The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson
Amy Anderson
With THE UNSTUCK CHURCH PODCAST, we invite you into the real-time conversations our team is having about church leadership every week.
Hosted by Amy Anderson, this podcast explores common challenges in ministry and practical steps for tackling them. It's like getting to be a fly on the wall of our staff meetings.
Tune in weekly for:
Insights, observations and trends for church leaders from the Unstuck team.
Benchmarks in church growth and health from The Unstuck Group's work serving hundreds churches across North America each year.
Practical advice to help you lead your church towards sustained health.
We think that after listening to The Unstuck Church Podcast, you'll want to start these discussions with your own team at your next staff meeting.
Add your thoughts to the conversation on social media using #unstuckchurch.
Hosted by Amy Anderson, this podcast explores common challenges in ministry and practical steps for tackling them. It's like getting to be a fly on the wall of our staff meetings.
Tune in weekly for:
Insights, observations and trends for church leaders from the Unstuck team.
Benchmarks in church growth and health from The Unstuck Group's work serving hundreds churches across North America each year.
Practical advice to help you lead your church towards sustained health.
We think that after listening to The Unstuck Church Podcast, you'll want to start these discussions with your own team at your next staff meeting.
Add your thoughts to the conversation on social media using #unstuckchurch.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 26, 2025 • 25min
Figuring Out Multisite Strategies - Episode 424
Multisite strategies can effectively address growth complexities for churches. Discover how space limits and staffing issues drive the shift from single-site to multisite. Learn about the tension in expanding beyond a few locations and the hidden costs that arise. The importance of long-term planning is stressed, including using data forecasts for launches. Hear real examples of successful campus dynamics and why teaching models matter. Insights into mergers and their potential pitfalls add depth to the conversation.
11 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 24min
Scaling Up Your Systems - Episode 423
Many churches struggle with outdated systems that hinder growth. Key systems like guest follow-up and volunteer management often fail as churches expand. Understanding the difference between system issues and leadership problems is crucial. Recommendations include dedicating time to reassess systems and shifting responsibilities from technician to manager. Successful examples from Orchard Church showcase how redesigning processes can boost participation. Practical steps involve automating tasks and aligning systems with mission, ensuring churches can thrive sustainably.
17 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 37min
Structure & Finding Staff - Episode 422
Jonathan Smith, lead pastor of OneChurch.to and a key player in the Unstuck Group, dives into the challenges of staffing in growing churches. He discusses the importance of hiring strategic leaders and stresses cultivating talent from within the congregation. Jonathan shares his philosophy on hiring, emphasizing the need for clear role discussions and a focus on long-term employability. He advises against rushed decisions and highlights the importance of structured volunteer pathways to identify future staff. His insights aim to build a strong, mission-driven church team.
17 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 26min
How to Make Good Decisions About Space and Service Times - Episode 421
Leadership in a growing church can be complex. Discover the signs your church might be outgrowing its space, such as parking issues and kids' room limits. Learn why delaying capacity additions can harm growth and volunteer retention. Explore how to project future attendance and plan strategically with spreadsheets. Evaluate service times by considering critical mass and seating strategies. Hear practical examples of churches that successfully adjusted their service schedules. Gain insights into proactive planning with a mission-focused mindset.
Oct 29, 2025 • 30min
Hiring & Managing Gen Z Leaders (feat. Russ Ewell) - Episode 420
Russ Ewell, Executive Minister at Bay Area Christian Church, shares insights into the rising interest of Gen Z in church. He discusses how mental health and loneliness drive youth towards faith communities. Ewell emphasizes practical strategies for developing young leaders, including internships and hands-on training. He also warns against common mistakes like mismatching roles. His advice for pastors? Empower youth and cultivate mentorship. Ewell’s genuine stories reflect the importance of timing and fit in leadership development.
21 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 27min
How to Train Your Managers - Episode 419
Explore the challenges of developing managerial skills in church settings. Discover why many churches fail to train managers effectively and the common pitfalls they encounter. Learn how to balance performance with relationships and the core disciplines essential for manager development. Amy shares practical training formats and resources, such as shadowing and reading groups. Plus, identify the traits of well-trained managers and how to create sustainable development systems to foster success.
16 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 24min
Numbers Are Not the Enemy - Episode 418
Explore the surprising benefits of using numbers in church management, challenging the notion that they are impersonal. Discover how metrics can enhance ministry effectiveness and align teams with mission goals. Learn about distinguishing between lag and lead measures, with practical examples for implementation. Hear tips on overcoming resistance to metrics and fostering productive conversations within teams. Ultimately, see how metrics can serve as valuable tools to clarify objectives and celebrate successes in ministry.
28 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
Developing a Feedback Culture - Episode 417
Discover the vital role of feedback in fostering healthy church teams. Honest communication not only strengthens relationships but also boosts ministry effectiveness. Learn why some leaders shy away from giving feedback and the consequences that follow. The Johari Window reveals harmful blind spots within teams. Embrace feedback as a service, focusing on strengths while addressing gaps. Hear best practices for giving tailored feedback and the importance of modeling vulnerability. Equip yourself and your team for a thriving feedback culture!
12 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 36min
Management Versus Leadership - Episode 416
Lance Witt, founder of Replenish Ministries and author of "High-Impact Teams," joins to explore the vital relationship between management and leadership in churches. He discusses the misconception that management is inferior to leadership and emphasizes that effective management is essential for achieving goals. Witt offers insights on the balance between visionary leadership and operational execution, sharing valuable strategies for developing strong managers. He also highlights the importance of systems and delegation, drawing lessons from Exodus 18.
Sep 24, 2025 • 24min
Own Your Role: Breaking the MultiStuck Barrier - Episode 415
Multisite churches often hit a frustrating growth barrier known as the 'MultiStuck' barrier, particularly around the third campus. Excessive autonomy and too many programs can sap momentum and create complexity. Leaders are encouraged to audit their models, prune unnecessary initiatives, and ensure structural clarity. Pausing new launches to fix underlying issues before expanding can foster healthier growth. Each leader has a vital role in sustaining this momentum, focusing on vision and replicable strategies to move forward.
