We’re wrapping up our series on church staffing oxymorons by tackling perhaps the most challenging one yet: the perfect staff structure for never. Many churches find themselves caught in a structure that doesn’t work for today’s needs and definitely won’t support tomorrow’s vision. It’s that nagging feeling that something’s off—workloads are uneven, decision-making is unclear and leadership gaps are widening. In Part 3, Sean and Amy explore why churches get stuck in ineffective structures and, more importantly, how to build a staff model that works for the present and the future. Listen as they share practical metrics to assess your current situation and strategic steps to move toward a healthier organizational structure. This Episode is Brought to You By Planning Center: Planning Center is an all-in-one toolkit to organize and run your ministries. And what is a ministry without volunteers? Planning Center helps you build a sustainable and balanced volunteer schedule that aligns ministry needs with people’s availability. Then, you can connect with your team using chat, where you can coordinate ministry details, make announcements, and engage in fun conversations with your teammates. Get started for free at planningcenter.com. Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

In Part 2 of our church staffing series, Sean and Amy tackle another challenging oxymoron: having the right wrong people on your team. In this episode, we unpack: How to assess your current staff leaders beyond basic performance metrics Understanding the four levels of leadership capacity (10s, 50s, 100s, 1000s) The importance of evaluating roles separately from the people in them Tools and assessments for understanding staff wiring and capacity Plus, we discuss the value of outside perspective when making tough staffing decisions, share practical next steps for leaders and explain how to avoid creating the same challenges in future hiring. We also address the personal growth needed from senior leaders to build and maintain healthy staff structures. This Episode is Brought to You By Planning Center: Planning Center is an all-in-one toolkit to organize and run your ministries. And what is a ministry without volunteers? Planning Center helps you build a sustainable and balanced volunteer schedule that aligns ministry needs with people’s availability. Then, you can connect with your team using chat, where you can coordinate ministry details, make announcements, and engage in fun conversations with your teammates. Get started for free at planningcenter.com.

The hosts dive into the peculiar dilemma of churches feeling both understaffed and overstaffed. They share insights into the emotional toll this paradox takes on staff and ministry effectiveness. Listeners learn about the necessity of data-driven assessments and the importance of true leaders in leadership roles. Strategic frameworks and real church examples provide practical guidance for evaluating staffing dynamics. The episode emphasizes using objective data for informed decision-making while offering valuable tools to improve team structures.

The '90s called again, and they want their 3-ring binder back. In Part 4 of our series, Sean and Amy explore: Why documenting a strategy isn't the same as creating aligned action How churches sometimes use planning to avoid significant change The difference between treating symptoms vs. solving root problems What true organizational alignment looks like and why it matters Practical steps for moving from documentation to implementation Plus, they discuss how to assess whether your teams are truly aligned, share real examples of effective and ineffective alignment and provide guidance for leaders who want to create living, active ministry plans that drive results instead of static documents that collect dust.   This Episode is Brought to You By Planning Center: Planning Center is an all-in-one toolkit to organize and run your ministries. And what is a ministry without volunteers? Planning Center helps you build a sustainable and balanced volunteer schedule that aligns ministry needs with people’s availability. Then, you can connect with your team using chat, where you can coordinate ministry details, make announcements, and engage in fun conversations with your teammates. Get started for free at planningcenter.com.

Reflecting on the '90s, the hosts tackle how churches can move beyond superficial core values. They reveal why many traditional values become mere wall art and emphasize the importance of defining actionable behaviors. Leadership plays a crucial role in modeling these behaviors, fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration. Practical steps are shared for embedding values into church operations, highlighting the need for tangible, observable practices. There’s also a discussion on aligning team culture with genuine mission-driven actions.

The ‘90s called again, and they want their 10-year visions back. In Part 2 of our series, Amy and Sean explore how churches can move beyond outdated vision-setting approaches to create more focused, time-bound visions that actually drive change. In this episode, we discuss: Why the 10-year vision approach from the ‘90s no longer works in today’s fast-changing world How to start with identifying the core problem in your mission field before crafting a vision What makes a vision effective for the modern church (hint: it’s specific and time-bound) Practical examples of bold moves from real churches Plus, they’ll share key questions every church should ask when developing their vision and explain why getting crystal clear on the problem you’re trying to solve is essential for rallying your entire church body around a common purpose. This Episode Is Brought to You By PlainJoe: Unleash the power of your church’s story with PlainJoe, a Storyland Studio! Their creative, fun-loving team of designers, architects, and specialists will come alongside your church to help you excel in your storytelling—and reach the people who need you most. PlainJoe has expertise in strategic, spatial, and digital storytelling, from brand development to architecture, website design, and beyond. Learn more at plainjoe.net. Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.   

The '90s called, and they want their strategic planning process back. That binder that’s still on the shelf. The 10-year vision that has come and gone. So many churches are still doing vision, planning and strategy following an old playbook—a 30+ year-old playbook. Is there a more modern way to unify your church body around your vision? In this series, Amy and Sean will kick off 2025 by helping you learn a more nimble, actionable approach to planning and aligning your staff and church around a common purpose.  And in Part 1, they’re picking on church mission statements and sharing what makes more sense. For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at theunstuckgroup.com/episode378. This Episode Is Brought to You By PlainJoe: Unleash the power of your church’s story with PlainJoe, a Storyland Studio! Their creative, fun-loving team of designers, architects, and specialists will come alongside your church to help you excel in your storytelling—and reach the people who need you most. PlainJoe has expertise in strategic, spatial, and digital storytelling, from brand development to architecture, website design, and beyond. Learn more at plainjoe.net. Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.   

Reflecting on 2024, the hosts celebrate God’s faithfulness amidst highs and lows. They discuss the importance of adapting modern ministry strategies, especially as Easter approaches. Emotional moments are shared as they honor a late founder while looking towards the future. The achievements of churches are highlighted, showcasing growth despite challenges. The relaunch of online assessments is explored, aimed at boosting church leadership and health. A branding overhaul aims to empower pastors and ensure relevance in today's fast-changing landscape.

Discover the surprising logistical and structural hurdles that growing churches face. Learn how strategic planning and effective leadership development play vital roles in overcoming these challenges. Dive into real-life examples illustrating how the right systems can improve newcomer engagement and boost participation. Plus, find out how tools like Planning Center can streamline volunteer management and strengthen operations. Get ready to tackle growth with confidence!

As church leaders navigate growth, they often experience emotional highs and lows. The challenge of balancing momentum with congregational intimacy leads to staff burnout and personal stress. Understanding the grief cycle of change is essential for effective leadership. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in maintaining morale, as does the practice of gratitude and storytelling. Additionally, utilizing quantitative assessments helps evaluate staff health, ensuring a vibrant church community.