The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Many people in small churches find themselves in positions of leadership - sometimes accidentally and sometimes by default. Leading Bible Studies is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or brand new to leading a small group, join me for some tips on facilitating a group, and why I think knowing too much can sometimes be a hindrance. Join in to hear:Why the best facilitators are sometimes the least expectedHow knowing all the answers might be holding others back from deeper learningA few tips on getting better engagement in a small groupWhy the most important question you can ask is “Now what?”Women's Ministry For Small Churches Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/Episode Transcript: https://smallchurchministry.com/podcast/episode056/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/

From craft nights to tea parties and social events to Bible studies, lots of women’s ministries are busy filling calendars and wondering why they are seeing little transformation. If your heart is crying out “Enough already!”, take a step back with me to envision a new way of ministering to women. In this episode we’ll talk about:Why planning your calendar full of events might not be the best use of resourcesHow we can model a bit more after Jesus by changing our focus from the group to the individualWhy our hyper-focus on the roles of wife and mother might be limiting our impactWomen's Ministry For Small Churches 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/

In this episode, Pastor Tony Bryce of Olive Branch Community Church in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England shares his journey from itinerant ministry to bi-vocational pastoral leadership of a church plant. Listen in to hear Pastor Tony’s heart on:How the truth of the Bible extends beyond eternal salvation to be helpful & practical in all aspects of our livesWhy he prefers being bi-vocational and how that has helped shape his pastoral roleHow being nimble is a unique gift in small churches that allows us to join God when He surprises us and goes “off script” Thoughts on encouraging and equipping others to share in significant ministry to one anotherConnect with Pastor Tony & Dee Bryce:https://www.olive-branch.org.uk/Small Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/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 your small church has a big vision, there’s no reason to wait on growth to embrace what God has for you. And if your small church doesn’t have a vision for impact, it’s time to think bigger! Reverend Timothy Jackson of Impact Living Ministry in Minneapolis, MN, shares the story of his small church’s journey to become problem-solvers and institution-builders in their city. His energy is contagious and his insight encouraging. Listen in to hear:Why you don’t need to grow in church membership to have an incredible Kingdom impactHow becoming part of your community is an essential step for every church bodyBiblical truth about ministry success when you’re disappointed by your numbersConnect with Reverend Timothy Jackson:https://impactlivingministry.org/pastortim@impactlivingcc.orgSmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/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/

Small churches have limited volunteers and limited dates on the calendar. If you ever find yourself vying for dates or feeling like your ministry got the short end of the stick, listen in for a little bit of a reframe. Sometimes we need to let go of the way we’ve always done things in order to grab onto something better. In this episode we’ll be talking about:How your ministry area can gain support & grow superfans with a few little tweaks this yearA new way to look at carpooling and how it applies to small church ministryHow to save energy and conserve resources while increasing your ministry impactSmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/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/

A small church is a place where everyone knows your name. If you’re in a small church, you know it’s nearly impossible to be anonymous. However, greater than being seen is being known, accepted, and cherished. While our relationships in the church aren’t immune from disappointment, misunderstanding, and even sinful intentions, God calls us beyond the hurt to restoration, connection, and love above all. Join the conversation with Mental Health & Ministry Coach, Kristen Joy, as we talk about:Experiencing God’s delight in us as individualsCreating relational safety in the churchGetting closer to the interpersonal connection God designed us forConnect with Kristen Joy: https://theministrywifecoach.com/Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support 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 me 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 I release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. 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 wondered how to use social media best for your small church, you’re not alone. Join me in a conversation with Sheila Chester, a marketing manager for several small churches in the Denver Metro area. Raised in a small rural church and now part of a smaller church in a big city, Sheila talks about the real reason social media presence matters for all churches and how understanding the purpose behind your posting is key. Listen in to hear:Top social media mistakes that small churches make and how to avoid themTwo main reasons social media presence matters for every small churchWhy Facebook ads might not be your best strategy for outreachTips on what to post and how often for the greatest impactConnect with Sheila Chester: www.sheilakchester.comRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support 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 me 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 I release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. 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/

Most of us have had times when we’ve neglected people around us - people who are important to us, people we love. In small churches, this often looks like our core volunteers, founding member families, and pastors too. In this episode, we’re taking a look at two responses to faithful volunteers that make the biggest impact and cost nothing out of your budget. We’re moving beyond appreciation and recognition to talk about two responses that have the potential to transform your ministry culture.33 Questions To Ask For Deeper Conversations At Church >> https://smallchurchministry.com/questions-for-deeper-conversations-at-church/Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support 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 me 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 I release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. 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/

Dealing with volunteers who aren’t open to new ideas is tough, and no church is immune to this one! When volunteers only want to do things “the way they’ve always been done,” it often causes division, strained relationships, and missed opportunities. While a leader with a vision may find ways to push forward anyway, oftentimes the newer, creative volunteers give up trying, and might even find another place to take their passion. In this episode, we’ll talk about:The gift behind “we’ve always done it this way”How to honor those who’ve been there long enough to say itWhat to do if the ministry leader is the one who doesn’t want changeCheck out our upcoming conferences >> https://smallchurchministry.com/conferencesSmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/network/Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support 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 me 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 I release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. 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/

If you’re wondering how to respond to volunteers who commit but don’t show up, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a one-time thing, becoming a habit, or a pervasive issue in your ministry area or church, listen in to learn:Why an immediate response is a lot more effective than ignoring itThe importance of having a pre-set policy for unexpected cancellationsHow difficult conversations can actually deepen relationships when they are filled with graceRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support 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 me 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 I release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. 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/