The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson

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.

Discover the art of crafting sermon series that resonate with both church-goers and newcomers. The conversation covers strategic planning, emphasizing intentionality and teamwork to enhance engagement. Learn how personal invitations play a key role in growing church communities, and explore practical tips for boosting financial sustainability. Hear insights from industry leaders on improving weekend services and the impact of creating memorable experiences. Get ready to elevate your church’s outreach and connection!

Weekend Quality Check (Part 1) - We're hearing it from churches across the country: More and more people are showing up on the weekend, and it's really encouraging. When you have that kind of momentum, it's easy to start coasting. It's easy to stop noticing what needs attention, which is why now is a really good time for a quality check. Weekend quality is about more than creative excellence, though; it's about how well you leverage that time to engage both insiders and outsiders. So, in this series, we are going to share some practical ways you can up the quality of your weekend planning, preparation and execution—to steward the momentum if you have it or to spark it if you don't. In the first episode, Amy and Sean talk about common issues we see with the way churches prepare (or don't prepare) for guests and share some solutions. We also interview Pastor Mark Johnson from The Journey in Delaware, a church we've served for years that sets a high bar in how they prepare for first-time guests. 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/episode368. This Episode is Sponsored by Horizons Stewardship Did you know many capable households contribute more to their favorite charity than their local church? This trend is putting a significant financial strain on churches everywhere. That's why Horizons and The Unstuck Group have joined forces to create "The Financial Sustainability Crisis," a guide designed to help you tackle these ongoing financial challenges. In this invaluable resource, you'll discover practical strategies to: Effectively budget and manage your financial resources Connect your giving to your discipleship journey Identify ways to ensure your ministry plan is fully funded Don't let financial challenges hold you back from realizing your God-inspired vision. Download "The Financial Sustainability Crisis" today at horizons.net/fundministry. Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.