Practical Church Planting

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Kids don't have to do more than other kids Kids need discipline and behavioral expectations Do not worry if your kids act like kids Ask for approval before sharing stories  How you parent can't help or hurt your leadership  Work to ensure your kids know you love them more than you love the church  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 7 REASONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE They move They never get connected They are upset about something  They attend infrequently They don't align with the vision/direction  They don't give financially You encouraged them to connect with a church they can connect with Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 REASONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE People have a defined timeline to make a decision  Less wasted time for prep and planning Much easier to call people to take action Keep (or gain) people's trust Instincts are more effective than you think  People want to be a part of something  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 TASKS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Giving follow up  New guest follow up  Sermon prep  Social media videos Website check Meetings Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 7 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Two ministry nights a week I don't take morning meetings Monday's are my longest days  Two meetings a day max Respond to all emails/requests I will work later/extra on occasions it is needed Inbox zero + task list 0 end of each day Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Marco Polo Trello Board Email (messaging expectations!) Group text (or group messaging app) Google Drive (sermon notes / events checklist) Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Have a visitor focused website (address, service time, “I'm new”) Create a welcoming first impression  Create a simple + personal connection process  Give them a next step  Invite them back  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 4 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Put your repeated tasks to show up weekly in our calendar  Add blocks to calendar as things arise On the day before (end of work day or evening) = Schedule tasks from your task manager You will always get more done if you calendar out your day  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 2025 CHURCH PREDICTIONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: Hand out invite cards multiple weeks before that Sunday Create a shareable graphic  Take some time during announcements 2 weeks before talking about invitation + a downloadable shareable graphic Schedule more people to serve Know what the service/Sunday will be like over a month in advance Share something you will be doing at the service Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 2025 CHURCH PREDICTIONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: Being willing to sound partisan where Scripture is clear will attract people to your church There will be an increase in American church attendance You can have the largest Easter/Christmas/Special day attendance in your church's history Vertical video is not going anywhere (invest in it!) Your Sunday experience will determine if people stay (saw a post about how no one leaves a church because of the screens/lighting…) - In America, we have options. For me, I am going to a church that is organized and that I can invite people to… Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 METRICS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Sunday Attendance Small group attendance Unique giving units Connect cards Members doing what you ask them to do Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Understand their importance  Types of stories ranked When to do them Humor/story telling is a skill. Do not read personal stories  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 7 QUESTIONS I ASK IN THIS EPISODE Are they a part of your church? (Internally is always ideal) Do they show up every Sunday Do they give financially Are they involved in all the things a member/partner should be doing? Are they competent for the position of need? Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 7 APPS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Calendly  Todoist Logos Google Drive MarcoPolo Trello Planning Center  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 4 STEPS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Make it clear and obvious how people can get more information Input new guest info on Sunday afternoons Have an automated system of texts + email Have a personal follow up system that you are tracking Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Record a short welcome video Post more than just your weekly sermon  Organize your homepage by playlists Create a custom URL  Scripture reference in the title + description Thumbnail images    Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Video of your people answering one question about your church  Video from of one person/couple sharing their story and how your church has impacted them Snacks/food  Promote it Baptisms Shirts, socks, or swag giveaway Decorate the lobby  Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 REASONS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE It's not simple to sign up/express interest in serving You don't follow up well when people sign up  The bar is too low  You give way to many options  You have the wrong person leading the charge Unclear and/or inconsistent expectations    Get more church tips and advice Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 MYTHS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE 01:21 Ministry Myth #1: Talking About Money   06:36 Ministry Myth #2: Always Being Available   11:44 Ministry Myth #3: Ministry Must Be Hard   14:00 Ministry Myth #4: Cost as the Primary Decision Factor   17:56 Ministry Myth #5: Leadership is Lonely   19:50 Ministry Myth #6: There's a Best Way to Do Things GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Church email  Record a video Some sort of church meeting  One on one conversations Through small groups  Online meetings GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Do a real service run through Play under all speaking moments  Pre-service countdown video Have a consistent end of service Post-service music ready to go Bumper video/pre-sermon transition GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 MISTAKES I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Hosting your sermon on your church website  Posting the livestream on your website  Not having the 3 most sought after things on your homepage  Outdated events + sermons! lack of pictures from your church GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE All groups should have the same curriculum  You must communicate this and hold the line on this  Groups should all run on the same schedule  You need a plan for childcare (I recommend reimbursing) Start new groups, do not “multiply” groups Take group attendance  GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 7 RECOMMENDATIONS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Find a consistent meeting spot(s) for non-Sunday activities  Make sure the homepage of your website is extremely clear Engineer your space well  Don't elevate portable as better/holier than permanent Looking for space: Worry more about it being too big rather than too small Is it good for events + offices? Generally speaking    GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast brought to you in partnership with Mission Support. Mission Support This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Consistent time with Jesus Have specific times you'll meet with people Prioritize your mornings  Stick to the same sermon prep schedule every week Belong to a tribe Always remember the privilege it is to be a pastor   GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Click here to sign up for the Practical Church newsletter Click here to join the Practical Church Facebook group  

7 Tips to Avoid Distractions While Preaching   This episode of the Practical Church podcast provides pastors and preachers with seven effective strategies to minimize distractions while delivering sermons. From managing smart devices to handling personal stories and self-deprecating humor, the podcast offers practical advice for creating a more engaging and less distracting preaching experience. Additionally, the episode addresses the challenge of maintaining order with disruptive children during services and discusses the importance of structured small group discussions for church community health. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of community in building new habits and improving personal growth.   00:00 Welcome to Practical Church: Enhancing Your Preaching Skills 00:27 Sponsor Spotlight: Mission Support 01:10 7 Tips to Minimize Distractions While Preaching 01:40 Smart Watch Management for Preachers 03:44 Managing Your Phone During Sermons 05:13 Dealing with Electronic Device Glare 08:57 Gestures and Movements: Keeping Audience Focus 10:24 Handling Water During Your Sermon 12:29 Navigating Self-Deprecating Humor in Sermons 16:21 Sharing Personal Stories Effectively 19:00 Boosting Small Group Engagement 21:47 Personal Growth Tip: Building Habits in Community 24:02 Addressing Disruptive Kids During Services 29:24 Closing Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of the Practical Church Podcast, Dylan shares his journey of taking a break from the podcast and its return through a partnership with Mission Support, focusing on content while backend tasks are managed by Mission Support. The primary focus of the episode is on exploring seven ways to increase giving within the church community. Here are the 7 ways discussed on this episode: Mention it every week (especially if you don't pass a plate) Quarterly giving statements Make it a value at your church Connect stories to generosity  Talk about it with no qualifications First time giving follow up email Be honest when you have needs / if things are tight Dylan also shares a personal observation on the benefits of proposing meeting locations closer to oneself to save time and offers a personal growth tip on transforming frustration into hope through actionable planning. Additionally, a listener's question regarding the use of church management apps and the challenge of engaging congregation members with new software is addressed. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Practical Church Podcast! 00:28 The Journey of the Practical Church Podcast 00:53 Partnership with Mission Support: A New Chapter 01:25 What's Next for the Practical Church Community 02:07 Diving Into Today's Episode: Increasing Church Giving 02:47 7 Effective Strategies to Boost Church Giving 24:37 Personal Growth Tips: From Frustration to Hope 27:31 Q&A: Navigating Church Management Software   —— GET MORE CHURCH TIPS AND ADVICE  Missionsupport.com/practical Practical Church Facebook Group  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 4 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Auditorium (pipe and drape - rope off chairs - put less chairs out Lobby (pipe and drape - stanchions - use closest rooms if portable for kids space - signs to direct people) Kids (it can be too big! - Room dividers - pipe and drape - smaller rooms - more kids together Parking lot - Cones - Signs  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 8 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Umbrellas when it rains (even if you don't get every person) Parker(s) in the parking lot Make your connect area obvious Coffee area should be accessible and not crowded Clean your facility Acknowledge new guests every Sunday Introduce yourself to people who are new Have clear signage  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Do not apologize Invite questions Expect resistance & give people time to come around Bring your leaders in first Include it in your preaching Live with low-level frustration  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 7 WAYS I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE Prioritize a physical option Have a digital option Reference it every Sunday - and be clear what to do with it Give (and mention) a gift people actually want  Limit number of things to fill out Designed well + easy to write on Have it readily available + pens  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 6 WAYS I RECOMMEND IN THIS EPISODE Get people serving Assume many people haven't been to a single week of your sermon series Invite people to something (Christmas / Easter…baptism, and event…) Challenge people, but don't guilt them (do they know you want them to come more??) Engage people online (remind them you exist) Ensure your leaders prioritize the gathering  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 7 RECOMMENDATIONS I MAKE IN THIS EPISODE Fountain ink pen Standing desk + walking pad 3 ring leather sermon notebook (half sheets of paper) $70 Pulpit with cup holder halfway down Todoist Calendly Logos  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 5 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Don't put your main scriptures on the screen Don't give people the option to sit so far apart from each other Don't ask people too many options (serving, groups, etc.) - get them in and then give options later Restrict your available time to meet with people (same amount of available time - just more focused) Ask people to step into bigger roles (they won't ask themselves  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE 6 WAYS TO CREATE MORE ENERGY ON A SUNDAY MORNING Music playing  Close your auditorium doors until 10 minutes before service starts  Play under announcements/end of service/speaking transitions Have a clear end of service  Lead from stage - regardless of number of people  The vibe starts with you and your leaders  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE MY 5 2024 CHURCH PREDICTIONS Churches that understand they have a “new” church will do better than those who don't In person Sunday attendance is still a vital metric to track and lead people towards Churches that raise (or keep) a high bar for their leaders will be more effective than those who make excuses Livestream/online engagement will be the biggest missed opportunity to reach new people Jesus focused churches will (continue) to be the most New Testament-reflective churches  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram.

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 7 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Personal stories are always best  Story stories (fictional or non) are second best  Don't be the hero Self-deprecation is useful if there is trust Use them to illustrate points - more likely to remember! Practice them out loud (practice the punch line  No one cares how much you know until you tell a story   

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Get my Best Minute newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 7 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Go faster with worship lyrics  Turn off the fading of text Use all caps for worship lyrics and no grammar Limit text on each slide (two lines for worship, one point for sermon) Print out sermon notes for screens and go over them before the service Use big fonts Don't leave up irrelevant slides

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. THE BEST MINUTE NEWSLETTER This episode was brought to you by The Best Minute newsletter. Build better habits, become more productive, and grow in your life and leadership. All in under 60 seconds per week. Click here to get The Best Minute. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 7 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Recognize there are new people every week  Always give a brief recap/context in the beginning of your sermon  Make it clear exactly what you want a new person to do Have an automated follow-up process Specifically reach out on any places of interest  Invite them to come back Inspire your serve teams to be intentional RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Replicate

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. AWESOME MARRIAGE This episode was brought to you by Awesome Marriage. Check out Sustaining Your Marriage In Ministry today and use the code PC10 for 10% off.  Go to awesomemarriage.com for all your church's marriage needs. You can email Christina at christina@awesomemarriage.com to learn more about how Awesome Marriage can help you. HERE ARE THE 6 CONSIDERATIONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Same URL/social media handles Create/schedule a consistent rhythm  Put your sermon only on your website Short vertical videos are king  You don't have to be on every platform - post where you'll be consistent Have the right expectations  Don't use social as a bulletin board RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Todoist  

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. AMBASSADORS MINISTRIES This episode was brought to you by Ambassadors Ministries. Ambassadors Ministries help local churches and ministries employ staff as "missionaries" to their own congregations and communities through fundraising, coaching, and administrative backing all at no cost to the organization. Click here to grow your team! HERE ARE THE 6 CONSIDERATIONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Quarterly giving statements Mention giving every week  Tie generosity to stories  Don't apologize for preaching about it Make it a membership expectation Be generous yourself Make it easy to give RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Christ-Centered Preaching

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. AMBASSADORS MINISTRIES This episode was brought to you by Ambassadors Ministries. Ambassadors Ministries help local churches and ministries employ staff as "missionaries" to their own congregations and communities through fundraising, coaching, and administrative backing all at no cost to the organization. Click here to grow your team! HERE ARE THE 6 CONSIDERATIONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Name it something in English Avoid a church name that is widely known Avoid a church name that is known locally Pick a name where you can find consistent social media handles + URL that ends in .com Be conscious of picking a geographical or local landmark name Know this: in the beginning people will ask why your church is named what it is, after a while no one will care RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Subsplash

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. AMBASSADORS MINISTRIES This episode was brought to you by Ambassadors Ministries. Ambassadors Ministries help local churches and ministries employ staff as "missionaries" to their own congregations and communities through fundraising, coaching, and administrative backing all at no cost to the organization. Click here to grow your team! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE A reliable sermon writing process Engage people right away Preach to believers knowing there are non-believers present, and assume the believers weren't there last week Practical out-loud beforehand One point per slide Aim 2-3 stories/illustrations Create tension RECOMMENDED RESOURCE The Coaching Habit

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. In this episode, I share 8 tips for better church announcements. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. AMBASSADORS MINISTRIES This episode was brought to you by Ambassadors Ministries. Ambassadors Ministries help local churches and ministries employ staff as "missionaries" to their own congregations and communities through fundraising, coaching, and administrative backing all at no cost to the organization. Click here to grow your team! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE My sermon writing process Create a consistent sermon writing schedule Blook calendar your sermon prep Use digital commentaries Get one week ahead Create artifical deadlines RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Planning Center

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. In this episode, I share 8 tips for better church announcements. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. MISSION SUPPORT This episode was brought to you by Mission Support. Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 6 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Check your email less Take email off your phone Schedule when you will check it Inbox 0 (dylandodson.com/blog/email) Make it a rule to respond to all emails within a timeframe Don't use email as a task manager Remember: emails come from people, and to ignore emails means you are ignoring people RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Calendly

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. In this episode, I share 8 tips for better church announcements. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. MISSION SUPPORT This episode was brought to you by Mission Support. Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 8 TIPS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Welcome new people every week 3-4 announcements at most Keep it under 3 minutes Send them prior to Sunday Go over them in run-through Be clear on common phrases Keep them relevant to the majority of people Announce things no more than 3 weeks out SUBMIT A MINISTRY QUESTION To submit a question for a future episode, head to dylandodson.com/podcast. Recommended Resource CSB Pew Bible

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast.  THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. MISSION SUPPORT This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Do not multiply (split) your groups All your groups need to run the same (you can have extras, just not groups) Push groups a few times a year (ideally during a break) Do not try to be all things to all people Write an easy to follow group leader guide SUBMIT A MINISTRY QUESTION To submit a question for a future episode, head to dylandodson.com/podcast. RECOMMENDED RESOURCE The Church Co

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast.  THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. MISSION SUPPORT This episode was brought to you by Mission Support.  Stay focused on your mission and let Mission Support help you with everything you didn't go to seminary for! Get support from experts with decades of experience working with churches who know your unique needs and challenges. Click here to talk with a guide today & love being a pastor again! HERE ARE THE 5 REASONS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE You've accepted the mindset that ministry has to be hard You don't have a consistent work schedule  You don't have healthy ministry boundaries (phone, email, availability) You don't take (enough) breaks (this includes your weekly rhythms) You don't sleep enough SUBMIT A MINISTRY QUESTION To submit a question for a future episode, head to dylandodson.com/podcast. RECOMMENDED RESOURCE Deep Work by Cal Newport

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. In this episode, I share 4 tips for starting new things in ministry and why you should be careful about you how talk about your job in public. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. HERE ARE THE 4 WAYS I DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE Do your most important work when you're at your best Create consistency in your schedule (yes you have to be flexible, but not 100%) Make it a schedule you enjoy Walk through of my typical weekly schedule SUBMIT A MINISTRY QUESTION To submit a question for a future episode, head to dylandodson.com/podcast. Recommended Resource Google Workspace

Welcome to the Practical Church podcast. In this episode, I share 4 tips for starting new things in ministry and why you should be careful about you how talk about your job in public. THE PRACTICAL CHURCH NEWSLETTER If you're looking for more practical insights to grow in ministry and some free resources, subscribe to the Practical Church newsletter. And to connect with me online, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram. SUBMIT A MINISTRY QUESTION To submit a question for a future episode, head to dylandodson.com/podcast. Recommended Resource Bible Project