The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson

A strategic leader discusses the essential role of family ministry in church leadership. The conversation dives into the importance of adapting to modern parenting and building genuine relationships with younger generations. Technology's role in children's ministry is explored, showcasing its potential to engage youth while keeping strong theological foundations. There’s a focus on creating transparent church environments to foster community and safety. Lastly, the impact of family ministry leaders on church growth and attracting young families is highlighted.

Creating dynamic environments for kids' ministry is vital in connecting with families. Justyn Smith shares insights from over two decades of experience, focusing on innovative design to engage the next generation. He emphasizes crafting a lasting mission-driven atmosphere rather than frequent redesigns. Post-pandemic, there's a fresh perspective on children's ministry, highlighting belonging and memorable experiences akin to Disney's storytelling. Ultimately, cultivating a thriving ministry involves fostering a supportive atmosphere and empowering volunteers for impactful engagement.

Amy Anderson, a collaborator with Tony Morgan, brings her expertise in church leadership and family ministry to the discussion. They tackle the issue of who is really accountable when attendance dips among kids. The focus shifts to the crucial role of church leadership in creating environments that attract young families. Strategies for engaging multigenerational support, integrating kids' ministry within services, and the necessity of inclusive programming are explored. A compelling case for prioritizing next-gen ministries is presented, emphasizing their impact on community growth.

In a heartfelt tribute, Sean, Tiffany, and Amy honor Tony Morgan, a beloved leader known for his dedication to Jesus and his church. They express their shock over his sudden passing and share personal anecdotes that underline his empowering leadership and love for his family. The discussion touches on Tony's profound impact on the church community, as well as plans for a celebratory service that encourages attendees to share memories. This poignant reflection serves as a reminder of his legacy and the lasting influence he had on those around him.

The discussion highlights the recent surge in millennial church attendance and the critical role of young families in church vitality. Listeners learn about effective strategies for leaders to engage this demographic by addressing their unique needs and challenges. The complexities of modern parenting are explored, particularly the influence of technology. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of building multi-generational communities within churches and creating welcoming environments that nurture faith and transform future church experiences.

Discover eye-opening trends from nearly 400 churches in the latest report on church health and dynamics. There's a noteworthy 17% increase in weekly attendance and a 32% rise in online service views. Explore the surprising financial insights, where declining churches see higher giving per capita. Dive into the key differences between growing and plateauing congregations, focusing on outreach strategies, worship styles, and digital engagement. This analysis is a treasure trove for church leaders aiming to adapt and thrive.

Beau Johnson from The Table Group joins the conversation, bringing expertise on organizational health in churches. He emphasizes how recognizing individual strengths can combat stagnation and improve leadership dynamics. The discussion highlights the importance of trust and collaboration within staff teams. Beau introduces the Working Genius assessment, which helps identify talents to enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Ultimately, the talk revolves around building healthy church cultures that foster unity and impactful community growth.

Our data consistently contradicts the broader trends of declining religious affiliation and church engagement in our country. In fact, we personally know many churches that are experiencing major momentum right now—in terms of attendance, engagement, professions of faith, giving and all kinds of metrics of church health. Clearly, there's something different about the churches that are part of our tribe. So, in the final episode of the series, we're going to share a few other things that make a church unstuck—more things those churches have in common. 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/episode362. This episode is brought to you by The Six Types of Working Genius: Working Genius is the fastest way to increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease turnover on your team. It takes ten minutes to discover the work that gives you joy and energy, and the work that is leading to staff burnout. Take the assessment. Discuss your results. Engage the geniuses of the people around you. Get started today: Use code UNSTUCKWG for 20% off at workinggenius.com. 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.

Discover how some churches are thriving despite the overall decline in religious participation. Learn about the clear vision and mission-driven strategies that set these successful congregations apart. Hear insights on intentional church programming and how community engagement can transform a church's impact. Evaluate key strategies for church leaders to assess vitality and tackle growth challenges. Explore real-life examples that illuminate the path from stagnation to revitalization!

Alan Cooperman, a representative from the Pew Research Center specializing in religious participation data, shares surprising insights into church attendance trends. Contrary to the common belief of decline, recent studies show a 17% year-over-year increase among certain churches. The discussion also explores the growing demographic of 'nuns,' individuals identifying as religiously unaffiliated, and the nuanced nature of their beliefs. Cooperman emphasizes the need for church leaders to adapt engagement strategies to connect with this evolving group in American spirituality.