The One Thing

Carla and Corey Matthews have been part of two church plant launch teams — not as planters or staff, but as everyday church members offering time, energy, and faith. In this episode, they share:Why they said yes (twice!) to joining a launch teamHow it shaped their spiritual livesWhat it’s really like to serve on a team from day oneThe costs and sacrifices of leaving a comfortable churchAnd why church plants need more than just plantersWhether you're curious about church planting or wondering how God might use you, this honest conversation is for you.Carla and Corey helped launch Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill, Sydney and Rouse Hill Anglican Church, Sydney.TOOLBOX:TOT 375 Learning from two new churches that launched in 2024Church Planting Australia PodcastOpportunities to PlantCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Planting a multisite church is like swimming in medium water. It’s a stretch—without the fear of drowning. Jade Hajj unpacks how planting Rockdale as a campus of Grace City has given him space to grow in ministry while being deeply supported by a strong team and solid structures.Highlights:A multisite plant offers training wheels without being a tricycleThe two main things for a multisite church to workJade's personal journeyWhy bootcamp was usefulTOOLBOXTOT 375 Learning from two new churches that launched in 2024Church Planting Australia PodcastGospel Workers QuestionnaireChurch Planters QuestionnaireMultisite workshop PlaylistCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by EA InsuranceThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Preparing the next generation for ministry is an important role for any gospel worker, but it can be hard to get started or not be distracted. The Ministry Training Strategy (MTS), as an entity, has honed their expertise to training the trainer. A part of that is expanding out the vision of what a MTS trainee can be. Clare, in particular, assisting trainers with considering hiring female apprentices.James Hoey is Director of Partnerships and Clare Merkel is Ministry Training for Women Partnership Developer.They are helping people to think about:VisionIncomeStrategyAdminTOOLBOX:The MTS websiteThe MTS Trainer PathwayEager to Serve by Ray GaleaCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by The Ministry Training StrategyThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Second chair leadership is someone who leads with influence without being the senior leader. Most church staff are second chair leaders, but it’s often misunderstood as waiting in the wings for primary leadership. Teams can flourish when this role is understood.Here are some questions we’ll be answering:What are the long term benefits of second chair roles?What attributes are vital in second chair leadership?What kind of training and/or coaching is needed for this role?Senior leaders, what can you implement?How does a culture of flexibility and support enhance effectiveness?TOOLBOX:Who is a Second Chair Leader by Jo GibbsLeading from the Second Chair by Bonem and PattersonHow to Lead When Your Boss Can’t (Or Won’t) by MaxwellHow to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by ScrogginsTeam Development ProgramCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by the Leadership Development ProgramThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

What can we do when the candidate pool is so shallow? While the pressure is on when you’re short staffed, you don’t want to compromise or take shortcuts. It involves prayer, planning and cultivating a positive church culture.It’s important to set realistic expectations about the process of developing team members.How long can recruitment take?What can the recruitment process look like?How can your church get involved in the recruitment process?How to utilise existing networks and relationships?What are some creative approaches to attract candidates?How to develop a process that’ll ensure future ministry leaders?How can a strong church culture make your teams appealing?TOOLBOX:Leadership pipeline ebookContact us about leadership cohortsSee the resources around youSee the resource in your churchCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Team Development ProgramThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Long weekends and public holidays can be a disruption to the rhythm of ministry through the year. How can we use them for the benefit of ministry?We ask:What is being celebrated and how does it affect what we do?How does my community celebrate and what does that mean for our ministry?Is this a time to lean forward into mission or lean back into rest?TOOL BOX:TOT 163 Easter 2021TOT 175 Anzac Day 2021The value of ANZAC Day (Andrew Heard) 2025 Long Weekends in Australia1. January 25–27: Australia Day- **Holiday**: Australia Day, Monday, January 27 (January 26 falls on a Sunday, so the public holiday shifts to Monday).- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, January 25 to Monday, January 27.- Observed nationwide.2. March 1–3: Labour Day (Western Australia)- **Holiday**: Labour Day, Monday, March 3.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, March 1 to Monday, March 3.- **Notes**: Applies to Western Australia only.3. March 8–10: Labour Day (Victoria)- **Holiday**: Labour Day, Monday, March 10.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, March 8 to Monday, March 10.- Applies to Victoria only.4. April 18–20: Good Friday- **Holiday**: Good Friday, Friday, April 18.- **Long Weekend**: Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20.- Notes: Observed nationwide. 5. April 19–21: Easter Monday- **Holiday**: Easter Monday, Monday, April 21.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, April 19 to Monday, April 21.- Observed nationwide. Combined with Good Friday, this often creates a four-day weekend (April 18–21) in most states.6. April 25–27: Anzac Day- **Holiday**: Anzac Day, Friday, April 25.- **Long Weekend**: Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27.- Observed nationwide. Always on April 25, regardless of the day of the week.7. May 3–5: May Day (Northern Territory)- **Holiday**: May Day, Monday, May 5.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5.- Applies to Northern Territory only.8. May 31–June 2: Western Australia Day (Western Australia)- **Holiday**: Western Australia Day, Monday, June 2.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2.- Applies to Western Australia only.9. June 7–9: King’s Birthday (Most Regions)- **Holiday**: King’s Birthday, Monday, June 9.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9.- Observed in most states and territories (except Queensland and Western Australia, which celebrate it later).10. August 2–4: Picnic Day (Northern Territory)- **Holiday**: Picnic Day, Monday, August 4.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, August 2 to Monday, August 4.- Applies to Northern Territory only.11. September 27–29: King’s Birthday (Western Australia)- **Holiday**: King’s Birthday, Monday, September 29.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, September 27 to Monday, September 29.- Applies to Western Australia only. Date may vary slightly by proclamation.12. October 4–6: King’s Birthday (Queensland)- **Holiday**: King’s Birthday, Monday, October 6.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, October 4 to Monday, October 6.- Applies to Queensland only.13. October 4–6: Labour Day (ACT, NSW, SA)- **Holiday**: Labour Day, Monday, October 6.- **Long Weekend**: Saturday, October 4 to Monday, October 6.- Applies to Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and South Australia only.14. December 25–28: Christmas Day and Boxing Day- **Holidays**: Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25; Boxing Day, Friday, December 26.- **Long Weekend**: Thursday, December 25 to Sunday, December 28.CREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Church management systems are increasingly becoming an essential part modern church ministry. Gavin Courtney discusses common mistakes in implementing systems like Church Suite, their limitations, and the future of church management technology.TOOL BOX:TOT 343 The Great Name Tag DebateTOT 344 Does Australia Need Another Church ManagementChurch Suite AustraliaCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Church SuiteThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Working out what sort of team you are is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team.Three types of teams:Shark tank - competitive teamsPetting zoo - too niceMediocracy - nothing happensWorking out what sort of team you haveNew peopleConflictReflecting on change and conflict as a teamWhat sort of team do you have?TOOLBOX:Harvard Business Review allows a limited number of articles to be downloaded for free.The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniSilos, Politics and Turf Wars by Patrick LencioniThe Politics of Ministry by Burns, Chapman and GuthriePolarization and the Healthier Church by Ronald RichardsonCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by the Team Development ProgramThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Derek and Pete talk with Paul Harrington at the new church planting campus of the Reach Australia National Conference 2025.  Multisite is an important concept in church planting and they dig into the concept and application for the Trinity Network in Adelaide.  TOOL BOX:Church Planter QuestionnaireWhy Plant ChurchesCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by Kidswise MasterclassThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library

Matt Gorton and Scruff chat about common mistakes in kids' ministry:Assuming biblical knowledgeUsing Christian jargon without explanationLack of visual engagementTrying to teach too much at onceNeglecting dramatic conflictMatt Gorton is the Creative Director of Quiz Worx, an organisation focused on sharing Jesus with kids, primarily through live puppet shows in schools.Their approach deliberately fills a gap, doing things most local churches can’t—like extensive show preparation, high-level puppetry, and engaging storytelling with theological depth.Puppets like Scruff play a crucial role by creating dramatic tension, challenging the human presenter, and asking the tough or silly questions kids might be too shy to ask. This keeps shows engaging and relatable while allowing clear gospel communication.TOOL BOX:Quiz WorxCREDITS:This episode was brought to you by  Kidswise MasterclassThe One Thing is brought to you by ⁠⁠Reach Australia⁠⁠To pray for Reach Australia, join our ⁠⁠WhatsApp Group⁠⁠For ideas or questions please email ⁠⁠resources@reachaustralia.com.au⁠⁠Support Reach Australia's online library