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 In Part 2 of our series, Amy and Sean explore how churches can move beyond outdated vision-setting approaches to create more focused, time-bound visions that actually drive change.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.

Growing churches face unique challenges that are both predictable and complex. Leaders must navigate staffing issues, integrate new members, and manage volunteer dynamics. The discomfort of expansion is real, highlighting the need for proactive strategies. Self-awareness and nurturing potential leaders become essential as attendance rises. Engaging volunteers and addressing people-related concerns are crucial for sustainable growth. The rewarding yet tough journey of church leadership unfolds during these important discussions.

Explore the latest trends in multisite churches with insights from over 100 congregations, revealing attendance growth and strategic planning. Discover the importance of volunteer leadership for healthy church dynamics and the key components for launching new campuses successfully. Learn how to establish a unified theology of generosity across locations and examine effective budgeting strategies. Delve into the intricacies of multi-site models and the benefits of a consistent campus structure for successful expansion.

Aaron Bennett, Pastor at Stonecreek Church in Milton, GA, shares his expertise on enhancing church engagement through online services. He discusses the challenges churches face in transitioning online without losing their local mission focus. Quality broadcasts and engaging content are key for attracting both live and online audiences. The conversation further explores the integration of digital and in-person ministries, emphasizing the power of storytelling and genuine connections to foster community and spiritual growth.

Discover how to assess the effectiveness of weekend church services. Enjoy tips on systematic evaluation and the significance of feedback for church growth. A Millennial pastor shares insights on improving newcomers' experiences. The conversation highlights the potential of structured meetings to guide spiritual journeys. Learn how leadership plays a key role in creating quality weekend experiences. Plus, explore strategies for enhancing service delivery, especially as churches expand to multiple sites.

How do you engage both church insiders and outsiders with your teachings? This discussion dives into balancing relatable messages that resonate across diverse audiences. Practical coaching tips reveal the importance of clarity and collaboration in crafting impactful sermons. Insights from Pastor Carlos Ortiz shed light on delivering transformative teachings with authenticity and humor. The emphasis is on turning every message into a powerful tool for real-life application, ensuring that church teachings foster genuine transformation.