The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Less kids doesn’t mean less stress, and it also doesn’t mean less prep. For children’s leaders and volunteers in smaller churches, the extra challenges of mixed-age classes, unpredictable numbers, and fewer volunteers add to the load. Listen in to this encouraging conversation with Tyler Bates from Amazing Kids. He shares where your time can make the most impact on children’s lives including:The benefit of pastoring kids in a smaller church environmentWhy birthday calls & handwritten cards should move up on your priority listHow making a difference in the life of one is absolutely worth your timeConnect with Tyler:https://amazing.kids/https://www.instagram.com/amazingkidscurriculum/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you’ve met one single, you have NOT met them all. Listen in for a transparent conversation about singles and small churches, and how we may unintentionally be pushing away the very people God is calling us to reach. Ministry Leader Sabrina McDonald shares from personal experience that:A one-size-fits-all singles group isn’t the best plan for ministryOur terminology matters a lot (listen in for some common mistakes)Asking the uncomfortable questions is often the catalyst to deeper ministry impactConnect with Sabrina McDonald: https://wordinseason.org/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this episode, we wrap up our 5-part series where we’ve been unpacking how volunteer issues are almost always leadership issues - and why this is a great thing. We have so much choice in how we lead and who we become along the way. Learning to lead while keeping people first yields long-term results that literally are out of this world. Listen in for some keys to:keep relationships before programsmodel healthy ministry boundariesmove slower through change to preserve communityaddress conflict with love and not with silenceSmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/Pastors' Spouses Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academySupport the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

The most common struggle reported by small churches is a shortage of volunteers.In this episode, we’re exploring how that lack of volunteers can send us spiraling to fix the wrong problem. Listen in to hear how a great leader responds differently when facing the same lack, and what you can do to become the person who’s calm and forward-moving when others would panic and blame. Come learn:Why being short on volunteers doesn’t need to be a problem at allHow to turn your focus to the problem that’s worth solving firstWhy it’s essential to stop reacting to start respondingSix questions to ask to move toward a creative solutionPastors' Spouses Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

When it comes to working with volunteers, building great connections can make the difference between long-term frustration and a loyal, committed team.Too often, churches jump right into sign-up sheets instead of building meaningful relationships.Looking at the life of Jesus, it’s hard to miss the amazing way He connected with people - all people. He connected with the prostitute, tax collectors, and pharisee alike.Becoming more like Jesus in this area is a critical element in better team-building, and empathy is at the foundation.Listen in for …Empathy defined and why it’s essential in a healthy volunteer cultureHow not experiencing empathy limits our own capacity for relational connection5 specific responses to avoid if you want to build relationships like Jesus5 empathetic responses to try for deeper connections & real care*These 5 Sympathetic Responses & 5 Empathetic Responses above were found in an online article called Emotional Intelligence101: Empathetic Responses by Shawn Chang. November 7, 2022, found on The University of British Columbia website. Check it out for further reading: https://students.ubc.ca/ubclife/emotional-intelligence-101-empathetic-responsesPastors' Spouses Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https:/Get the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you’re wondering which volunteers are worth your time, this is for you. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what God had in mind when He created His church and what you can do to be His ambassador as you serve. Whether you are a pastor, ministry leader, or volunteer, listen in to catch the 2nd critical belief that helps lay the foundation for a healthy volunteer culture in your small church.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If your church struggles with volunteers, you’re not alone! In fact, it’s the number one frustration we hear at Small Church Ministry. Sadly, most small churches never see the change they desire because they think the solution is to find better volunteers. (Spoiler alert: It’s not!) Over the next few episodes, we’ll talk about why the drive to find better volunteers is not only backward but it’s based on wrong beliefs. Only once we get our beliefs in line, our action steps get clear and more effective too. In Part 1 of our Becoming Series, we’ll talk about …Why it's easy (& totally not helpful) to fall into the blame gameWhy taking responsibility for your personal growth is the key to increasing your ministry results The first belief you need to embrace before you can move toward the results you want to seeHow you can help shape your church volunteer culture even if you’re “just” a volunteerStart your 30-Day FREE Trial of the Small Church Network & Academy: www.smallchurchministry.com/networkRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

As we celebrate our 3rd Anniversary supporting small churches, we want to take you behind the scenes into our monthly Small Church Network Event. Enjoy this live snippet from the mainstage as we talk about how to get more impact from church celebrations. We’re unpacking 5 keys to make that happen, including:Why it’s important to get really detailed on exactly what you’re celebratingHow to honor the past well - even in the challenges3 ways to maximize engagement for greater impactWhy incorporating future vision is pivotal at any celebrationThe importance of extending the invitation to join the next stepsIf you love the podcast you’ll love the Small Church Network & Academy. www.smallchurchministry.com/networkRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If summer at your church yields a volunteer slump, you’re not alone! Many churches experience lower summer numbers that often lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement. But the great news is: It doesn’t have to be this way! Listen in for three tips to make this summer’s ministry season amazing along with:The best mindset to adopt for a purposeful summerHow a small church’s ability to pivot can be your best sumer moveWhy summer is the perfect time to focus on these three thingsThe Small Church Network & Academy: www.smallchurchministry.com/networkThe Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate: https://smallchurchministry.com/podcast/episode075/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academyGet the Ministry Bundles here!Support the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this episode, we’re taking a time out for a heart check. While we are committed to teaching proven strategies for successful small church ministry, we also know how easy it is to become so focused on doing ministry that we neglect our own walk with Christ. Don’t let the busyness of ministry draw you away from the very reason we’re all here, to begin with. Take a slow, deep breath and consider if it’s time for a little rest and reconnection with Jesus.Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/academySupport the showFollow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/