The Church Lobby

*ATTENTION NEEDED* Help us get to Malaysia by going to KarlVaters.com/supportAnything you can give will be appreciated.Karl Vaters interviews Bryan Sims about creating an environment for discipleship to thrive, from his book, Creating Space: Cultivating Environments for Disciples of Jesus to Thrive and Multiply (co-written with Craig Robertson).In the first half of the book, and of our conversation, we talk about the importance of creating PSDs (Passionate Spiritual Disciples) and how the church needs to get better at creating space for it to happen among our church members.Then in the second half, we get practical, talking about four tools to help this happen in your church. Plus, Bryan addresses the five characteristics of healthy disciple-making  environments, and more.Links:Creating Space: Cultivating Environments for Disciples of Jesus to Thrive and MultiplySpiritual Leadership, Inc.Bryandsims.comBonus videoThe 4 Stages of Disciple-making Environments, with Bryan SimsKarl Vaters interviews Bryan Sims about the 4 different types of environments that are needed for varying stages of spiritual growth, from his book, Creating Space: Cultivating Environments for Disciples of Jesus to Thrive and Multiply (co-written with Craig Robertson).Stage 1: Engage and BefriendStage 2: Relate and ConnectStage 3: Equip and GrowStage 4: Become and SendTo get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

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.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Hill, Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, sheds light on the evolving relationship between technology and the church. He reveals that many Christians see vast potential in using digital tools. Gen Z, while online, still craves genuine in-person connections. Brad also addresses the ethical considerations of AI in the church, noting that pastors must guide their communities thoughtfully. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of merging technology with personal relationships in ministry for meaningful engagement.

Eric Hoke is known as the “I Help Pastors Get Jobs” Guy.Karl Vaters talks with Eric about how to build long-term sustainable ministry, reduce financial stress, and create value in the marketplace by becoming an intentionally covocational pastor.Eric’s new book, Market Street Pastor: Ministry Sustainability without Money Stress, addresses many of the issues involved in making the shift toward covocational ministry.This conversation covers the subjects of:The mindset shift that most pastors must take to start down this roadThe value pastors bring to the marketplaceFinding your marketable skills through using the Heart- Head-Hands-Feet methodHow to get through the clutter of thousands of job applicantsHow to present yourself and your skillsAnd so much more Links from this episode:Market Street Pastor: Ministry Sustainability without Money StressIHelpPastorsGetJobs.comDaily Examen App: "Reimagining the Examen" for iphone and androidBonus ContentHow to Build a LinkedIn Profile that Will Get Job Leads, with Eric HokeLinkedIn remains a primary online site for those seeking employment, and it’s especially helpful for pastors seeking covocational employment.In this very practical conversation, Eric Hoke talks with Karl Vaters about some common mistakes to avoid and opportunities to take advantage of that will get you noticed—and get the side hustle job that suits your skills and needs.To get Bonus Content every week, click here to become a Financial Partner, or here to subscribe to the Free Weekly Newsletter.

For Episode 100, Karl Vaters has a very special conversation with his father, Albert Vaters, about the pastor’s relationship with God’s Word, the Bible.In addition to each of them spending 40 years as pastors (over 80 years of combined pastoral ministry!), they were also both raised as preacher’s kids, so they can speak from multiple perspectives about life in a pastor’s home.In this conversation, Karl and Albert talk about:What it was like to be raised with a positive experience in a pastor’s homeHow to give the Bible a central place in our homesThe importance of living what you’re preachingHow to approach the Bible correctly as a pastor and a parentAnd moreLinks:John Lennox: God Does ExistJohn Lennox: The Bible and age of the earth?John Lennox: Why I am a Christian and a scientist

Karl Vaters talks with Russ Taff. One of the great voices of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) in the 1970s-90s, Russ won five Grammys, 13 Dove Awards, and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame three times (with the Imperials, the Gaither Vocal Band, and as a solo artist).He also spent decades struggling with alcoholism, church hurt, and shame, stemming from the severe trauma he experienced in the pastor's house of his childhood.This interview is raw. It’s real, and it’s very emotional.In addition to talking through his testimony at length, Karl and Russ also take a song-by-song walk through his newest album, which is a journey through his story of pain, trauma, lament, and redemption.Links:Cover Story (The album)RussTaff.comBecome a Financial PartnerSubscribe to Karl's free weekly newsletter