Podcasts about encounter church

Welcome to the Influence Podcast! I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. "Children's ministry is arguably one of the most difficult ministries to lead, but it is also the most rewarding," writes David Reneau. "We get the sacred opportunity to be some of the first people to tell little children — the next generation — about Jesus. We get to plant the seeds, tend and water the soil, and watch the first little tender sprouts peek out of the ground as our kids begin their faith journey and discover their calling." What are the best ways to maximize this opportunity? In this episode, I talk to David Reneau about how to make the most of your congregation's children's ministry. Reneau is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and lead pastor at Encounter Church in Toccoa, Georgia, with over 17 years of hands-on children's ministry experience. He is author of Next-Level Kidmin: The Children's Pastor's Practical Guide to Building a Thriving Ministry.   Sponsor Ad This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of The Heart of a Pathfinder. You're not just leading for now; you're building for what's next. How big would you dream if you saw your ministry through a generational lens? Melissa Alfaro challenges us to approach leadership through the lens of a pathfinder. She calls ministry leaders to do the hard work of clearing the path so future generations can step into their call. For more information about The Heart of a Pathfinder visit GospelPublishingHouse.com. ​ Show Notes 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad 02:05 — How do we keep the gospel central to our Kidmin leadership? 04:36 — What are the three fundamental elements of children's ministry? 16:51 — What are the best practices for recruiting, training, and even firing volunteers? 27:15 — How do you decide whether a Sunday school model or a small group model is the best fit for you congregation's children's ministry? 30:15 — How do you plan a children's church service that keeps the kids' energies at appropriate levels throughout the service? 35:37 — Give us a few ideas about how to pick the best curriculum. Also, how do we incorporate action — evangelism, missions, compassion — into our lesson planning? 41:41 — How do we do the work of ministry in a way that doesn't kill the work of God in us personally? 44:31 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging? 45:35 — Conclusion

Build Bridges Not Walls | Re-Assembly Required - Part 4 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

February 8, 2026   The post Reece Bowling | Living In Alignment appeared first on Encounter Church.

February 15, 2026   The post Reece Bowling | Nothing Is Impossible appeared first on Encounter Church.

Quitting The Blame Game | Re-Assembly Required - Part 3 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

January 25, 2026   The post Reece Bowling | Just Keep Walking appeared first on Encounter Church.

February 1, 2026   The post Pat Mahoney | Jesus Our Jubilee appeared first on Encounter Church.

Fighting For Not With | Re-Assembly Required - Part 2 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

Instructions Not Included | Re-Assembly Required - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

January 18, 2026   The post Guest Speaker: Aaron Bagwell | A New Thing Is Coming appeared first on Encounter Church.

The Process | Arrows - Part 3 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

January 11, 2026   The post Reece Bowling | Small Change Matters appeared first on Encounter Church.

January 4, 2026   The post Reece Bowling | Building Up The Church And Building Up People appeared first on Encounter Church.

Another In The Fire | Arrows - Part 2 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

December 28, 2025   The post Isabell Bowling | Lean In appeared first on Encounter Church.

December 21, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Advent – Week Four – The Gift of Love appeared first on Encounter Church.

Outnumbered | Arrows - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

Christmas Eve 2025 | Good News & Great Joy - Part 4 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

December 14, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Advent – Week Two – The Gift Of Joy appeared first on Encounter Church.

Love | Good News & Great Joy - Part 3 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

December 7, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Advent – Week Two – The Gift Of Peace appeared first on Encounter Church.

November 30, 2025   The post Eliphaz Salik | Advent- Hope, Peace, Joy, Love appeared first on Encounter Church.

The Good Stuff | Good News And Great Joy - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

November 23, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | God Turns appeared first on Encounter Church.

Already and Not Yet | Life is a Rodeo - Part 5 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

November 16, 2025   The post Isabell Bowling | Battle-Ready Believers appeared first on Encounter Church.

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with David Reneau, Lead Pastor of Encounter Church in Toccoa, Georgia.With more than 17 years of ministry experience—most in children's and family ministry—David brings deep, field-tested wisdom and a passion for helping leaders build ministries that last.He is the author of Next Level Kidmin and shares resources at https://davidreneau.org.Together, Josh and David unpack five essentials of high-impact lead-team meetings, exploring practical rhythms that turn volunteers into owners and meetings into predictable engines for ministry progress.If you've ever dreaded another meandering meeting, this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple framework you can implement this month.Key Topics CoveredMeet Regularly – Build a dependable rhythm your team can plan around.Have an Agenda – Send it early so every voice (including introverts) can contribute.Start and End on Time – Honor people; protect momentum and trust.Key Quote“Success in ministry isn't what you do—it's what happens if you never came back.”Scripture ReferencesProverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”1 Corinthians 14:40 – “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”TakeawayMeetings shape culture. When you meet consistently with a clear agenda, start with wins, and end on time, you build ownership, surface better ideas, and multiply leaders. Don't cancel—adjust the format, but keep the rhythm.Call to ActionWe hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.Stay Connected for More ResourcesVisit our website: http://leadministry.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteersFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

The Path from Anxiety to Peace | Life Is A Rodeo - Part 4 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

November 9, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | The Super Power Of Thanksgiving appeared first on Encounter Church.

Vision Sunday | Life Is A Rodeo - Part 3 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

November 2, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Let Us Be Thankful appeared first on Encounter Church.

The Detour Is The Road | Life Is A Rodeo - Part 2 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

October 26, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Where Does Worship Fit In? appeared first on Encounter Church.

When The Bottom Drops Out | Life Is A Rodeo - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

When Love Blinds You | A Way Out - Part 4 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

October 19, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Why Not! appeared first on Encounter Church.

October 12, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | What Are We? | Understanding Discipleship appeared first on Encounter Church.

The Click Before The Collapse | A Way Out - Part 3 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

October 5, 2025   The post Isabell Bowling | The Why Process appeared first on Encounter Church.

September 28, 2025   The post Aaron Bagwell | God Is In Control appeared first on Encounter Church.

Trading Forever For A Bowl Of Now | A Way Out - Part 2 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

The Slow Drift | A Way Out - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

September 21, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Sharing Our Faith | What Am I Willing To Do appeared first on Encounter Church.

September 14, 2025   The post Reece Bowling | Changing The World | Social Media Isn’t Enough appeared first on Encounter Church.

Seeds Of Eternity | The Last Kingdom - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

What happens when you fully surrender to God's calling—no matter the cost? In this inspiring conversation, Pastor Chris Binion, lead pastor of Encounter Church in Rockwall, TX, and first-time author of YES!!!, shares his journey of embracing Kingdom assignments with unwavering faith. From navigating leadership transitions to discerning between good opportunities and God-given missions, Chris reveals the lessons, surprises, and growth that come with saying yes to God. If you've ever wrestled with the tension between comfort and calling, this episode will challenge you to trust God's process and step boldly into your purpose.

The Power Of Our Words | Struggle Bus - Part 2 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

Have you ever wanted a resource that you can go to with all your kids ministry questions? Well, my new friend and today's podcast guest David Reneau wrote a new book that I truly believe will be that kind of resource. David is the Lead Pastor of Encounter Church and with over 17 years of experience in ministry, most of it in kids, he has developed a passion to help others lead in their churches well. His new book, Next Level Kidmin: The Children's Pastors practical guide to building a thriving ministry releases in on September 16. In this episode, David and I talk about his new book and how kids ministry leaders can continue to learn and grow as ministry leaders. Resources Mentioned: Fall CohortSeasons Planning GuideDavid's Book: Next Level KidminConnect with David

When Trials Come | Struggle Bus - Part 1 | Encounter Church by Encounter Church

This week on Las Vegas United, we're joined by Pastor Chris Ritchie of Encounter Church Vegas for a bold and inspiring conversation about relentless faith, obedience, and discovering true fulfillment in God.In this episode, Pastor Chris encourages viewers to say “yes” to God—even when the path isn't clear. If you're feeling like your dreams are dead or you're unsure what God is asking of you, Pastor Chris shares a powerful reminder: doing the works of Jesus brings joy, healing, and purpose. Persevere! Don't give up! Remain confident in the Lord.Welcome to Episode #117 of Las Vegas United, where we invite leaders all over Las Vegas to share their hearts for God and this city. If you would like to be a part of our show: Check out our Website ➡️ https://www.ctnonline.com/affiliate/keen-las-vegas/ Email Us ✉️ lvunited@ctn.net ⬇️ ⬇️ SHOW NOTES ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Encounter Church Vegas ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Website