The Small Church Ministry Podcast

In this episode, ministry veteran Becky Sargent calls out the truth that more events do not equal more ministry and that choosing an event’s purpose is the first step to more ministry impact. Becky shares her thoughts on small churches, effective ministry, reaching your community, and more. Listen in for:Tips to serve your community with no strings attachedHow developing a reputation of loving your community leads to deep ministry returnIdeas for purpose-filled event evaluations with leaders, volunteers, and event attendeesConnect with Becky: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry/Read more about Becky’s community yard sale: Host A Community Yard Sale To Serve Your NeighborsRate, 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/

While formalized care teams can be great, there’s no replacement for care that’s authentic and organic. So often we see needs, but we stumble in our efforts or are held back by discomfort or fear of saying the wrong thing. What if there were a way to overcome the obstacles and help others do the same? Kari Bartkus, author of Courageous Care, joins us in this episode to share how.Listen in to hear:Why caring well is one of the biggest gifts a small church offersThat each of us - no matter what personality - is designed to care wellThe 5 biggest obstacles that hold us back from caringWhy showing up is more important than knowing what to saySpecific steps to move past fear and discomfortConnect with Kari Bartkus: http://lovedoesthat.org/care 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/

In this episode, I’m tackling 9 of the most recent questions popping up in our community of small churches Listen in for quick, practical tips and new strategies to overcome some of your current challenges. You don’t need to keep living the same Sunday over and over again. Join thousands of other small churches in being the change you want to see!How to move people from tasks to teamsWhat to do when you want a ministry that your church doesn’t haveHow to get your own volunteer job descriptionThoughts on how to be happy in a church when you’re not feeling itWhat to do when you know better than your ministry leaderHow to find your personal calling in your small churchStrategies to lead when others don’t want changeTips to remember names and why it’s importantHow to get younger families involved when your congregation is agingRate, 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/

Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast with an exclusive interview with Maggie Dupree. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Maggie’s had a front-row seat to small church ministry since the day she was born. Now serving as a partner in the world’s largest support organization for small churches, she brings a wealth of talent, wisdom, and perspective to small churches across the globe. We’ll be sharing:How the strongest teams represent different passions, personalities, and talentsThree of our most successful strategies and how they apply to your ministry tooWhy young adults are gravitating more and more to smaller churchesRate, 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/

One of the things people love about small churches is that they feel like family. But is that always such a great thing? Sometimes families have really poor relational skills - and sadly, that can be the norm in many churches too. But we can do better. Listen in to hear 5 steps and specific skills to learn to maintain great relationships even when you disagree. We’ll be answering questions like: How can I share my opinion without starting an argument?How do I talk kindly when I’m so angry?Is there a way to disagree and not end up feeling polarized?What do I do when they don’t listen to me?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/

Too many volunteers and ministry leaders are serving on the edge of burnout. Shannon Carroll, co-author of One Thing Remains, shares her family’s dramatic journey through burnout that resulted in her husband losing over a decade of memories. Listen in to hear her story plus practical tips to recognize the signs and make a change before it really is too late. This episode is for all pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers - for yourself and for those with whom you serve.  Check out our burnout recovery courses: https://smallchurchministry.com/burnoutrecoverycourses/Connect with Shannon Carroll:https://shannonlcarroll.com/one-thing-remains/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/

If you’ve experienced God at work, you know that transformation doesn’t always happen in big crowds and that impact doesn’t always equal attendance. However, in our modern church culture sometimes even the most beautiful Kingdom wins gets dwarfed by the conversation of who didn’t come. Measuring ministry success by numbers alone is far from Biblical and yet it’s widely practiced. If you want to learn an alternative way to measure success without throwing numbers to the wayside, listen in.In this episode, we’ll talk about … Why eliminating numbers isn’t the goal, but changing the emphasis isThe power of sharing heart stories and how to ask the right questions to get thereA free resource that can help the focus shift from attendance to transformationGet the free 6-session Untapped Study and check out the ministry training course bundles at resources.smallchurchministry.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/

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/

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/

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/