The Starting Well Podcast

One of the most effective ways a new pastor can demonstrate love to his church is by practicing pastoral hospitality. In this episode, Andy McDonald and Jason Lowe discuss several practical suggestions for doing so. This conversation is based on the article, " Practicing Pastoral Hospitality ," written by Andy McDonald. Other resources mentioned in this episode include: Small Church Esse...

Pastoral care visits are a vital aspect of ministry, especially during the early days at a new church. In this episode, Harold Best and Jason Lowe discuss some key "Do's" and a few "Don'ts" to help guide you in making your visits both meaningful and helpful, and to communicate your love for your flock. This conversation is based on the article, " The Do's an...

Whether in a brief encounter or a meeting with individual members and church families in their homes, you can gain valuable insight into people's lives by asking some simple questions. In this episode, Jason Lowe and Andy McDonald discuss several potential questions to get to know your church members and love them well. This conversation is based on the article, " Essential Questions to...

As you begin to serve in your church, you'll find that implementing some changes or new ministries is easier than others. This episode includes the remainder of a conversation between Jason Lowe and Ian Carrico as they discuss some potential early wins that you may pursue to build relationships, trust, and momentum during the early days of your ministry. The early wins discussed on this episo...

As you begin to serve in your church, you'll find that implementing some changes or new ministries is easier than others. This episode includes the first half of a conversation between Jason Lowe and Ian Carrico as they discuss some potential early wins that you may pursue to build relationships, trust, and momentum during the early days of your ministry. The early wins discussed on this epis...

Change in a church is a given. However, it can have unintended consequences if implemented haphazardly. This episode includes the second half of a conversation between Jason Lowe and Jeff Crabtree in which they discuss strategic questions that pastors should ask before implementing major change in their new church. The questions discussed on this episode include: How does this change affect our mi...

Change in a church is a given. However, it can have unintended consequences if implemented haphazardly. This episode includes the first part of a conversation between Jason Lowe and Jeff Crabtree in which they discuss strategic questions that pastors should ask before implementing major change in their new church. The questions discussed on this episode include: Have I prayed about this change? Wh...

In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify five common causes of unnecessary church conflict. Those causes include: Conflict over third-order doctrines Conflict over...

In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify four additional scenarios when church conflict is necessary. Those scenarios include: Conflict is necessary when church me...

In a fallen world, conflict is inevitable, and church conflict is no exception. As you begin your ministry in a new church, you will encounter conflict sooner or later. However, some conflict will be necessary, while some of it will be unnecessary. In this episode, we identify four scenarios when church conflict is necessary. Those scenarios include: Conflict is necessary when engaging in spiritua...

Many new pastors begin their ministry by casting vision, developing strategies, and implementing changes. While those tasks have their place, they will only be effective if the pastor first establishes trust with the congregation. In this episode, we talk about three reasons why trust is essential for starting well: Trust grants leadership permission. Trust allows you to make mistakes. Trust minim...

Pastors can sometimes get so busy serving others that they forget to care for themselves, often leading to burnout. In this episode, we identify five key areas where new pastors should build healthy habits to avoid ministry burnout. By setting intentional boundaries and practicing appropriate self-care, you can live well outside the church and serve well inside your church. The five areas we discu...

Leadership is essential if you want to start well in your church. In this episode, we discuss six strategic ways to lead well early in your ministry. Those ways include: Lead prayerfully. Lead patiently. Lead humbly. Lead collaboratively. Lead optimistically. Lead strategically.

If you want to start well in your church, you must be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). This episode helps new pastors identify five voices to listen to discern God's vision for the church and effective strategies for carrying out that vision. Those voices include: Listen to the Lord. Listen to other godly church leaders. Listen to other pastors. Listen to the congregation. List...

Effective leaders are learners. This episode identifies seven essential details that pastors should learn about their church during their first year, which will help them lead well in subsequent years. Those details include: Learn about your church's history. Learn about your church's culture. Learn about your church's community. Learn about your church's governing documents. L...

The cliche that "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" certainly applies to pastoral ministry. They also won't follow your leadership until they know how much you care. Therefore, if you want to start well in your new ministry assignment, you must love your church well. This episode covers six practical ways you can do so. Resources mentioned in...

In this week's episode, Jason Lowe identifies the four foundational priorities to help pastors start well. While focusing on these priorities will not guarantee the absence of conflict or other challenges, not focusing on them will certainly increase the chances for problems early in your ministry at the church.

In this debut episode, author, blogger, and church consultant Jason Lowe identifies one of the biggest mistakes new pastors often make when they begin serving at a church, along with six potential negative outcomes that may result.