The Small Church Ministry Podcast

If you haven’t heard “been there, done that” in a small church, you’re the exception! For some, it’s the most frustrating response when trying to find a volunteer. It also can be a really awkward comment to respond to. As we jump into another series about volunteers in small churches, join in to hear:How making their “YES” your goal is a terrible ideaWhy your response to their “NO” has more ministry impact than you can imagineWhat a jigsaw puzzle has to do with the family of GodThe 2-point best response to “Been There, Done That’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/

When people in small churches reach out to find encouragement, network with area churches, or look for practical solutions, it can be super discouraging. It’s pretty rare to find a group of people who really get small church ministry, are forward-thinking, are filled with hope, and recognize small church ministry for the unique ministry it is.If you’ve heard the buzz, it’s true! We just launched the first-ever, interdenominational, global network for small churches - for pastors, volunteers, ministry leaders, and more. Listen in for a sneak peek into the live Launch Party for The Small Church Network.We’d love to have you join us and:Connect with people in small churches committed to impacting their communityGrow in ministry and leadership skills with monthly training specific to small church ministryBring all the goodness back to your church to reignite the passion and invite others in tooListen in to hear the vision. We’re all in this together and getting stronger too, as iron sharpens iron. Join us!Small Church Network >> https://smallchurchministry.com/networkRate, 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 hear a lot of NOs when you’re looking for volunteers, you’re not alone. Trying to run small church programs with limited volunteers is a challenge whether you’re a church plant or established, an older church or younger one, in the city, country, suburb, or sandwiched in between two mega-churches. Instead of letting the NOs dim your hope, erode your passion, or exhaust your energy, listen in to hear how you can experience God’s grace and compassion in the midst of it all instead. We’ll be talking about:8 reasons volunteers say NO (& why being busy is not one of them)The three most destructive responses to NOs & how to avoid themWhy compassion is a lot more productive than judgmentA reasonable alternative to doing it yourself when there’s no one else to do itRegister for The Volunteer Journey Workshop >> https://smallchurchministry.ck.page/volunteerjourneyRate, 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/

In this special episode, we’re taking a peek into stories of hope from our conference for small churches last weekend plus sharing about our next “best thing!” On the heels of this event, we’re excited to open the doors to the Small Church Network!Listen in to hear how Small Church Ministry has been impacting churches with community, support, and resources, and learn how you can be part of this global movement of small churches growing in impact. The Small Church Network offers:An ongoing community for support, led by small churches for small churchesMonthly training, both live and recorded, to share within your local congregationOpportunities for breakout discussions, co-working, and mentorshipLive gatherings in multiple timezones for regional and global accessAnd lots moreCheck out the Small Church Ministry Network >> https://smallchurchministry.com/network/Check out our future conference dates >> https://smallchurchsummits.com/waitlist/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/

Today we’re talking about the most affordable and flexible app that we’ve found for churches looking at options for:lyric projectionadding fuller sound to your regular worshiphelp for no song leaders or missing instrumentssolutions for no band at allWhether you’re a “push play” kind of person or you’re looking for flexibility to add more dynamics to what you’re already doing, join the conversation with Zarc Porter from The Worship Zone as he shares about the ISingWorship app. Zarc is an award-winning music producer and songwriter with an incredible ministry to small churches.Connect with Zarc Porter here:https://www.theworshipzone.com/https://www.isingworship.com/Get on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference in October 2022!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 Summits: https://smallchurchsummits.com/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 Christmas tunes and holiday decor start making their way into retail stores, more people than ever are struggling with loneliness, depression, & conflicting emotions.“Happy Holidays” and “Christmas Cheer'' stand in stark contrast with the honest emotions many people experience during this season: loneliness, grief, and depression. It’s no mystery that holiday months are some of the most difficult for people who have suffered loss; in fact, many avoid church during this time. Small churches have an incredible opportunity to step into this season where dark and light so obviously coexist. Tune in to hear:How church often makes holidays worse for peopleHow to welcome both happy and sad this holiday seasonHow acknowledging loss doesn’t diminish, but actually heightens the Light of ChristmasWhere the Blue Christmas Service came from How to make a Blue Christmas Service fit your community12 Ideas to Reach Out to the Hurting This Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas >> https://smallchurchministry.com/church-outreach-ideas-thanksgiving-advent-christmas/A Blue Christmas Service Makes Space for Healing & Hope during the Holidays >> https://smallchurchministry.com/blue-christmas-service/Get the Done-For-You Blue Christmas >>   https://smallchurchministry.com/christmasGet on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference in October 2022!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: 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/

In this episode, small church pastor and tech guy, Darin Elquist, shares why more people should get their hands on the soundboard in your church. After getting scolded for playing with the church soundboard when he was 12, Darin went on to become a proficient tech guy and a musician too. Darin has extensive experience in live sound reinforcement and other areas of tech, but sound is where he feels most at home. Darin has worked large events and small, with experience in modifying, repairing, and installing sound equipment in all kinds of places; however, he specializes in helping small churches get the sound they need, not only for worship services but other needs as well.Listen in as Darin shares …How to avoid the top mistakes many small churches are makingWhy you might want to get a better mic before you replace your soundboardHow to know if your sound issues are caused by the people running it or the actual equipmentThe top qualities to look for in your next sound and tech traineeGet on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference in October 2022!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 Summits: https://smallchurchsummits.com/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/

Join us as Matt Hernando shares some of his biggest lessons learned in tech ministry, including how he went from being willing with no experience to becoming the one who trains others to serve. Matt is the Multimedia Ministry Leader at Crossings Church Innerbelt, a church plant in St. Louis, Missouri. Listen in to hear...What motivates him to keep serving How you can overcome a few of the biggest challenges in small church techWhy great tech ministry requires practice, just like baseballConnect with Matt!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthernandoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nodoubthernando/Website: https://mattchernando.medium.com/Get on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference in October 2022!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 Summits: https://smallchurchsummits.com/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/

Instead of hunting for the next perfect worship song to deepen your worship service, consider adding extra intention with readings, responses, and reflections. Spoken and silent worship elements have a way of engaging minds and wills in addition to our hearts. For some, the idea of responsive readings and other spoken forms of worship are limited to traditional worship settings, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Listen in to hear …. How to use spoken & silent worship elements effectively in modern worship as well as traditional settingsWhy authentically spoken worship elements can be more effective at engaging millennials than hip, new worship songsHow reading elements can be the bridge between the team on the stage and the people in the seatsWhy personal response is a bigger indication of worship engagement than corporate volumeSmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/networkGet on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference happening in October 2022!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 be sure to 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 up to date on the new episodes I release every week. 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 Summits: https://smallchurchsummits.com/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 wish your congregation would sing out more or you’re looking for ways to engage your congregation in deeper worship, this episode is for you. Worship leader & award-winning music producer, Zarc Porter, joins us from the UK to share the lessons he’s learned over years of worship leading. He tackles the uniqueness of small church worship leading with not only great tips but some perspective shifts that get at the heart of worship.Listen in to hear... Why the right song in the wrong key is a huge mistake (& how to choose the right one)Tips to minimize distractions from the platformHow everything changes when the congregation becomes the lead worshipperConnect with Zarc Porter here: https://www.theworshipzone.com/https://www.isingworship.com/Get on the invite list to our Worship + Tech Conference happening in October 2022!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 be sure to 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 up to date on the new episodes I release every week. 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 Summits: https://smallchurchsummits.com/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/