

unSeminary Podcast
Rich Birch
stuff you wish they taught in seminary.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 21, 2024 • 35min
From Vision to Reality: Crafting a Future Where More People Meet Jesus with Paul Alexander
Learn how church leaders can prioritize life change and help more people meet Jesus through strategic planning. Hear Paul Alexander discuss using data to make informed decisions, measuring life change with tangible metrics, and confronting reality. Explore the growth journey of Sun Valley Community Church and the importance of active partnership with God for impacting communities. Discover the significance of tracking guest to attender ratios for church growth and navigating strategic planning in churches.

8 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 1h
Leading Through Growth: Executive Pastor Roundtable with Jeremy Peterson, Kayra Montañez, & Jesse DeYoung
Join a panel of Executive Pastors as they share insights on innovative leadership, balancing growth with community, strategic leadership approaches, and the impact of digital platforms in church ministry. Learn about empowering volunteers, fostering connections, and driving growth through bold decisions and staff culture. Discover the critical role of mentorship in developing church leaders and strategies for managing growth post-COVID while promoting engagement and community within the church.

Mar 14, 2024 • 38min
Wonderful: Charting the Path to Fulfillment in a World Overflowing with Options with Travis Spencer
Thanks for joining the unSeminary podcast. Today we have with us Travis Spencer, the lead pastor at The Fields Church in Mattoon, Illinois. We’re talking with Travis about his book Wonderful: How to Live a Fulfilled Life in a Very Full World. Have you ever thought about writing a book? Tune in as Travis discusses […]

Mar 13, 2024 • 32min
Bridgetown’s Pivot from Livestream to Local: Kenny Jahng & Rich Birch Discuss
Bridgetown Church's bold move to cancel livestream services in favor of local engagement is discussed by Rich Birch and Kenny Jahng. They highlight the benefits of in-person community, reevaluate digital strategies post-pandemic, and weigh the pros and cons of this pivot. The discussion emphasizes the power of physical presence in fostering deeper connections within the local Portland community and the potential impact on evangelistic opportunities.

Mar 7, 2024 • 21min
Unlocking Generosity and Engagement: Key Takeaways from Church Growth Incubator Retreat
In today’s episode of the unSeminary podcast, we pull back the curtain on an extraordinary gathering that promises to revolutionize the way church leaders envision growth and community engagement. Fresh from the Church Growth Incubator retreat held at Mariner’s Church in Irvine, Southern California, we’re eager to share a treasure trove of wisdom that emerged […]

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
From Attendance to Engagement: Zach Interviews Rich About Transforming Your Church’s Growth Strategy
Zach Zehnder from Red Letter Living discusses church growth strategies with a focus on creating an invite culture and leveraging big events like Easter. They explore the financial strength of churches post-COVID and emphasize the importance of volunteerism for church expansion. The conversation also touches on utilizing 40-day challenges, enhancing Easter attendance, and driving community engagement through creative planning strategies.

Feb 28, 2024 • 13min
The Diffusion of Innovation Curve and Leading Change at Your Church
Exploring the Diffusion of Innovation Curve in church leadership, the podcast discusses the different segments of the curve and how leaders can navigate them. It emphasizes the importance of understanding where your congregation falls on the curve and crafting strategies to facilitate change effectively within the church community.

Feb 22, 2024 • 41min
FILO: Empowering Technical Artists in Your Church with Todd Elliott
Thanks for tuning in to the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re talking with Todd Elliott, a writer, speaker and audio engineer serving the local church. He’s also the founder of FILO: First In, Last Out, which is built around supporting technical artists who serve the local church. Do you ever feel like there is a disconnect […]

Feb 21, 2024 • 13min
Church Merger Tactic: Expanding Your Church’s Reach with “The Letter Method”
In today’s solo episode, I’m diving deep into a topic close to my heart and crucial for any growing or multi-site church considering expansion: church mergers. This isn’t just another growth strategy; it’s a pivotal approach that could significantly impact how we reach more people and foster an inviting church culture. The Growing Trend of […]

Feb 15, 2024 • 37min
From Downturn to Turnaround to Steady Growth in a Rural-ish Community with Joseph Berkobien
Join us as Joseph Berkobien, Lead Pastor of Frankenmuth Bible Church in Michigan, shares their story of transition, recovery, and intentional steps taken for growth. Discover the importance of stability, building a solid staff, and implementing small group ministry. Also, learn about the significance of casting a compelling vision for the future.