

The Small Church Ministry Podcast
Laurie Graham
The only podcast for volunteers in small churches and those who lead them, this show is about embracing small church ministry for what it should be - a unique place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry, Laurie Graham, shares why large church strategies don’t work in small churches and how to get moving on what does. Each episode dives into creative solutions to small church struggles with a mix of inspiration, leadership skills, and actionable next steps to make an impact. Here’s to healthy small church ministry where you have all the volunteers you need to do exactly what God has in mind! Small church ministry isn’t less - but it is different. Small Church Ministry, the World's #1 Resource for Small Churches, includes a top-rated website, a Facebook community spanning 6 continents, free quarterly online conferences, and a small church ministry certification program.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2023 • 39min
096: Expert Tips For Better Church Communication & Event Promotion With Barbara Carneiro
If you feel like fewer people than ever are reading the church newsletter or paying attention to announcements, you’re right. If you’ve added emails, texts, and social media to the mix and still feel like you’re coming up short when you promote events, this episode is for you. Communications and branding expert, Barbara Carneiro, shares how a shift in culture has had an impact and what we can do to be lightyears more effective. Specific to small churches and requiring a budget of zero, this episode is packed full of wisdom and practical strategies you can get moving on today! Listen in to hear:Why we need to quit promoting every event the sameHow today’s effective communication is more about trust than attentionWhat the “age of curation” means and why it matters to your ministryHow to make the path of information easier so people connect exactly where they need toConnect with Barbara Carneiro:https://www.facebook.com/groups/accidentalchurchcommunicatorshttps://www.wordrevolution.com/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: https://smallchurchministry.com/network/The Small Church Academy: https://smallchurchministry.com/acGet 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/

Oct 24, 2023 • 29min
095: 5 Keys To Lead Children’s Ministry Well In Small Churches | with Sara Vojtaske
If you’re involved in ministry to kids, join today’s conversation with small church ministry leader, Sara Vojtaske, as she shares her most important tips to leading well.Sara shares 5 critical elements not only to keep your passion alive but to increase your impact too. Listen in to hear Sarah’s wisdom including:The importance of simplifyingWays to maintain excellence, including showing up preparedIdeas to create incredible atmosphere even in a multi-purpose spaceTips to build great relationships with children, parents, and volunteersThe critical need for training and who to includeConnect with Sara Vojtaske:https://www.joelsvision.com/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: 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/

Oct 17, 2023 • 47min
094: Understanding Trauma In The Pews & What It Means For Your Small Church | with Janyne McConnaughey
If I could choose just one podcast for every person in a small church to hear, it’s this one. Speaker and author, Janyne McConnaughey, shares truth about trauma that has the potential to deepen your ministry whether you lead the women, volunteer with kids, or serve as the senior pastor. Your church is filled with unhealed trauma, whether it sits silently in the pews or shows up in church conflict. And the sad reality is that people with unhealed trauma rarely find help within the church. Most healing journeys are not only started outside the church but remain there. Let’s change this! Join us as we dive into a difficult conversation that’s both messy and beautiful. Listen in for steps to welcome, receive, and journey with those recovering from trauma, including:Understanding what trauma looks like and how prevalent it is in your own churchHow healing from trauma is a deeply spiritual practice and how we can create safe spacesWhat Post-Traumatic Spiritual Growth is and how it adds value to your church communityThe importance of growing in our own healing and having connections with others who understand traumaConnect with Janyne McConnaughey:https://www.janyne.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: https://smallchurchministry.com/network/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/

Oct 10, 2023 • 30min
093: How One Small Church Turned Their Passion For Foster Families Into Statewide Impact & Community Partnerships
When I hear stories of small churches having incredible community impact, I can’t wait for you to hear too. Today’s guest, Adre Hurst, shares how one person’s passion for helping foster families led to statewide involvement with area churches and community organizations joining the effort.Throughout this interview you’ll hear the story of Coalition Church in Supulpa, Oklahoma along with simple steps that could be a model for your next community outreach idea:One person has a passion and shares it.Coalition Church leadership asks, “How can we help?”They look at the gifts in their church family and put together a plan.They follow the plan.Lives are changed.Community organizations and other churches see the impact and offer to help.Coalition Chuch accepts their help, forming partnerships & deepening relationships.More lives are changed. It’s yet another story of a small church doing big things! Be encouraged.Connect with Adre Hurst:https://www.facebook.com/TheCoalitionChurch/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/membershipGet 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/

Oct 3, 2023 • 38min
092: Small Church Pastors: Shared Expectations, Support, & The Truth About Why They Aren’t Great At Everything
If you’ve ever been frustrated with the pastor, you’re not alone! If you’re the pastor and you’ve been frustrated with the congregation, that’s a familiar story too. Here’s the great news: although it’s common, it does not have to be your story, and it’s certainly not God’s design. In today’s episode, Pastor Mark Muckler of Harvest Stone Ministries shares critical steps to get on the same page and serve together as the body of Christ. Listen in to hear:4 critical pastoral responsibilities and what they actually do the rest of the weekHow the work of the church extends far beyond the pastor and why they can’t do it aloneSpecific ways to support your pastor and help keep them serving in health and with longevityConnect with Mark Muckler:Harvest Stone Ministries - https://www.harveststoneministries.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: 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/

Sep 26, 2023 • 56min
091: Christmas Edition | Easy Tips For Set-Up And Decor That Draw People In To Experience God (Not Just Learn About Him)
Listen in for a behind-the-scenes peek into one of our quarterly conferences for small churches, and learn how much your church environment matters. Whether or not you consider yourself a creative, God created each and every one of us to be influenced by light, sound, color, texture, taste, and smell. When it comes to Christmas (or any season!), learn how simple changes in your narthex, worship center, or Sunday School rooms can deepen your ministry impact by invoking curiosity and wonder, and deepening the experience for all. In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Quit decorating & create unforgettable experiences instead Consider how to involve all 5 senses for more memorable and deeper learningIdentity and use what you have for incredible ministry at a lower costEmbrace the less-is-more principle to keep people firstRate, 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: 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/

Sep 19, 2023 • 39min
090: Effective Outreach: Moving From Programs & Events To Outreach As A Lifestyle | with Ebonie Mukasa
If you’re looking for effective outreach ideas for your small church, join me as I talk with Ebonie Mukasa of Experience Church International in Miami, Florida. While some might define effective outreach as bringing people into your local church, Ebonie defines effective outreach as taking the church out to the world. She shares how teaching outreach as a lifestyle in your small church will change the people in your congregation from the inside out, erupting with kindness and living out the character of Christ.Listen in to hear: Why genuine outreach is always personalThe importance of giving without expecting something in returnHow to liberate yourself to serve freely and trust God with the resultsGet a FREE ticket to A Small Church Christmas Conference >> http://smallchurchsummits.com/Connect with Ebonie Mukasa:https://www.experiencechurchintl.org/https://www.eboniemukasa.com/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: 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/

Sep 12, 2023 • 40min
089: Teaching Children In Smaller Settings & The Power Of Object Lessons | With Anne Marie Gosnell
Teaching children in smaller settings can be tough, whether you’re a trained educator or brand new to the position. In this episode, we unpack solutions to some specific challenges of teaching smaller numbers and mixed ages all in one space. Joining us for the conversation is Anne Marie Gosnell. Anne Marie is a beloved author, speaker, educator, mentor, and ministry leader. In addition to formal titles and roles she’s held throughout 30+ years of ministry, she’s also been dubbed “The Object Lesson Queen” by many of her followers!Listen in to hear about: Specific challenges & solutions when teaching in smaller settingsThe small church benefit of individualizing conversations and lessonsThe best tips for amazing object lessons (& where to find them!)Get a FREE ticket to A Small Church Christmas Conference >> http://smallchurchsummits.com/Connect with Anne Marie Gosnell:https://www.futureflyingsaucers.com/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: 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/

Sep 5, 2023 • 40min
088: Secrets & Strategies To Avoid Ministry Burnout This Christmas
Lots of people in small churches are anticipating a stressful Christmas. Between family and friends as well as work and church, the pressures and the to-dos can seem overwhelming. But it does not need to be so! If you want to get off the rollercoaster this year and experience a little more peace during the holidays this year, listen in to hear:5 strategies to avoid holiday burnout this yearWhy “combine and conquer” works better than “divide and conquer” in smaller churches8 personal habits to start practicing now for healthier ministry in DecemberWhy pausing is a lot more productive than you thinkGet your FREE ticket to A Small Church Christmas Conference >> https://smallchurchsummits.com/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: 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/

Aug 29, 2023 • 35min
087: The Power Of A Small Church Christmas: Do These 3 Things (No Burnout Required)
Whether you’re used to running ragged in your small church at Christmastime – or maybe your church family takes a step back into more quietness – this episode is for you.Listen in to hear why we need to enter the Christmas season with more intention and also with great expectation!Not only is Christmas one of the biggest celebrations for Jesus-followers, but the world’s celebration of Christmas also opens opportunities for us to share Christ’s love in unique ways at Christmastime.Let’s not miss it!Listen in to hear:Why the world’s take on Christmas actually leads to opportunityHow scaling back isn’t the only solution to holiday burnout3 things to do this Christmas to increase your church impactGet on the waitlist for A Small Church Christmas Conference >> https://smallchurchsummits.com/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: 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/