Podcasts about small church

On the podcast this week, Adam Copenhaver shares with us about his early ministry caring for an older congregation, and his education and research on Colossians. He also tells us about his current pastoral context leading a church in a small, migrant farm town which had previously been led by an abusive pastor. He previews the breakout topic he will lead at the 2025 CPT Conference, Good Shepherds: Pastoral Identity and the Future of the Church. How can our churches become both helpful and welcoming to those who are suffering abuse or oppression? How can pastors identify and eliminate harmful tendencies in themselves that could lead to abuse later? 

Topics Covered: Resources Mentioned: Show Sponsor #1: Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies This episode is brought to you by the Robert E Webber Institute for Worship Studies.  One of the questions I hear often is what are the best ways to further your training as a worship leader? Many worship pastors jump right into […] The post #353: Small Church Worship, Click Tracks, & How Anyone Can Make a Worship Album with Jason Houtsma appeared first on Beyond Sunday Worship.

Hi! Thanks for joining us around Greatheart's Table. If you are new, I particularly welcome you. Our goal is to start and sustain conversations that help pastors thrive, but we find that these things have meaning for people in all life situations. So whatever your role in life or in the church, we welcome you. […]

Sam Sprunger from Webster Groves Church of the Nazarene is back with the Jasons to talk about the essential liturgical and missional elements of Easter.--Easter is nearly upon us! It's an important day for pastors of churches of any size. In this episode of the Sacred & Small podcast, Sam Sprunger has a conversation with the Jasons about all things Easter. What is it? What are the essential missional and liturgical elements we include for Easter? How do we approach Holy Week in our churches?Episode Rundown:* What is Easter?* What are the essential elements of Easter?* How are you practicing Easter and Holy Week in your church?

Laurie Graham and Victoria White discuss the inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the church. Victoria, an experienced advocate, shares her passion for this issue and the benefits of welcoming this population, such as slowing down and gaining new perspectives.The conversation covers practical steps for churches to reach out and build relationships with the IDD community, as well as the importance of addressing attitudes and misconceptions. The key takeaways highlight the need to recognize the underrepresentation of people with IDD in many congregations and the transformative impact their presence can have.Connect with Victoria White:vwand2@gmail.comwww.disabilityministrynetwork.orgwww.cityhopegr.orgJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Hello! Welcome to Greatheart's Table, the podcast for pastors and those who care for them. I'm Randy Greenwald. Surprisingly, to me, with this episode we wrap up four years of episodes. If you've been with us for a short time or for the entire journey, I'm glad you are here. We have no plans to […]

n today's conversation, Cyndee Ownbey sits down with Susie Lewis, a dedicated women's ministry leader from Woodbine Baptist Church in Pace, Florida. Susie shares her experiences leading a vibrant women's ministry team within a close-knit church community. They discuss everything from team dynamics and the importance of utilizing each woman's gifts, to hosting impactful events like the intergenerational "Mother Daughter Sister Friend Tea" and joint retreats with sister churches. Susie also dives into valuable tips on approaching discipleship and building a strong team, providing insights that will resonate with both new and seasoned leaders. So whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for all women's ministry leaders.Links from this episode:Samford Women's Ministry Leadership Certification - https://samfordmti.catalog.instructure.com/programs/womensleadershipcertificate-2024-2025Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Retreat - www.womensministrytoolboxshop.comThank you for listening to the Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast. You'll find additional women's ministry resources below.Women's Ministry Toolbox Resources: Sign Up for My Email List - https://bit.ly/wmtbemail Website – www.womensministrytoolbox.com Online Store – www.womensministrytoolboxshop.com Online Training – www.womensministrytraining.com Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/womensministrytoolbox/ Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensministrytoolboxcommunity/ Women's Ministry Essentials on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/wmtoolboxYou can connect with Cyndee via Facebook, Instagram (@womensministrytoolbox), and email (cyndee@womensministrytoolbox.com).

Dr. Tiffany Ross from Gateway Church of the Nazarene in St. Louis, MO shares her story and the story of her church.---This week the Jasons were glad to welcome Dr. Tiffany Ross, pastor at Gateway Church of the Nazarene onto the podcast!We follow our ethnographic interviewing strategies to ask her “tell me about…” questions that get to the heart of her call from media production to full-time pastoral ministry. She recently felt called to come to Gateway Naz as their senior pastor, and she shares about that process of transition and what she learned about her people when she arrived.Tiffany will join the podcast for a two-part series that will take us into the season of Lent.Episode rundown:The season of Lent at Sacred and SmallMeet Tiffany RossTiffany's call to ministryAn ethnographic narrative of Gateway Nazarene

In the first episode of our new Small Churches series, host Dean Weaver sits down with Suzanne Zampella, a seasoned transitional pastor and advocate for small church ministry. Suzanne shares her wealth of experience, offering insights into the unique challenges small churches face, including limited resources and maintaining healthy congregational dynamics. The conversation explores the vital role of community engagement and mission in the life of a small church, emphasizing how these congregations can make a significant impact despite their size. Suzanne also unpacks the concept of transitional ministry, explaining how it serves as a crucial tool for churches navigating periods of change. For more information or to connect with Suzanne, you can reach her through her church's website: http://fpcdexter.org/ Tune in to this inspiring conversation and discover how God is at work in small but mighty ways through His church!

Church buildings. They're a major investment, a time-suck, and also a place of transformational ministry. Let's talk about facility management! Episode rundown: * Facility maintenance as a percentage of the church's budget * Current facility issues that we are dealing with * Our approach to facility management * Major renovations & capital campaigns * Dealing with insurance

In June of 2018 Jonny and I had a conversation with Brandon Patterson, who was then the Pastor at the church in Plains, GA attended by a well known former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter.Brandon was newly married and 24 years old at the time, and while talk of pastoring a presidential family was interesting, the HEART of this small church pastor was palpable. With the death of President Carter this week, I asked Brandon for permission to re-release this almost six-year-old episode - and he was gracious to grant it. There's a TON of encouragement in here, and yet it also gives a glimpse into the priorities of a man who once was president.

In this video, we address a common misconception within the Christian community: the idea that a small church is a dying church. Many believers, both Calvinists and Non-Calvinists, are under the false assumption that church growth equates to spiritual health, while smaller congregations often face undue pressure to "grow" or risk being seen as irrelevant. This video challenges that narrative and offers a biblical perspective on ecclesiology and the true meaning of church vitality.If you're a Christian, YouTuber, or someone interested in understanding the dynamics of church growth, this video is for you. We dive deep into the biblical teachings on church life and community, helping you to view a smaller congregation through the lens of scripture rather than societal expectations. Whether you're a Calvinist or a Non-Calvinist, this video will offer valuable insights into the significance of faithful preaching, biblical teaching, and authentic Christian community—regardless of church size.Join us as we explore how a small church can still be a thriving and effective ministry, offering sound doctrine and nurturing spiritual growth. Don't miss out on this important discussion about the health and longevity of the church in today's world.#church #religion #jesus #doctrine #theology

In this video, we address a common misconception within the Christian community: the idea that a small church is a dying church. Many believers, both Calvinists and Non-Calvinists, are under the false assumption that church growth equates to spiritual health, while smaller congregations often face undue pressure to "grow" or risk being seen as irrelevant. This video challenges that narrative and offers a biblical perspective on ecclesiology and the true meaning of church vitality.If you're a Christian, YouTuber, or someone interested in understanding the dynamics of church growth, this video is for you. We dive deep into the biblical teachings on church life and community, helping you to view a smaller congregation through the lens of scripture rather than societal expectations. Whether you're a Calvinist or a Non-Calvinist, this video will offer valuable insights into the significance of faithful preaching, biblical teaching, and authentic Christian community—regardless of church size.Join us as we explore how a small church can still be a thriving and effective ministry, offering sound doctrine and nurturing spiritual growth. Don't miss out on this important discussion about the health and longevity of the church in today's world.#church #religion #jesus #doctrine #theology

Send your text message - we'd love to hear from you! Been in the ministry for awhile and burned out? Not enough resources, pay or affirmations that you are doing what God called you to? There's hope through a newer ministry targeted at small to medium size churches and ministry that have limited resources to equip you fully. Gail Marten and her husband, Gary are focusing on you to help provide encouragement from that tough place. This is a good episode to share with those you know in ministry to provide a resource for help!! 

Thank you for tuning into Pew Talk on The E.A.R. Podcast! In this episode, host Brandon Queen continues his conversation with Rev. Bill Crawford on survival strategies for the small church. From fostering tight-knit communities and leveraging creativity to adaptive leadership and forging strategic partnerships, we'll unpack the resilience and resourcefulness that define small churches. How do they overcome obstacles and remain faithful to their mission? We're bringing real storie,s actionable insights, and celebrating small churches' enduring impact. Tune in for a 25–45 minute deep dive that inspires and equips small church leaders, members, and supporters alike. Whether you're part of a small congregation or simply curious about their unique strengths, this episode will encourage you to embrace the power of community, leadership, and faith. Meet the Guest: Reverend Bill Crawford is the pastor at Bayou Christian Church and has been for the last 23 years. He and his wife Julia are the parents of three children: Timothy, Deborah, and Benjamin.  Please listen to ⁠Episode #1⁠  of this season to learn more about Reverend Bill Crawford. Don't miss this engaging conversation—grab a seat and join us as we celebrate the mighty mission of small churches! Call to Action: Share, subscribe, and connect with us on social media to join the conversation. Let's celebrate the big impact of small churches together!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elderqueen/support

Thank you for tuning into Pew Talk on The E.A.R. Podcast! In this episode, host Brandon Queen delves into the heart of small church life, exploring how these congregations thrive despite limited resources and ongoing challenges. From fostering tight-knit communities and leveraging creativity to adaptive leadership and forging strategic partnerships, we'll unpack the resilience and resourcefulness that define small churches. How do they overcome obstacles and remain faithful to their mission? We're bringing real stories actionable insights, and celebrating small churches' enduring impact. Tune in for a 25–45 minute deep dive that inspires and equips small church leaders, members, and supporters alike. Whether you're part of a small congregation or simply curious about their unique strengths, this episode will encourage you to embrace the power of community, leadership, and faith. Meet the Guest: Reverend Bill Crawford is the pastor at Bayou Christian Church and has been for the last 23 years. He and his wife Julia are the parents of three children: Timothy, Deborah, and Benjamin.  Please listen to Episode #1  of this season to learn more about Reverend Bill Crawford. Don't miss this engaging conversation—grab a seat and join us as we celebrate the mighty mission of small churches! Call to Action: Share, subscribe, and connect with us on social media to join the conversation. Let's celebrate the big impact of small churches together!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elderqueen/support

Adoption is the ultimate act of love. Guests Bishop Martin, Rebekah Weigel , and Dr. Sharon Ford share the incredible story of how a small church inspired its members to adopt 77 children! Hear their passionate message encouraging the church to step up and provide permanent homes for children in foster care.

It's a Small Church After All - Pastor Greg Mah, James O, Dave Romero, & Todd Hoshiko by South Bay Community Church

Presented at the 2024 National Convention.

With epidemic levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety disorders today, small churches have a unique opportunity to step into their community like never before. Mental Health Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day are perfect opportunities to join a movement that's changing lives. Listen in as Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit, shares practical ways for small churches to walk alongside those who long to know they are not alone. We're talking about:Why you don't need a mental health degree to offer hope to those who are hurtingThe incredible power of walking alongside people and listening without fixingPopular Christian quips to avoid that inadvertently lead people farther from the churchHow to access a completely free resource with everything you need to host a Mental Health Sunday at your churchConnect with Laura Howe:Free Registration to the Chruch Mental Health Summit 2024: https://www.churchmentalhealthsummit.com/a/2147852404/yFsGboSZFree Mental Health Sunday Toolkit: https://www.hopemadestrong.org/2023The Sanctuary Course: https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/sanctuary-course/The Care Ministry Podcast with Laura Howe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-care-ministry-podcast/id1580616639Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Bishop is the inspiration for Angel Studio's latest film, Sound of Hope. And we hope his story will inspire an adoption revolution in America.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bishop is the inspiration for Angel Studio's latest film, Sound of Hope. And we hope his story will inspire an adoption revolution in America.Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Kids Ministry Collective Podcast, host Tom Bump discusses the significant role of coaching with Jeffrey Hunter, a seasoned ministry leader and collaborator on the new book 'Everyone Does Better With a Coach.' They emphasize the importance of having a coach and share practical insights on aligning ministry efforts with church vision, overcoming common obstacles, and adopting a growth mindset. Jeffrey explains how effective coaching has helped him and others grow their ministries by implementing structured processes and fostering leadership alignment. They also highlight ways to integrate spiritual gifts into ministry teams and stress the significance of maintaining cohesive church operations. Listeners are encouraged to explore the new book and consider the benefits of coaching for their ministry roles.  Interested in Coaching: Check Out Jeffrey Hunter: TheMarkMinistries.com Tom Bump, Coaching at KMCCoach.net

This week, Nikki talks with Bill White. Bill is co-pastor of City Church Long Beach. Bill shares the story of his son coming out and how that experience challenged his theology and ultimately deepened his faith in Jesus. He discusses his church's journey of transformation through challenging conversations, and how critical it is for church communities to practice healthy modes of disagreement.You can also check out Bill's work at Small Church, Big Table.20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social ActionHost and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto Edited by: Wiloza Media + David de LeonMusic: Andre Henry

This conversation with Karl Vaters is a fascinating look at the history and impact of the Church Growth Movement in America and around the world. Karl shares how the movement started with good intentions to reach more people for Christ, but over time it became an unhealthy obsession with numerical growth and bigger churches. The danger is that we've often confused numerical size with spiritual health. Karl challenges us to shift our focus away from just growing the numbers, and instead prioritize discipleship and integrity in our churches. He believes discipleship can fix most problems a church faces, because it's about developing mature followers of Jesus, not just filling seats. Additionally, Karl warns against the celebrity culture that has crept into the church, where we elevate certain pastors and put them on a pedestal. Instead, he advocates for a return to more collaborative, team-based leadership that equips the whole body for ministry. Overall, this was a thought-provoking conversation that calls the church back to its biblical foundations of making disciples, walking in integrity, and letting Jesus build his church. Join us as we de-size the church. Karl Vaters is the author of five books, including the brand-new De-Sizing the Church. Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.Karl's Book:De-Sizing the ChurchKarl's Recommendation:The Great DechurchingJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowRegister for the Further Together and Identity Exchange events at allnations.us Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Effective men's discipleship is critical to the health of every church, whatever its size.Travis Edgar leads a small, Free Methodist church in a rural Pennsylvania town. Ronnie Cordrey leads men's ministry at one of the largest churches in America. While their approaches are very different, both men have learned that men's discipleship goes nowhere without authentic brotherhood bonds between leaders and the men they are discipling.Their insights will inspire you to think differently about your role in developing godly men in your church and your other spheres of influence.full interviews: Episode 42, “Incarnational Men's Discipleship with Pastor Travis Edgar” Episode 126, “Creating a Disciple-Making Culture with Men's Pastor, Ronnie Cordrey”Follow Travis on Facebook and Instagram, and check out his church's website and Facebook page. Contact Ronnie via email.Contact:Mike Hatch: mhatch@clchq.orgChris Bolinger: chris@mensdevotionals.comResources:Mike's book: Manhood: Empowered by the Light of the Gospel (paperback, audiobook)Join the Empowered Manhood Facebook GroupDaily Strength for Men: A 365-Day Devotional52 Weeks of Strength for MenCLC: https://www.clchq.org/BiblicalLeadership.com

In this episode of Set Your Talks Ablaze, I have the incredible privilege of interviewing Joni Topper – a pastor's wife, songwriter, worship leader, and author of the book 'The Power of a Well-Placed Yes, God's Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church.' Joni shares heartfelt stories from her life, from the importance of memorizing scripture in her youth to miraculous moments of God's presence in small church settings. We dive deep into her inspiring journey, her book, and her perspective on maintaining faith through life's hardships. This episode is filled with encouragement and real-life testimonies of God's grace and faithfulness. Make sure to tune in and be inspired by Joni's powerful message!CONNECT with Joni:Website: https://www.morningloryminsitry.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552748073048Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningloryminsitryBuy Joni's Book:https://a.co/d/gG6rSKNJoni Topper Music: [[Available on most music streaming platforms]]Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Z7r5gzVPU0UyGzVjqco9f?si=YMlA9LJ9TKWGtiiNFK_BTQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/joni-topper/1527111905**SetYourTalksAblaze does not receive any commission or affiliate payments for any of the guests' books or products**Stay Connected:Website: https://www.setyourtalksablaze.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SYTAPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/setyourtalksablazepodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/setyourtalksablazepodcastAudio/Video Edits:Andrewhttps://www.instagram.com/anndreww_park/Hold Firmly to the Word of Life

On today's episode, we're diving into the unique challenges faced by smaller churches and uncovering innovative strategies to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive. We'll explore the crucial differences between the needs of large and small congregations, reveal the power of community collaboration, and discuss how to build robust support networks that can sustain and grow even the smallest of church communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of accessible resources, innovative ministry models, and the invaluable benefits of broadening your church's support system. Full Show Notes

After more than one year... here is a new episode! So I took a little time off...This is a short one with the intention of more to come!

When Pastors Anthony & Dawn Baldwin Gibson set out to plant a church, they had no idea they would be feeding thousands, helping to heal a community, and building a school. Not only have they built community partnerships in their local area, but they also help other smaller churches identify needs, mobilize volunteers, and find resources they need to serve their communities. Listen in as Dr. Gibson shares their church story of: Transforming Lives,Strengthening Families, andIntentionally Impacting CommunitiesGet your free ticket to the Married to the Pastor Conference >> www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Connect with Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson:www.peletahministries.comRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" > www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

After years of small church setbacks and church trauma, Allison and her husband were on the verge of walking away from ministry. After finding our community, this pastoral couple made simple mindset shifts that not only changed their personal trajectory but also greatly influenced their church culture to move from unhealthy to thriving. From feeling burned out to feeling totally blessed, listen in as Allison shares some easy-to-make ministry changes and self-care practices that made the difference.Get your free ticket to the Married to the Pastor Conference >> www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" > www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Polishing the Pulpit 2024 - Branson Hayes Tim - The Rise of the Small Church

Life and ministry in a small church isn't always easy. We share seasons of dwindling numbers, missing volunteers, and wondering if we're making a difference. And yet, the unique impact of small churches is also undeniable. In this heartfelt episode, pastor's wife and ministry leader Joni Topper shares her heart and ultimate motivation to serve and to keep on serving in a small church.Connect with Joni Topper:www.morningloryministry.comwww.facebook.com/Morningloryjoni Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Bishop W. C. Martin shares his remarkable story of leading his small church to adopt 77 children out of the foster care system, alongside the producer who's turned his story into a movie, Rebekah Weigel. Dr. Sharen Ford encourages and equips families to be a part of the movement Martin and Weigel are starting, to end the foster care crisis. Encourage hurting children with a suitcase bundle today. Your donation will not only support our Wait No More Foster Care and Adoption program efforts, but you'll also offer a waiting child something comforting that they can call their own! And when you give, we'll say thanks by sending you a book, "Small Town, Big Miracle." Donate here. Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.

In this episode, Lauryn and Jonathan tackle that tricky question: What can small churches do if they have people with lots of different first languages?For more free resources, go to churchinterpreting.comIf you are looking for personal help with languages in your church, contact Jonathan here: https://integritylanguages.co.uk/contact/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Science writer Heather Zeiger of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity shares how we'll be able to see an exploding star sometime this summer, as well as the thorny ethical issues around invitro fertilization.  Film producers Josh and Rebekah Weigel talks about the story of church in Possum Trot, TX that adopted almost 80 children out of the foster care system.  Their story is behind the movie "Sound of Hope:  The Story of Possum Trot." Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Midland Evangelical Free Church Sermon Audio Midland, MI

What challenges do a churches experience based on its size?No matter what size your church is, it's going to come with some strengths and some weaknesses. Jerell discusses the nature of the problem and how to overcome some of our unique challenges. 

What do you do when kids don't come to Sunday school and teens have better options than youth group? When parents don't prioritize church and our communities no longer recognize Sundays as sacred? Learn how to let go of what's not working and grab hold of what is. Listen in to hear simple shifts and doable next steps for any size church to build a ministry legacy that starts today and impacts generations to come.Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Revitalization Rewards found in this episode: 1. Repairing the cracks with Christ 2. Restoring visionary leadership 3. Reminding others of the value of the neighborhood

Hosted by Mark PospisilSound Engineer and Producer: Jonathan BlosserThe Stream Roots Podcast theme song was written, recorded, and produced by Eric Fritts.You can learn more about Barnabas Ministries by visiting www.barnabasministriesmi.orgYou can find Karl Vaters' books by clicking here.You can find the book, Small Church BIG Deal, by clicking here

Hosted by Mark PospisilSound Engineer and Producer: Jonathan BlosserThe Stream Roots Podcast theme song was written, recorded, and produced by Eric Fritts.You can learn more about Barnabas Ministries by visiting www.barnabasministriesmi.org

Have you ever felt like your church is “less than” because you don't have a worship experience with the talented musicians you've seen in larger churches? According to Teresa Stewart, not only is that not needed for an excellent worship experience, but the small church actually has advantages that are not always available to our big-church friends. In this conversation, Karl Vaters talks with Teresa Stewart about some of those advantages, including: The Happy Birthday Effect Seeing and adjusting our aesthetic cues Stone Soup planning The value of small-church symbols How to ask better questions about our worship experience And so much more Teresa Stewart is the author of The Small Church Advantage: Seven Powerful Worship Practices that Work Best in Small Settings. Teresa's approach is simple, practical, and applicable in most small-church settings. She challenges some of the ways we've thought about small-church worship, offers viable alternatives, then gives some wonderful step-by-step advice about how to curate worship to be more participatory without letting chaos reign. Links from this Episode: https://www.worshipnerds.com/ Teresa@smallchurch.org    Bonus Chat The Role of Conversation in Small-Church Worship Karl Vaters talks with Teresa Stewart about conversation can be incorporated into the small-church experience. She encourages us to start slow and small. And she helps us curate the experience so it doesn't become a free-for-all. As Teresa wrote in her book, “Conversation in worship is not an anything-goes pursuit. It should serve and deepen the worship. Begin by curating worship in one element of your usual order.” On a very practical level, Teresa talks about the three levels of questions and conversation. Knowing these levels will help you approach this with wisdom and patience, allowing people to participate while maintaining a sense of direction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcoming first-time guests may have been an afterthought in your church. Are you looking to launch a guest services team or welcome ministry but don't know where to start? Or are you trying to take what you have and make it better? Here's 5 tips to make it happen (even if you have a small congregation).

Pastoring a small church can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield. I want to offer a few tips to the small church pastor in this episode. These tips may help you avoid stepping in the wrong place and blowing yourself and the church to pieces. Give this episode a listen, and let me know what you think. Reach out with your questions, comments, and experiences. You and your ministry may seem small to people, but you are a big deal to God. I would love to hear from you. Support the showSubscribe to this podcast. Leave us a review. Point your friends to this podcast.Contact me at: alancarr@gmail.com. The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)If you would like some Preaching Matters Podcast merch, you can support the show while advertising for the show.Podcast T-Shirt: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1477329809/podcast-logo-preacher-gift-sermon-notes?click_key=10bfd3485c9c310cd30c1ea506644847488583b2%3A1477329809&click_sum=c33942ee&external=1&rec_type=ss&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-1&frs=1Podcast Mug: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1468678138/coffee-mug-the-preaching-matters-podcast?click_key=372978b5d3b54393df102deea8e8e4a635954690%3A1468678138&click_sum=7538cce4&external=1&rec_type=ss&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-8&frs=1

If you're looking for the secret to better community outreach, don't miss this episode. Listen in to hear how one small church pastor led his church to become the place the community turns to for help. From opening their church building for local high school events to providing memorial dinners for community members with no strings attached, this small church has become a hub of community care. Our guest on the podcast today, Pastor Jeff Shouse from First Baptist Church in Ramsey, Illinois, shares the moment he realized he was the “Community Pastor.”Connect with Pastor Jeffrey Shouse: https://fbcramsey.org/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Whether church is feeling stagnant or you're getting ready to kick off a brand new ministry, we're unpacking one of the biggest factors leading to a ministry that's engaging, growing, and seeing results versus one that feels like you're pulling teeth!If you're wondering what's holding your small church back from joining God in impacting your community, I'll first tell you what's NOT the problem:It's not the size of your church.It's not the lack of volunteer commitment.It's not the modern culture.We've gotta stop that blame game. It doesn't serve us one bit and leads nowhere good. Listen in to hear one specific change you can make - starting today - to help move the needle in your small church's success.Get your ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference!!Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Your small church needs vision. Did you know that visionary people serve with more motivation, attract more volunteers, and are more likely to make an impact in ministry? They are also usually the happiest and most fulfilled volunteers. Here's the good news: you have what it takes! YOU were created to be a visionary too! Listen in to this episode for 3 easy things you can do to get in touch with a fresh vision for your ministry area and spread the vision to others too.Small Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

Ben, Tyler, and Andrew discuss the differences between a big church and a small church. Is one inherently better? Do believes prefer one over the other? These questions and more on this week's episode of TBTC. Contact us at:Podcast@tobethechurch.comFacebook.com/tobethechurchinstagram.com/tobethechurchyoutube.com/tobethechurch

In this episode, I'm tackling 9 of the most recent questions popping up in our community of small churches Listen in for quick, practical tips and new strategies to overcome some of your current challenges. You don't need to keep living the same Sunday over and over again. Join thousands of other small churches in being the change you want to see!How to move people from tasks to teamsWhat to do when you want a ministry that your church doesn't haveHow to get your own volunteer job descriptionThoughts on how to be happy in a church when you're not feeling itWhat to do when you know better than your ministry leaderHow to find your personal calling in your small churchStrategies to lead when others don't want changeTips to remember names and why it's importantHow to get younger families involved when your congregation is agingRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"