The Small Church Ministry Podcast

If you struggle with participation in women’s ministry or are ready for a whole re-start, we got you covered! In this episode, we identify the most common mistakes smaller churches make in women’s ministry and how to avoid the pitfalls of a lackluster program. From establishing a long-term vision to hosting the best planning parties, listen in to discover simple steps to develop a women’s ministry that meets needs, encourages visitors, and fosters a sense of community that keeps everyone coming back.Get the Women's Ministry Bundle: www.smallchurchministry.com/womensbundle Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/

Even the best curriculum falls short when you can’t get your teens and preteens engaged from the get-go. If your teens are less than enthused to be in class or you’re looking to up-level your youth ministry, this episode is for you. Today’s guest is making it easy to plan and prep for your next event with games that draw kids in. Meet Zach Hartman, youth ministry leader and founder of ActuallyFun.com. Join the conversation about why games aren’t just fun but are an ideal tool to build the connection needed to go deeper in discipleship. We’ll show you how to find the perfect games for your group size and age range.Zach says, "Most games you find are either the same few activities that have been done to death, or even worse, they just aren’t fun. As a result, it takes hours of your time to either plan games from scratch or to find the few hidden treasures."Let us save you time and money with easy-to-find games, tested by real kids, to help you go deeper in relationships and teaching too.Connect with Zach Hartman:www.actuallyfun.comFREE Game Index: www.actuallyfun.com/game-index/Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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 crucial episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, we delve into a vital topic of preventing and responding to sexual abuse within our church communities. With guests Pastor Brad Eubanks and ministry leader Kris Buckman, we’re spotlighting an invaluable, completely free resource that offers comprehensive support and guidance for your church.Whether you’re a volunteer, ministry leader, or pastor, you can help make your church a safer place for all and help build the trust of your community as well. Tune in to discover how to use this free resource to make a meaningful difference in your church’s approach to abuse prevention and response.Get the Essentials To Prevention & Protection: https://sbcabuseprevention.com/ministry-toolkit/Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/

With epidemic levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety disorders today, small churches have a unique opportunity to step into their community like never before. Mental Health Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day are perfect opportunities to join a movement that’s changing lives. Listen in as Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit, shares practical ways for small churches to walk alongside those who long to know they are not alone. We’re talking about:Why you don’t need a mental health degree to offer hope to those who are hurtingThe incredible power of walking alongside people and listening without fixingPopular Christian quips to avoid that inadvertently lead people farther from the churchHow to access a completely free resource with everything you need to host a Mental Health Sunday at your churchConnect with Laura Howe:Free Registration to the Chruch Mental Health Summit 2024: https://www.churchmentalhealthsummit.com/a/2147852404/yFsGboSZFree Mental Health Sunday Toolkit: https://www.hopemadestrong.org/2024MentalHealthSundayThe Sanctuary Course: https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/sanctuary-course/The Care Ministry Podcast with Laura Howe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-care-ministry-podcast/id1580616639Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/

It’s not unusual to see people sitting alone in church services. It’s so common that most people think nothing of it. Listen into this transformative story as Rachael Swihart shares, “As a society, we are the most connected we've ever been. We're also the loneliest we've ever been. About a year ago, I had a conversation with a woman who'd been coming to our church for a while. She told me that it's hard for her to get herself to come because she's divorced and comes alone. She never knew if she'd have someone to sit with. At the time, I sympathized with her but didn't pursue a plan to help … she started coming less and less until she stopped coming all together.”This all too common story was the catalyst to change in Rachael’s church. In this episode, Rachael shares simple steps we all can do to lead to change, strengthen our communities, and love more like Jesus.Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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 in a smaller church, you know that a small church means a small youth group or sometimes no youth group at all. Join the conversation with youth ministry expert and G Shades curriculum creator, Mike Haynes, as he shares his vision for a “gospel lens” when it comes to reaching teens and pre-teens in any setting.Listen in to:Discover effective strategies for teaching teens in any size groupLearn about the largest gaps to overcome when relating to teens todayReimagine Jesus as our first model of effective youth ministryHear Mike’s best tips to stop hiding behind curriculum and start showing up in the fullness of who you areConnect with Mike Haynes:G Shades Youth Ministry Curriculum & Get a Free 4-Week Curriculum: www.gshades.org Check out the book Life Through The Lens Of The Gospelwww.instagram.com/mikeehaynes Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/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!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 today's episode, we're talking to small church volunteer Pamela Yates from Milan, Indiana. After retiring from a career in teaching, Pam never imagined she'd be learning to play an instrument, stepping into worship leading, heading up a women's ministry, and more. Listen in for an inspirational testimony of God not calling the equipped, but equipping the called!Connect with Pamela Yates: https://wheregodleads.com/Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/

Listen in to today's episode for a conversation with That Sunday School Girl, Waynell Henson. Growing up in a small church, Waynell shares her appreciation for smaller spaces as she encourages Sunday School teachers to teach to one like they are teaching to 100. With a YouTube following of over 42,000, Wanell shares her commitment "to encouraging a community of Sunday School Lovers who just enjoy being prepared and who come to class ready to be difference makers. Sunday School isn’t just for kids.  It’s one more way for God’s Word to become alive in our everyday lives!"Connect with Waynell Henson:Website: https://thatsundayschoolgirl.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ThatSundaySchoolGirlFacebook, IG, Twitter, TikTok: @ThatSundaySchoolGirlEquipped for Purpose: https://amzn.to/4dy5MlSF.U.T.U.R.E. Focus Participant guide: https://amzn.to/4do3AxqF.U.T.U.R.E. Focus Instructor guide: https://amzn.to/3X03DtCMy Etsy Store: https://bit.ly/TSSGSwagShopJoin our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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!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, Laurie answers 3 questions from our listeners:What are the non-negotiables in ministry?What are your thoughts on the phrase “I love ministry, except for the people”?What has been the most life-giving investment you made in yourself? How did that impact your ministry? Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/

Listen in as the top leading experts in small church ministry, Laurie Acker & Karl Vaters, discuss the church growth movement, post-Covid impact, and the future of smaller congregations.Connect with Karl Vaters: www.karlvaters.comJoin our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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!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/