

Practical Church
Dylan Dodson
Practical church exists to give you practical tips, advice, and encouragement when it comes to leading and growing healthy churches. Whether you are interested in planting a church, are in the process of planting a church, or just want to learn more about building healthy churches, you’ve come to the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 19, 2022 • 34min
PCP 259: 7 Tips For Leading Those Older Than You
All of us in ministry lead people older than us. The younger you are, the more intimidating this can be. In this episode, we share with you seven tips on how to better lead those older than you. Welcome to episode 259 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the seven tips we discuss in this episode: Your age is a bigger deal to you than to them Cool and hip isn't a positive Be conscious of what you wear Credibility takes time The age and stage of your church impacts initial trust It's ok to simply ask questions and listen Genuinely think you can learn from those older than you CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Jan 12, 2022 • 31min
PCP 258: 6 Church Metrics That Show Engagement
In a time when church involvement continues to shift, how can we know if we are actually engaging our people well? In this episode, we share six church metrics you can track that show if your people are engaged with your church. Welcome to episode 258 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the six metrics we discuss in this episode: Group attendance Giving units Giving unit average Number of unique people who served in a month Connect cards received Tracking attendance/metrics at any consistent non-Sunday service you do CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Jan 5, 2022 • 44min
PCP 257: 9 2022 Church Predictions
As we begin a new year, we are back with our second annual church predictions. In this episode, we share 9 predictions for 2022. Welcome to episode 256 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the predictions we discuss in this episode: Churches that engage their people the best during the week will see the most numerical growth Growth in giving will outpace growth in attendance Bible teaching will be more evangelistic than topical series/life skills help Online church focus will swing back to in-person gatherings Churches that prioritize an online presence will grow in person much more than those that do not Large numbers of pastors will continue to resign Simplified churches will engage people better than complex ones People will care more about community than what church has the best options for them The ability to grow is greater than the ability to shrink CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Dec 15, 2021 • 34min
PCP 256: Reflections On Our 2021 Church Predictions
As we come to the end of 2021, we look back on our 2021 church predictions. How did we fare? Find out in this episode. Welcome to episode 256 of Practical Church Planting. CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Dec 8, 2021 • 49min
PCP 255: 6 Types Of Online Content That Can Expand Your Reach
We all know engaging people online is important, but what are some of the best ways to do that? In this episode, we share six types of online content your church can create to reach more people. Welcome to episode 255 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the six types of content we discuss in this episode: Sermon Clip Bible in a minute Online Bible Study Bible characters/topics Bottom line graphic Facebook questions as a text post CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Dec 1, 2021 • 30min
PCP 254: 7 Measurements You Can Use To Make Disciples
We all want to help people grow closer to Jesus, but how can we know whether or not that is happening? In this episode, we share seven different ways you can know whether or not disciples are being made in your church. Welcome to episode 254 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the seven measurements we discuss in this episode: Groups Financial giving Attendance Bible reading plans Serving Membership Anything you want to do that you can track CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Nov 17, 2021 • 30min
PCP 253: 4 Key Things New Churches Need To Have In Place
There are a lot of things needed when planting a church, but are some of the most important things? In this episode, we share 4 in particular that new churches need in order to be healthy. Welcome to episode 253 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the four key things we discuss in this episode: Discipleship plan Outside counsel Elder process Church Budget CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Nov 10, 2021 • 31min
PCP 252: 6 Reasons People Will Stop Coming To Your Church
We all know the discouragement of people no longer coming to our churches. In this episode, we share six reasons in particular that often lead to people no longer coming (and what you can do about it). Welcome to episode 252 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the six reasons we discuss in this episode: The preaching is not engaging They are not welcomed They are not followed up with There is no energy in your service You meet at a non-ideal time People feel guilted or obligated to do things CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Nov 3, 2021 • 33min
PCP 251: 6 Common Mistakes Churches Make
Mistakes are bound to happen, but what about ones that are easily avoidable? In this episode, we share six common mistakes churches make. Welcome to episode 251 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the six mistakes we discuss in this episode: Non-geographically targeted Facebook ads Not uploading separate, sermon only video Not updating their website Not giving people time to turn in their Bible's Thinking free is cheaper than spending money Not taking advantage of "big" days CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.

Oct 27, 2021 • 37min
PCP 250: 6 Tips For Staff Support Raising
Healthy additional staff raise support to join your church's staff is a great way to grow your staff team and help you build a healthy church. Welcome to episode 250 of Practical Church Planting. Here are the six tips we discuss in this episode: Ask people to raise support Avoid giving all responsibilities away until full support is raised Raise support for full time or part time, but make it clear Set a clear end date Use a 3rd party service Be prepared to answer questions from your congregation CONNECT AND NEVER MISS AN EPISODE Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get practical tips delivered right to you. For free resources to help you plant a church that thrives, check out practicalplanting.com. You can also watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel. Have questions or want encouragement from other church planters? Join the Practical Church Planting Facebook group.