The Church Lobby

Karl Vaters interviews Leanne Friesen about grief. Specifically, how pastors, family members, and other caring people can help give people the room to process their grief when they go through a profound loss. Karl and Leanne also talk about how to process those feelings ourselves.Leanne is a former pastor and is the author of Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things after Death and Loss. She talks with wisdom and compassion about the difficult, but important principles she learned as she went through the death of her sister more than a decade ago.Links:Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things after Death and LossInstagram: @Grieving.Room and @leanne_friesenLeanneFriesen.comFacebook: A Little Bit of Grieving Room Bonus videoHow to Give People Room When They’re Not “Getting Over” Their Grief, with Leanne FriesenKarl Vaters interviews Leanne Friesen about one of the hardest aspects of grief – what happens when you can’t seem to “get over it” the way people seem to think you should?As Leanne explains, when a loved one dies, the ones who have lost them need room for grief to be a part of their lives for the rest of their life. By recognizing this, they can deal with it in a much healthier way.Links:Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things after Death and LossTo get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

Karl Vaters talks with Darrell Stetler about a new AI program Darrell has created, called Sermon Illustrator.After a short introduction to what AI is, and some of the advantages and dangers of using it, they narrow in on this tool that helps pastors with a very specific task – finding illustrations (stories, metaphors, historical events, and so on) that can give your well-prepared sermon a story, a photo, a video, or another illustration that will help your content connect in a memorable way.Podcast Links:Sermon IllustratorGet the AI Training Course ($27 offer for podcast listeners!)Ep 038: A Discipleship Strategy Small Churches Can Actually FollowEp 084: Second was Trunk-or-Treat, with Darrell Stetler Also from Darrell Stetler:NewStart Discipleship curriculumFree New believer Bible reading plan (1 Page PDF)Free audiobook on discipling your childrenFree NewStart Discipleship Journal: A 54-page discipleship Bible study for new Christians.Free one-hour discipleship training workshopFree 23 Page Planning Guide with Trunk or Treat Ideas for ChurchesThe Gospel Trunk or Treat Planning SystemSocial media:facebook.com/darrellstetler2facebook.com/newstartdiscipleshipyoutube.com/@newstartdiscipleshiptwitter.com/newstartdiscBonus ContentSome Strengths and Dangers of Using AI for Sermon Prep, with Darrell StetlerKarl Vaters interviews Darrell Stetler about what AI is good for, and some of the dangers AI poses, specifically when it comes to prepping Sunday sermons. To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

In this engaging discussion, Luke Simmons, Pastor of Ironwood Church in Mesa, AZ, shares his innovative plan to connect with 1,000 church members through one-on-one coffee meetings. He dives into the challenges and strategies of maintaining intimacy in a large congregation while fostering discipleship and fellowship. Luke emphasizes setting numerical goals that align with deeper spiritual objectives. Listeners will appreciate his insights on visionary planning, financial stewardship, and the importance of personal connections in enhancing church community life.

Andrew Hamilton, author and seasoned bivocational minister, dives into the future of church leadership. He discusses the theological foundation for bivocational ministry, emphasizing that work is part of God's design, not a curse. Listeners explore practical strategies such as effective communication with church leaders and prioritizing essential tasks. Hamilton also shares insights on merging faith with work, showing that meaningful ministry extends into everyday life, and how balancing these roles can enhance community engagement and personal fulfillment.

Bryan Sims, co-author of 'Creating Space' and a coach with Spiritual Leadership, Inc., discusses vital strategies for fostering environments where discipleship can thrive. He emphasizes the importance of Passionate Spiritual Disciples (PSDs) and authentic relationships within the church. Topics include the necessity of deep listening, vulnerability, and accountability for meaningful spiritual growth. Bryan breaks down four stages of disciple-making and shares actionable tools for pastors to cultivate healthy church environments, promoting collective faith journeys.

Karl Vaters interviews Derek Maxson about some simple ways to make sure your church website is reaching the three kinds of people who are most likely to use it.Derek runs Spiffy.Church, an online ministry that specializes in helping smaller churches get the most from their websites, using limited time and resources.Derek and Karl talk about how to optimize your church website by making it simple and affordable, and how to use it to help three types of people.Insiders (your church members and regulars)Shoppers (those looking for a new church home)Seekers (those who are curious about the faith or who are needing help in a time of crisis)Links:Spiffy.Church Bonus videoThree Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Church Website, with Derek MaxsonChurch websites shouldn’t be as complicated as we make them. In this bonus chat, Karl Vaters talks with Derek Maxson about a few quick changes you can make to your church website that will immediately make it better for everyone. Links:Spiffy.ChurchTo get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

Mika Edmondson, Pastor of Koinonia Church, dives into the pressing issue of racial segregation within American churches. With insightful analysis, he explores the importance of affinity spaces and their role in promoting unity. He discusses the historical context behind the creation of Historically Black Churches and critiques the theological justifications for segregation. Highlighting the gospel's transformative power, Mika emphasizes the need for open dialogue about race in faith communities, making the case for a more inclusive, compassionate approach to ministry.

Rachel Bren is a survivor of sexually related trauma, and now she serves with SRTServices.org, which helps people recover from their trauma, and can help you and your church. She’s also the co-host of the Grace & Grenades podcast.Karl Vaters interviews Rachel about what sexual related trauma is, how the church can help those dealing with it, some mistakes to avoid, and more.Links:SRTServices.orgGrace & GrenadesOur church introduction videoBrene Brown video on sympathy vs. empathyThe Allender Center PodcastThe Place We Find Ourselves PodcastGrace & Grenades PodcastYou can reach Rachel by email at rachel@srtservices.org and the website  www.srtservices.orgBonus videoHow Your Church Can Help People Recover from Sexually Related Trauma, with Rachel BrenKarl Vaters talks with Rachel Bren about how SRTServices.org can come alongside your church to give you the tools to help people who are dealing with sexually related trauma.Links:SRTServices.orgGrace & GrenadesTo get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Peters, a church consultant and author of multiple influential books, shares insights into the viability of microchurches. He explores the essential elements necessary for a church to thrive, focusing on community and discipleship. Peters highlights the limitations of traditional church models, emphasizing the need for active engagement over passive attendance. With a fresh perspective, he advocates for flexibility and community integration to foster meaningful spiritual connections, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.

Desmond Barrett, an experienced pastor and author of 'Helping Small Churches Win Guests,' shares his insights on revitalizing small church congregations. He discusses how to enhance the guest experience through facility improvements and effective communication. Barrett emphasizes that attracting young families isn't the sole solution—true growth stems from authentic relationships and intentional community engagement. Listeners will learn practical strategies for creating a welcoming atmosphere that fosters connections and encourages spiritual commitment.