Church Leadership Lab - podcast cover

Church Leadership Lab

Ministry Brandswww.ministrybrands.com

Church Leadership Lab is a podcast that seeks to empower healthy churches. Through conversations, interviews, and stories, we explore what's happening in ministry today and how pastors and leaders can navigate what lies ahead. This podcast is a resource of Ministry Brands, the largest provider of church technology. We help 90,000+ churches with an integrated platform that provides online giving, people (chMS), websites, streaming, background checks, and more all to empower healthy churches. To learn more, visit https://www.ministrybrands.com.

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Episodes

Ep. 047 | Jeremy Williamson: How to Heal From Ministry Wounds

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Williamson, a Story Work coach and author who specializes in coaching and counseling pastors, missionaries, sabbatical coaching, and marriages. In this conversation, we discuss: Recognizing and healing from ministry wounds. Challenging false beliefs that fuel anxiety. Setting boundaries in ministry leadership roles. The power of vulnerability. Join us for this conversation with Jeremy as we unpack how to heal from ministry wounds. >>SHOW NOTES<&l...

Nov 29, 202345 min

Ep. 046 | Jim Sheppard: Maximizing Your Year-End Giving Campaign

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Sheppard, CEO of Generis, and hear his interview from the last Healthy Church Summit on maximizing year-end giving campaigns. In this interview, we discuss: The significance of messaging in successful campaigns. How to set goals for year-end giving based on giver behaviors. Shifting the focus from transactional giving to forming and shaping individuals. Practical steps and tools to prepare for a successful year-end campaign. Join us as we dive into how to ma...

Nov 22, 202322 min

Ep. 045 | Alicia Lee: The Need For Community For Church Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Alicia Lee, CEO and co-founder of Faithly (LinkedIn for Ministries). After spending nearly 20 years at Goldman Sachs, Alicia co-founded Faithly in 2022 to help cultivate community among ministry leaders. In this conversation, we discuss: How to have unity despite disagreements. Encouraging collaboration among church leaders. The importance of intentionality in community building. How Faithly is helping cultivate community among ministry leaders. Join us as we di...

Nov 15, 202331 min

Ep. 044 | Chris Vacher: The Importance of Leadership Development In the Church

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Vacher, a long-time church leader who has spent 20 years serving as an Executive Pastor as well as overseeing Worship, Creative Arts, and Multisite positions. Chris now focuses on helping churches faithfully realize their God-given vision by gaining organizational clarity, staff team development, and coaching senior leaders. In this conversation, we discuss: The significance of character in leadership. The need for intentional leadership development in chu...

Nov 07, 202341 min

Ep. 043 | Mark Crain: Cultivating Healthy Finances in Your Church

In this episode we sit down with Mark Crain, who has a background in banking and finance and for over a decade has used that experience to educate & train churches on financial systems and best practices. In this conversation, we discuss: Common mistakes churches make in handling their finances. The dangers of relying on a single person for financial management. How to best structure financial systems in the church. Best practices for stewarding church resources Join us as we talk about the ...

Nov 01, 202327 min

Ep. 042 | Todd Rukes: Building A Thriving Church Staff

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Rukes, founder and president of Rukes Search Group, a staffing firm for churches and nonprofits. Todd has over a decade of ministry experience in various roles, including worship pastor, director of human resources, executive pastor, and senior director of communications. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in building a thriving church staff. Mistakes pastors make when a staff member considers leaving. Challenges pastors face ...

Oct 25, 202341 min

Ep. 041 | Alaina Butler: Navigating The Church Facility Journey

In this episode, we sit down with Alaina Butler from Churches by Daniels to talk about all things church facilities. Churches by Daniels has been building churches since 1980 and are experts in all things church facilities. In this conversation, we discuss: How to determine timing for a church building project. The process of design and construction for churches. Practical aspects of buying or retrofitting an existing building. Join us for this conversation with Alaina Butler! >>SHOW NOTES...

Oct 18, 202342 min

Ep. 040 | Drew Young: Using Data & Systems to Reach People

In this episode, we sit down with Drew Young, the Systems Manager at Christ the King Community Church in Bellingham, WA. Drew brings a wealth of knowledge on using data and systems to reach people and he's passionate about leveraging technology to connect individuals to ministries and help churches thrive in the digital age. In this conversation, we discuss: Importance of collecting and utilizing data effectively. The shift to online platforms and the significance of church websites. Creating a ...

Oct 11, 202340 min

Ep. 039 | Justin Romine: The Importance of HR For Churches

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Romine, the Senior VP of Strategy at HR Ministry Solutions. Justin has a background in ministry and the corporate world which he combines to help churches and ministries create healthy cultures through effective HR strategies. In this conversation, we discuss: How good HR practices help in disciple-making. The significance of change management and the challenges churches face in implementing changes. The impact of COVID-19 on church leadership and the nee...

Oct 04, 202343 min

Ep. 038 | Mike Poirier: Increasing Stewardship with Digital Tools

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Poirier, the Senior Vice President of Ministry Lending at Christian Community Credit Union. Mike brings his extensive experience in commercial lending and his passion for helping ministries grow and achieve financial goals to our conversation. In this conversation, we discuss: Finance stewardship for churches and ministries. Trends and observations in giving and generosity during economic ups and downs. Using digital tools for online giving and increasing s...

Sep 27, 202338 min

Ep. 037 | Bethany Van Eps: Unleashing the Gifts of Your People

In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Van Eps, the Church Engagement Coordinator for Made to Flourish. Bethany is passionate about empowering pastors and their churches to integrate faith and work to see communities flourishing. In this conversation, we discuss: Providing pastors with data for determining next steps. Implementing a church practicum for congregations. Breaking down the sacred secular divide in ministry. Recognizing the value of congregants' skills and passions. Join us as we ...

Sep 20, 202335 min

Ep. 036 | Jason Hamrock: How to Be Missional in Church Marketing

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hamrock, the founder of Missional Marketing and we discuss: Being missional in church marketing. How to approach AI. Leveraging digital opportunities for outreach. The importance of having a strong online presence. Join us as we talk about harnessing digital channels to connect with a broader community and transforming church websites into resource tools. >> Show Notes <<...

Sep 13, 202345 min

Ep. 035 | Jeremiah Herrian: How to Effectively Engage Your Community

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremiah Herrian, the founder of Forgotten Ministries. Jeremiah grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and has dedicated his life to serving others through ministry after seeing radical ministry on Skid Row. In this conversation, we discuss effective ways to engage and serve our communities. Mobilizing the church to meet community needs. Overcoming barriers to connect with marginalized populations. The power of empathy and genuine relationships. Finding simple actions to...

Sep 06, 202343 min

Ep. 034 | Katie Allred: Crafting A Church Communication Strategy

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Allred, a marketer, social media strategist, professor, and founder of ChurchCommunications.com. Katie is an expert in communication and online communities for nonprofits, churches, and businesses. In this conversation, we discuss: Crafting a church communication strategy. The importance of adapting to new trends and technologies. Using A.I. for church communications. Creating content outside the traditional mold. Leveraging social media platforms. The nex...

Aug 30, 202342 min

Ep. 033 | Jeff Dalrymple: Keys to Preventing Abuse In the Church

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Dalrymple, Executive Director of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention. In this conversation, we discuss: Steps to prevent abuse in the church. Challenges and complications with background checks. Creating safe places for children in our churches. Having a response plan for allegations of abuse. Join us as we talk about the keys to preventing abuse in the church, the need for greater awareness and understanding, and the importance of collaboration to...

Aug 23, 202335 min

Ep. 032 | Tali Kauflin: Redefining Church Marketing & Communication

In this episode, we sit down with Tali Kauflin, Executive Director of Accounts and Services at Clever Marketing. She leads the Clever team through process development, client services, leadership coaching, and personal development. She has worked in a variety of roles in ministry. In this conversation, we discuss: How to think about church marketing. Measuring marketing success with a kingdom mindset. How to do people-first marketing. Ways to improve your marketing strategies even with a smaller...

Aug 16, 202346 min

Ep. 031 | Ben Stapley: Cultivating Creativity in your Church

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Stapley, speaker, consultant, professor, and executive pastor at Life Christian Church. He's a creative with a diverse background including expertise in creating and capturing memorable moments for non-profits, organizations, and churches. In this conversation, we discuss: Strategies for revitalizing church services. How to inject creativity into the mundane. Unlocking the full potential of team brainstorming. Tips for maintaining innovation and creativity a...

Aug 09, 202355 min

Ep. 030 | Jason Kovacs: The Importance of Mental Health in Ministry

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Kovacs, executive director of the Gospel Care Collective, member of the association of biblical counselors, and adjunct professor at Heritage Theological Seminary. In our conversation, we discuss the following: The current state of health for today’s pastors. Helpful ways to engage those struggling with mental health. The importance of vulnerability, community, and friendship. Practical steps to take to maintain mental health. Balancing the tension of lead...

Aug 02, 202344 min

Ep. 029 | Mark MacDonald: How Your Church Can Be Known For Something

In the episode, we sit down with Mark MacDonald, a church communication expert with over 20 years of experience. He’s held positions as a pastor, communications director, marketing VP, creative director, and consultant to churches of all sizes. In the conversation, we talk about: Why it’s important for a church to develop a communication strategy. Easy wins churches can have to improve their communication. The best communication channels churches should focus on. The advantage of finding outside...

Jul 26, 202346 min

Ep. 028 | Jason Thacker: A.I. and The Church

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Thacker, an author, assistant professor at Boyce College, and Director of the Research Institute at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. In our conversation, we talk about: How to think wisely about technology. How to combat the various traps of technology. Approaching new technology as a church leader. Ways to set healthy boundaries around technology. Join this conversation as we discuss how to approach technolog...

Jul 19, 202347 min

Ep. 027 | Clark Campbell: Harnessing the Power of Story

In this episode, we sit down with Clark Campbell, Founder and CEO of RVRB, a video-first agency specializing in event and branding amplification. In our conversation, we talk about the following: The power of storytelling and social media. Practical social media strategies for churches. How to leverage storytelling within a mid-size church. How to add value to your social media and videography Join this conversation as we discuss how the church can strategically use social media to share the gre...

Jul 12, 202357 min

Ep. 026 | Alan George: Digital Ministry & Healthy Leadership Pt. 2

Join us for part two of our conversation with Alan George as we dive into: What's leadership in the church truly about? The importance of measuring the immeasurable in ministry. How to find rest and refuge for our souls amid the busyness of ministry. Links from the show: Connect with Alan George: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website | Blog | Church Website | YouTube Resources Mentioned: Book: Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller Technology: Ring App , Amazon.com...

Jul 05, 202340 min

Ep. 025 | CLL Live: What's Going Well In Ministry?

Kacie and Scott recently sat down with pastors and church leaders at a conference and asked “what’s going well in ministry right now?” and “what’s one component of a healthy church?”. In this episode, you’ll hear from church leaders across the country who are leading in different contexts and in churches of various sizes. We hope this encourages you and the work you’re doing in your ministry.

Jun 30, 202330 min

Ep. 024 | Alan George: Digital Ministry & Healthy Leadership Pt. 1

In this episode, we sit down with Alan George, a digital ministry expert who spent 10 years as the Online Pastor at Life.Church . In part-one one of our discussion, we cover leveraging technology to make the truth of Jesus accessible to all. In our conversation, we talk about: How pastors and church leaders can leverage digital platforms to reach beyond the church walls and regularly connect people with relevant and engaging Christ-centric content. Ways to avoid cold, impersonal digital interact...

Jun 28, 202335 min

Ep. 023 | Holly Tate: Developing High Capacity Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Holly Tate, Senior Vice President of Leadership Development at Leadr. In our conversation, we talk about the following: Why staff development is essential. Defining your priorities as a church leader. Recognizing the important versus the urgent. How to create a great place to work with a healthy culture. Join the conversation as we talk about what the church is missing when it comes to leadership development, how to develop your staff in a fast-paced environment...

Jun 21, 202348 min

Ep. 022 | Jim Sheppard: Cultivating a Generous Church

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Sheppard, CEO and Principle at Generis. In our conversation, we talk about the following: Leading and discipling your church towards giving. Having the right mindset around money. How to increase generosity in the church. Digital tools and generosity. Join the conversation as we talk about how to view generosity within the church, how to leverage your church services (and not be afraid) to talk about money, and how to cultivate and disciple your church towar...

Jun 14, 202352 min

Ep. 021 | The Healthy Church Summit Recap

In this episode, Scott & Kacie recap the recent Healthy Church Summit we hosted on June 1st. The Summit introduced the roadmap for Ministry Brands and shared details about the new Healthy Church Hub. In this episode, they discuss: The innovation that will most impact church leaders. How the Healthy Church Hub will help empower healthy churches What the future looks like for connecting churches with the resources they need. If you missed the Summit, make sure you watch the recap and sign up f...

Jun 07, 202327 min

Ep. 020 | Mike Minter: How to Avoid Burnout & Finish Well

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Minter who founded and pastored Reston Bible Church in Northern Virginia for 47 years. After a successful succession, Mike has gone on to write and serve as a pastor to pastors, helping leaders to persevere while maintaining healthy rhythms. In our conversation, we talk about the following: Root Causes of Why Pastors Are Leaving Ministry. 3 Warning Signs for Ministry Burnout. The Importance of Friendship as a Church Leader. 4 Healthy Rhythms to Practice. En...

May 31, 202344 min

Ep. 019 | Sean Bublitz: How to Assess Your Church's Health

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Bublitz, who spent two decades in ministry (Community Christian Church and Granger Community Church) and now serves full-time as a Ministry Consultant with the Unstuck Group. In our conversation, we talk about the following: Understanding the Church Lifecycle. Self-assessing questions to understand the health of your church. The biggest threat to the culture of your team. Real-time research and benchmarks on the state of the church. Join the conversation as...

May 24, 202344 min

Ep. 018 | Nils Smith: Making the Most of Your Digital Ministry

In this episode, we sit down with Nils Smith, digital marketing and ministry consultant and founder of Amplify Social Media. In our conversation, we talk about the following: Common mistakes churches make when it comes to their digital presence. The intersection of digital innovation and ministry. Small steps to take to be more active on social media. Advantages of outsourcing your social media. Join the conversation as we discuss creating a digital ministry mindset, the importance of having a d...

May 17, 202352 min
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