Sometimes church ministry looks a lot like being an event planner. I’m positive that is not what Jesus had in mind, and it’s definitely not what He modeled. Join me in this episode as we take a deep dive into how to shift from program-centered ministry to relational-centered ministry, and why it matters. Events and programs can totally be part of a healthy ministry but we weren’t called to be even...

Whether church is feeling stagnant or you’re getting ready to kick off a brand new ministry, we’re unpacking one of the biggest factors leading to a ministry that’s engaging, growing, and seeing results versus one that feels like you’re pulling teeth! If you’re wondering what’s holding your small church back from joining God in impacting your community, I’ll first tell you what’s NOT the problem:...

Starting a ministry from scratch can feel like a big undertaking and even a bit scary. But it doesn’t have to be.  Growing a ministry organically, and more slowly, can often build more momentum than coming in with your own strong vision.  I’m going to show you how to do just that with 5 easy steps you can get started on this week.  If you’ve been in women’s ministry for a while, or in a different...

Your small church needs vision. Did you know that visionary people serve with more motivation, attract more volunteers, and are more likely to make an impact in ministry? They are also usually the happiest and most fulfilled volunteers. Here’s the good news: you have what it takes! YOU were created to be a visionary too! Listen in to this episode for 3 easy things you can do to get in touch with a...

Marketing expert and lover of small churches, Justin Nava, shares his take on small church marketing, beginning with his deep belief that more people should know you exist.  Listen in for Justin’s deep dive into the 3 principles he guides small churches through: Be memorable Be found Be known Connect with Justin Nava: https://www.navachurchmarketing.com/ The Best Known Church Show RESOURCES MENTIO...

In this episode, ministry veteran Becky Sargent calls out the truth that more events do not equal more ministry and that choosing an event’s purpose is the first step to more ministry impact.  Becky shares her thoughts on small churches, effective ministry, reaching your community, and more.  Listen in for: Tips to serve your community with no strings attached How developing a reputation of loving...

While formalized care teams can be great, there’s no replacement for care that’s authentic and organic. So often we see needs, but we stumble in our efforts or are held back by discomfort or fear of saying the wrong thing. What if there were a way to overcome the obstacles and help others do the same? Kari Bartkus, author of Courageous Care , joins us in this episode to share how. Listen in to hea...

In this episode, I’m tackling 9 of the most recent questions popping up in our community of small churches Listen in for quick, practical tips and new strategies to overcome some of your current challenges.  You don’t need to keep living the same Sunday over and over again.  Join thousands of other small churches in being the change you want to see! How to move people from tasks to teams What to d...

Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast with an exclusive interview with Maggie Dupree.  Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Maggie’s had a front-row seat to small church ministry since the day she was born.  Now serving as a partner in the world’s largest support organization for small churches, she brings a wealth of talent, wisdom, and perspective to small churc...

One of the things people love about small churches is that they feel like family.  But is that always such a great thing?  Sometimes families have really poor relational skills - and sadly, that can be the norm in many churches too. But we can do better.  Listen in to hear 5 steps and specific skills to learn to maintain great relationships even when you disagree.  We’ll be answering questions lik...

Too many volunteers and ministry leaders are serving on the edge of burnout. Shannon Carroll, co-author of One Thing Remains, shares her family’s dramatic journey through burnout that resulted in her husband losing over a decade of memories. Listen in to hear her story plus practical tips to recognize the signs and make a change before it really is too late. This episode is for all pastors, minist...

If you’ve experienced God at work, you know that transformation doesn’t always happen in big crowds and that impact doesn’t always equal attendance.  However, in our modern church culture sometimes even the most beautiful Kingdom wins gets dwarfed by the conversation of who didn’t come.  Measuring ministry success by numbers alone is far from Biblical and yet it’s widely practiced. If you want to...

If you feel like fewer people than ever are reading the church newsletter or paying attention to announcements, you’re right.  If you’ve added emails, texts, and social media to the mix and still feel like you’re coming up short when you promote events, this episode is for you.  Communications and branding expert, Barbara Carneiro, shares how a shift in culture has had an impact and what we can do...

If you’re involved in ministry to kids, join today’s conversation with small church ministry leader, Sara Vojtaske, as she shares her most important tips to leading well. Sara shares 5 critical elements not only to keep your passion alive but to increase your impact too.  Listen in to hear Sarah’s wisdom including: The importance of simplifying Ways to maintain excellence, including showing up pre...

If I could choose just one podcast for every person in a small church to hear, it’s this one.  Speaker and author, Janyne McConnaughey, shares truth about trauma that has the potential to deepen your ministry whether you lead the women, volunteer with kids, or serve as the senior pastor.  Your church is filled with unhealed trauma, whether it sits silently in the pews or shows up in church conflic...

When I hear stories of small churches having incredible community impact, I can’t wait for you to hear too.  Today’s guest, Adre Hurst, shares how one person’s passion for helping foster families led to statewide involvement with area churches and community organizations joining the effort. Throughout this interview you’ll hear the story of Coalition Church in Supulpa, Oklahoma along with simple s...

If you’ve ever been frustrated with the pastor, you’re not alone!  If you’re the pastor and you’ve been frustrated with the congregation, that’s a familiar story too.  Here’s the great news: although it’s common, it does not have to be your story, and it’s certainly not God’s design.  In today’s episode, Pastor Mark Muckler of Harvest Stone Ministries shares critical steps to get on the same page...

Listen in for a behind-the-scenes peek into one of our quarterly conferences for small churches, and learn how much your church environment matters.  Whether or not you consider yourself a creative, God created each and every one of us to be influenced by light, sound, color, texture, taste, and smell.  When it comes to Christmas (or any season!), learn how simple changes in your narthex, worship...

If you’re looking for effective outreach ideas for your small church, join me as I talk with Ebonie Mukasa of Experience Church International in Miami, Florida.  While some might define effective outreach as bringing people into your local church, Ebonie defines effective outreach as taking the church out to the world.  She shares how teaching outreach as a lifestyle in your small church will chan...

Teaching children in smaller settings can be tough, whether you’re a trained educator or brand new to the position.  In this episode, we unpack solutions to some specific challenges of teaching smaller numbers and mixed ages all in one space.  Joining us for the conversation is Anne Marie Gosnell. Anne Marie is a beloved author, speaker, educator, mentor, and ministry leader. In addition to formal...

Lots of people in small churches are anticipating a stressful Christmas.  Between family and friends as well as work and church, the pressures and the to-dos can seem overwhelming.  But it does not need to be so!  If you want to get off the rollercoaster this year and experience a little more peace during the holidays this year, listen in to hear: 5 strategies to avoid holiday burnout this year Wh...

Whether you’re used to running ragged in your small church at Christmastime – or maybe your church family takes a step back into more quietness – this episode is for you. Listen in to hear why we need to enter the Christmas season with more intention and also with great expectation! Not only is Christmas one of the biggest celebrations for Jesus-followers, but the world’s celebration of Christmas...