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
Jan 7, 2026 • 20min
Time To Reflect - Episode 430
January can feel like a drifting month for church leaders, but it’s packed with potential. The hosts dive into the importance of reflection and overcoming common barriers like rushed schedules. They discuss how even growing churches can benefit from honest assessments to prevent burnout. Redefining success based on the church life cycle offers fresh momentum and strategies. Practical tips, like scheduling dedicated meetings and using objective metrics, equip leaders to make the most of January and set the stage for a fruitful year ahead.
Dec 31, 2025 • 28min
Hot Topics: Gen Z - Episode 429
Chris Allen, Executive Pastor at CenterPoint Church, dives into the captivating world of Gen Z. He reveals that this generation is more engaged with church than ever before, yet their spiritual journeys are unique. Chris emphasizes the importance of authenticity in ministry, cautioning against superficial trends. He shares insights on the rise of community demand for genuine mentorship and the need for cross-generational connection. With rising spiritual hunger, knowing how to build trust and belonging is vital for church leaders aiming to resonate with this dynamic group.
Dec 24, 2025 • 36min
Hot Topics: AI - Episode 428
Paul Alexander, Executive Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church, and Mika Casey, Executive Director of IT at the same church, dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and ministry. They discuss how AI can streamline tasks like content generation and social media, freeing staff for more personal interactions. Paul highlights that embracing technology helps churches adapt, while Mika shares AI's potential for enhancing pastoral care. Together, they emphasize the importance of authentic human connections in the age of AI, making it clear that this technology should support, not replace, ministry efforts.
Dec 17, 2025 • 23min
Hot Topics: Burnout - Episode 427
In this engaging discussion, Jimmy McLeod, Lead Pastor of First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio, shares his personal journey through burnout and how the pressures of ministry multiplied during COVID. He reveals essential self-assessment techniques, like evaluating joy and relationships, to detect burnout early. Jimmy explains the ripple effects of a leader's exhaustion on church culture and offers practical recovery steps, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and spiritual rhythms for lasting health in ministry.
Dec 10, 2025 • 19min
Hot Topics: Christmas - Episode 426
December is hectic in the church world, and leaders are buzzing about Christmas services. A lively discussion unfolds about who these services should target: guests, regulars, or both. Nostalgia wins as traditional music is favored over flashy presentations. Last-minute prep tips are shared to welcome guests better, while planning for the new year is emphasized. Personal stories and humor can build trust and transition smoothly into January’s themes. Lastly, they caution against overdoing announcements or excluding newcomers in the festive language.
8 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 21min
The Five Crucial Qualities of a Campus Pastor - Episode 425
Discover the vital traits that make a campus pastor successful in a multi-site church. Amy and Sean discuss how these leaders must embody the church's DNA and excel in communication. They emphasize the importance of relational leadership and the ability to inspire volunteers. Self-motivation and a results-driven mindset are also crucial for delivering on campus goals. Tune in for insightful tips on hiring the right leader to enhance your church's impact!
12 snips
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.
32 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.
