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
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.
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.
