

The Small Church Ministry Podcast
Laurie Graham
The only podcast created for volunteers and everyday leaders in smaller congregations, this show embraces small church ministry as a place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry and the Small Church Network, Laurie J. Graham shares why small churches matter—not as a scaled-down version of something bigger, but as powerful communities with their own unique strengths. Each episode offers creative solutions to real challenges with a mix of honest encouragement, leadership skills, and actionable next steps. Laurie hosts the show with a perspective shaped by decades in ministry on every side of small church life—as a volunteer, staff leader, and pastor’s spouse. She knows both the pressure and the beauty of small churches firsthand, and brings steady encouragement, practical wisdom, and deep care for both volunteers and ministry leaders.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2024 • 39min
113: Great Ministry Starts With Where You Are And What You Have
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/

Feb 20, 2024 • 37min
112: Church Growth: Why Numbers Don't Equal Success
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/

Feb 13, 2024 • 37min
111: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Planning Parties
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/

Feb 6, 2024 • 27min
110: How To Embrace Core Values To Increase Ministry Results, Consistency, & Support
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/

Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
109: From Small Church Pastor To Community Pastor | with Pastor Jeff Shouse
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/

Jan 23, 2024 • 37min
108: 23 Specific Ways To Build Relational Ministry Into Your Life
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/

Jan 16, 2024 • 27min
107: The Top Question To Ask If You Want A Successful Small Church Ministry In 2024
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/

Jan 9, 2024 • 28min
106: 5 Steps To Start A Women's Ministry From Scratch
Starting a ministry from scratch can feel like a big undertaking and even a bit scary. But it doesn’t have to be. Growing a ministry organically, and more slowly, can often build more momentum than coming in with your own strong vision. I’m going to show you how to do just that with 5 easy steps you can get started on this week. If you’ve been in women’s ministry for a while, or in a different ministry area, all the principles are transferable and applicable. We’ll be talking about: The difference between a vision of women’s ministry and of ministry to womenWhy smaller numbers aren’t your enemy but just might be your superpowerHow fast to move when you’re new to a church or a ministry areaTips to choose your first no-fail eventWhen to talk to your pastor and leadership for approvalGet 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/

Jan 2, 2024 • 43min
105: How To Develop More Vision For Your Small Church Ministry
Your small church needs vision. Did you know that visionary people serve with more motivation, attract more volunteers, and are more likely to make an impact in ministry? They are also usually the happiest and most fulfilled volunteers. Here’s the good news: you have what it takes! YOU were created to be a visionary too! Listen in to this episode for 3 easy things you can do to get in touch with a fresh vision for your ministry area and spread the vision to others too.Small Church Network & Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/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/

Dec 26, 2023 • 48min
104: How To Help More People Find Your Church | with Justin Nava
Marketing expert and lover of small churches, Justin Nava, shares his take on small church marketing, beginning with his deep belief that more people should know you exist. Listen in for Justin’s deep dive into the 3 principles he guides small churches through:Be memorableBe foundBe knownConnect with Justin Nava:https://www.navachurchmarketing.com/The Best Known Church ShowRate, 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/