The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Are you super excited about what you’re learning but not sure how to take it back to your small church? Or maybe you’ve tried to share what you’re learning and it hasn’t been received with enthusiasm. If that’s you, you’re not alone.In this episode, I share the 5 best ways to share with others what you’re learning in a way that catches like a spark in dry kindling instead of feeling like you’ve been doused with a bucket of water.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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

Whether you’re hoping to update, overhaul, or totally redesign your church logo, this episode is for you. Or maybe you’re like … “Logo? What logo?” …. don’t worry, this episode is for you too! I’m starting at the beginning with why branding and logos do matter, how the process of branding can help identify and strengthen your uniqueness as a small church, plus how to avoid the most common mistakes small churches make.Get ready to hear …Why branding is important and even goes beyond what everyone sees on the outsideHow to avoid the mistakes most small churches make when it comes to brandingIdeas to find graphic designers in your budget and who to hire for your logo design7 steps any small church can follow to imagine and create a logo that’s right for themFiverr: https://www.fiverr.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 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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

I’ve heard people say you can’t fire a volunteer, but it’s not true. You can totally fire a volunteer. You can fire them nicely or not nicely. You can fire them directly or cause them so much discomfort that they quit (which, by the way, is an indirect way to fire someone). But all these scenarios have the potential to hurt feelings and damage relationships. If you’re looking for a better way to remove a volunteer from a position in your small church and turn a stressful situation into a beautiful opportunity, listen in. Today we’ll be talking about …The top reasons volunteers fail and how to help them succeed insteadHow church culture may have contributed to the unhappy situation you’re both inWhy going slower than you think will be better for your ministryHow to turn a volunteer “firing” into a beautiful restart for your ministryEpisode 009: Do You Need Written Job Descriptions for Volunteers in Small Churches?: https://smallchurchministry.com/podcast/episode009 Episode 013 Set Up Volunteers to Succeed in Your Small Church | Volunteer Series Part 4: https://smallchurchministry.com/podcast/episode013Rate, 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: httGet your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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 looking for a creative way to get more volunteers serving in your church, a ministry fair is a great event to add to your calendar. Even in a small church, a ministry fair can be a great community builder, increase awareness of areas of service in your church, and pique the interest of people who haven’t ventured to a sign-up sheet in years. Done right, it’s a win all around! However, many ministry fairs lack the positive vibe you need to make an impact. Listen in for tips to make a ministry fair work in your small church with lots of impact.In this episode, we’ll talk about  …One of the main reasons why some people serve and some don’tWhy lots of ministry fairs are boring and unsuccessfulCreative Ideas to make your ministry fair the best everWhy interaction is the key plus some tips to get people talkingFun elements to make your ministry fair memorableRate, 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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

Should you do personality inventories with leaders & volunteers? What about spiritual gifts assessments? With all the options and trends these days, people are googling everything from Myers-Briggs to Colors to Enneagram to Strengthsfinder. If you’re wondering how to best use inventories and assessments to get volunteers in the right places and build healthy teams, listen in. In this episode, I’ll be talking about common mistakes churches make when using inventories and assessments - and how to use them better.In this episode, we’ll …Explore benefits as well as limitations of using inventories & assessments in churchesLearn where many churches have gotten this all wrongHear why I think everyone should quit asking “What number are you?”The best way to help volunteers find their place in ministryRate, 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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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 looking for more volunteers for your children’s ministry, you aren’t alone. Children’s ministry takes many hands, even if you have only a handful of kiddos. An additional challenge facing staffing in small churches is the inconsistent number of children and the mixed-age factor. One week could require a fully-staffed nursery and an extra volunteer in Sunday school, while in another week you find yourself fully staffed, but no kids show up. It seems impossible to predict who you’ll need and when and difficult to recruit a staff when the needs vary not only by the season but by the week with little predictability. Join me in this episode to learn …A few unexpected quick wins to add a few more volunteers to your rosterSome long-term strategies to work toward building a committed team for the futureWhy taking better care of your current volunteers needs to move up on your priority listOne common (but often overlooked) reason your recruiting methods might not be workingAnd if you just read that description, and you’re thinking, “Team? I wish! It’s just me!” … don’t worry, I get it. There’s plenty of gold in this episode for you too! Again, you’re not alone. Tons of small churches are just like yours, with one or two people holding down the fort. Hang with me to find a better way.The Runner and The Sailboat: https://smallchurchministry.com/women-in-ministry/The Small Church Academy: https://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get Your FREE Ticket To The Small Church Kidmin + Youth Ministry Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2022Conference Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchsummits 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. Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

Whether Sunday School is feeling stale, you’re short volunteers, or your kids are bouncing off the walls, it might be time for a refresh. It doesn’t take a big budget or a big staff to add a new twist to your children’s ministry.  Any one of these 5 ideas is perfect for a small church, works great with mixed ages, and is just as engaging for 2 kids as it is for 20.Along with a bit of a reset, these ideas may also lead you to …New volunteers, you weren’t expectingKids more excited to come to classThe momentum you’ve been praying forThe Neighborhood: A 6-Week Rotation For Children's Sunday School: https://smallchurchministry.com/sunday-school-ideas-summer-service/ Get Your FREE Ticket To The Small Church Kidmin + Youth Ministry Conference: https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2022 Conference Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchsummits 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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

Managing a mixed-age Sunday school class with 3-year-olds and 6th graders in the same room is no easy feat. In this episode, we’re rolling up our sleeves to tackle a desperate (and common) plea for help. I’m on a crusade to stop the destructive blaming of kids, teachers, parents, and pastors. Join me to learn how to get beyond managing behavior and create a safe place for everyone. You don’t need more kids or more volunteers to experience joy in mixed-age Sunday school.Wouldn’t it be great to … Anticipate goodness instead of dreading disruptions?Help children experience the fruits of the spirit instead of frustration?Enjoy parents, teachers, and pastors working together on the same page?Know your classroom is a place where children feel safe and loved?If that’s what you’re dreaming of, me too! Let’s do it.The Small Church Academy >> https://thesmallchurchacademy.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 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://thesmallchurchacademy.com/Get your FREE ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference! >> www.smallchurchsummits.comSupport 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/

Discover how to cultivate a loyal volunteer culture in small churches. Learn why investing in volunteers mirrors Jesus' relational ministry. Explore the four key reasons volunteers stick around: relationships, significance, growth, and recognition. Get practical tips on deepening connections, sharing meaningful work, and recognizing achievements. Understand that investing in volunteers is risky yet essential, prioritizing time, talent, and nurturing personal growth over programs. Engage hearts and create lasting ministry partners!

Discover how to create a thriving volunteer culture in small church ministry. Learn why many volunteers feel unsupported and how to change that. Explore the importance of clear job descriptions and mutual agreements that empower volunteers. Dive into a four-step training process that builds confidence and ownership. Hear practical tips on providing feedback and adapting your approach based on volunteers’ needs. This insightful discussion transforms frustration into fulfillment, making serving a meaningful mission.