The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Mother’s Day is complicated. For some, it’s a special day to honor a mom who was there when we needed her most or at least did the best she could. For others, Mother’s Day is a painful reminder of loss, unmet needs, and sometimes tragic memories. It can also be a slap in the face if the role of mother is held up as ideal fulfillment, where non-mothers are pitied or perceived as “less-than” with upended priorities. What’s a church to do with this largely celebrated secular holiday?Listen in to hear:Why Mother’s Day is more complicated than in years past, and why it mattersPros and cons of celebrating this non-church holiday in your churchHow to offer compassionate care in the midst of a largely celebrative holidaySpecific tips for meaningful ministry to children & youth around Mother’s DayPrayer Ideahttps://stalbanscme.com/2019/04/16/inclusive-mothering-sunday-prayer-ideas/Check out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1:https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Check out our Blue Christmas Service Bundle:https://smallchurchministry.com/christmasbundle/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 & AcademGet 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 needs more volunteers, you’re not alone. When you’ve tried the sign-up sheets, creative announcements, and personal asks - and you’re still coming up short - it’s time to step back and look at your volunteer environment. Every church has a “volunteer vibe” - and it’s either helping to draw volunteers in or it’s repelling them from coming near. Listen in to hear:5 essential elements to create volunteer environments that draw people inHow a limited capacity can be our superpower, not a liabilitySpecific steps to healthier ministry practices, starting todayWhy required ministry breaks lead to stronger teams and more effective ministryCheck out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1:https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Rate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

Too often the impact of our ministry doesn’t match the time and effort we pour into it. Instead of wondering if you’re making a difference, plan on it! Listen in to hear the three most important questions to ask when planning your next event. I’ll be sharing three specific examples of tea parties with three different purposes that lead to different results. Great ministry isn’t always about doing more things, but it is about adding intention to the things you’re doing.Check out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1: https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Rate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

Not enough volunteers? Not enough kids? Not enough funds? You’re not alone. Ministry can be tough. In fact, it can be so full of challenges that it’s easy to focus on what we lack - which leads us nowhere good. The truth is that God has given us all we need to enjoy a ministry full of depth and good growth. Listen in for tips to start turning what you already have into a small church ministry you love.Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

When it comes to ministry success, most people are measuring the wrong thing. We’ve got to remember that God’s economy is different than ours - and a lot different. By measuring church accomplishment by numbers, we take our eyes off deeper ministry opportunities, experience a false sense of ministry success or failure, and miss out on the growth God has for us as individuals and for His church. In this episode, we talk about the thinking fallacies that contribute to this belief and also how to experience God at work, no matter what your numbers.Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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 tired of doing it all yourself and you want to get some fresh volunteers along with fresh ideas, hosting a Planning Party is the way to go. The Planning Party system we teach has been used by tons of churches with great results. Including better dates that stick, more volunteers, and increased participation. Planning Parties are a great way to:Plan your entire year in 1 eveningInvolve new volunteers in plans they are invested inIncrease all-church support and vision for your ministry areaListen in to learn the 6 steps to Planning Party success, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and a few insider tips for your best year ever. Blog posts about Planning Parties:Your Best Ever Women’s Ministry Planning Party5 Steps To A Youth Ministry Kick-Off Event!Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.cGet 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 core values. Before you imagine a dusty binder with statements created before your time, imagine instead more impact, increased consistency, and shared passion in your ministry area. This is what core values done right can do for you.Listen in to hear:Two of the biggest small church struggles that core values can help solveReal-life stories of how core values impact ministry decisions and directionWhy core values are a key to a ministry that outlasts the current leaderHow core values can save you time and grow more support tooCheck out our Ministry Bundles: Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, 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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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 looking for the secret to better community outreach, don’t miss this episode. Listen in to hear how one small church pastor led his church to become the place the community turns to for help. From opening their church building for local high school events to providing memorial dinners for community members with no strings attached, this small church has become a hub of community care. Our guest on the podcast today, Pastor Jeff Shouse from First Baptist Church in Ramsey, Illinois, shares the moment he realized he was the “Community Pastor.”Connect with Pastor Jeffrey Shouse: https://fbcramsey.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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

Sometimes church ministry looks a lot like being an event planner.I’m positive that is not what Jesus had in mind, and it’s definitely not what He modeled. Join me in this episode as we take a deep dive into how to shift from program-centered ministry to relational-centered ministry, and why it matters. Events and programs can totally be part of a healthy ministry but we weren’t called to be event planners; we were called to be shepherds. Listen in to learn how.Get your ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference!!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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

Whether church is feeling stagnant or you’re getting ready to kick off a brand new ministry, we’re unpacking one of the biggest factors leading to a ministry that’s engaging, growing, and seeing results versus one that feels like you’re pulling teeth!If you’re wondering what’s holding your small church back from joining God in impacting your community, I’ll first tell you what’s NOT the problem:It’s not the size of your church.It’s not the lack of volunteer commitment.It’s not the modern culture.We’ve gotta stop that blame game. It doesn’t serve us one bit and leads nowhere good. Listen in to hear one specific change you can make - starting today - to help move the needle in your small church’s success.Get your ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference!!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 & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/