The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson

Phil Taylor, a branding and storytelling expert from Plain Joe Studios, joins the conversation to unpack the nuances of outreach for churches. They discuss effective communication with outsiders, stressing the importance of building genuine relationships beyond church walls. With practical strategies, they explore how clear branding can transform church engagement, making spaces inviting for newcomers. The discussion emphasizes actionable steps churches can take to enhance their outreach and foster meaningful connections with the community.

We’re getting into that busy back-to-school and ministry ramp-up season. If you have communication issues as a ministry, they will start showing up big time this time of year.  When it comes to church communication, most leaders just try to reach everyone. But the truth is, you actually have two distinct audiences: insiders and outsiders.  This week, we’re talking about your communication with your insiders—your congregation.  In this episode, Amy caught up with Blue Van Dyke at Studio C. They talked about the need for churches to get better at communicating with insiders (especially at large churches where it can go so wrong) and shared practical ways it can get better.    This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center Do the visitors at your church know exactly where to go and what to do when they visit for the first time? If you’re struggling to keep your church organized and connected, you need to check out Planning Center. Planning Center is the all-in-one church management software to  help you solve your church’s administrative challenges. You can easily do things like track first-time guests, manage volunteer schedules and create ways for your congregation to get involved—all using a single platform. If you need a check-in system, event signups or an online giving solution, Planning Center can help you nurture your community and keep people connected. Visit planningcenter.com to get started for free.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

As the ministry season ramps up in August, churches face unique communication challenges. With families overloaded by messages from schools and other organizations, engaging congregants becomes critical. The discussion highlights the importance of clear internal communication among staff to foster alignment and collaboration. Strategies for enhancing meeting effectiveness and the role of technology in improving communication are also explored. Practical tips are offered to help church leaders build a healthier church culture and streamline team processes.

Noah Herrin, the lead pastor of Way Church in Nashville, shares insights on engaging Gen Z and Millennials through community building. He highlights the importance of creating spaces for young adults to discover their gifts and build trust within church communities. Noah emphasizes new strategies for combating loneliness, using social media effectively, and fostering genuine relationships. With practical tips on service involvement and data-driven church health assessments, this conversation is all about helping younger generations find meaning and purpose in their faith.

This discussion dives into the paradox of churches being both understaffed and overstaffed. It highlights the emotional toll on ministry teams and offers strategies for aligning staffing with church vision. Real stories reveal the challenges of burnout tackled by multi-site churches. Tools for effective evaluation of staffing structures are shared, with an emphasis on meaningful assessments over quick fixes. Listeners gain insights into improving team dynamics and addressing staffing imbalances for healthier church leadership.

Discover how to turn weekend services into welcoming front doors for newcomers. Learn effective guest services strategies that enhance accessibility and connection. Explore the importance of digital outreach and major holiday events for attracting first-time visitors. Delve into creative approaches for engaging audiences during traditional church holidays. Find out practical tips for improving the visitor experience, including clear signage and intentional follow-up processes to foster lasting community connections.

Explore the often-overlooked people challenges churches face during growth. Discover strategies for effective staffing and volunteer engagement, while balancing leadership responsibilities. Learn how self-awareness and team dynamics can drive successful ministry transitions. Hear about the importance of integrating new members and cultivating relationships within the congregation. Finally, delve into actionable tactics for enhancing volunteerism and ensuring a supportive church environment.

Doug Dameron, the Lead Pastor at Orchard Church in Brighton, Colorado, shares insights on refining engagement processes for new church attendees. He reveals how they've utilized data-driven strategies to create effective next steps that boost retention rates. Doug discusses the importance of understanding audience needs and employing innovative engagement methods, including digital solutions, to foster community connections. His experiences highlight the balance between evangelism and spiritual growth, making it essential for churches to evaluate their performance.

Church leaders often face fears that stall growth, but shifting mindset can ignite change. Honest decision-making and engaging the congregation are vital for fostering a transformative vision. Transparent communication and team collaboration help navigate program evaluations for better outreach. Courage is essential in stewardship, especially when ending programs to honor past contributions. Finally, embracing change is crucial as ministries evolve; celebrating past achievements fuels the courage to pursue new directions for impactful growth.

Explore the challenges of leading a church in maintenance mode, especially when it comes to adjusting your leadership approach. Discover the importance of transitioning from individual leadership to collaborative teams for fostering growth. Senior pastors are reminded of their core responsibilities like vision casting and cultural setting. The conversation highlights essential mindset shifts, such as embracing tension and the power of delegation, to lead effectively through change. Gain insights on managing resistance and empowering others for a revitalized ministry.