In Part 2 of Kerry's interview of this small group ministry consultant, Cameron talks about some of the pitfalls to look out for in a small group ministry. Also, he offers some closing thoughts on what church leaders need to know before beginning such a ministry. LIke Part 1 of this series, this episode is full of practical advice and time-tested recommendations that church leaders will surely appreciate!
Jul 04, 2021•29 min
In this episode, Cameron John, a consultant for small group ministries in churches, discusses the rationale for starting a small groups' program in your church. He also offers practical recommendations for effective small groups. This is Part 1 of Kerry's interview with Cameron.
Jun 27, 2021•22 min
We want to be an influence for good. We want to make a positive impression for the gospel and the Lord. But, sometimes, our words and attitudes get in the way. Our words may offend and alienate, and that's the last thing we want our words to do! In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss some of the mistakes Christians make when talking with their religious friends and neighbors.
Jun 20, 2021•19 min
This is Part 3 in the series, "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church." In this episode Kerry and Becky suggest that effective church leaders and churches post-pandemic will focus on loving and embracing others, rather than judging them and that they will be gospel-driven, rather than ideologically-driven. We would love to hear what you think about these recommendations. Join the conversation!
Jun 13, 2021•15 min
Now that the pandemic is waning and church doors are re-opening, bringing people back is the primary concern of many church leaders. That's legitimate. After all, the scriptures speak of the importance of the assembly. In this episode, however, Kerry and Becky discuss the need to move people forward in their walk with God and some of the steps church leaders can take to do so. This is Part 2 in their series, "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church."
Jun 06, 2021•19 min
In this episode Kerry and Becky begin a three-part series: "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church." Many of the ideas in this episode came from a Carey Nieuwhof blog post entitled, "The Coming Church Split." After discussing the notion that believers should pursue truth wherever or from whomever they find it, Becky and Kerry talk about one way church leaders can improve the post-pandemic church: by deciding once and for all to become a fully hybrid church.
May 30, 2021•16 min
John Royse, elder for The Hills Church in Fort Worth, TX shares a potpourri of insights and suggestions regarding the way elders can organize themselves, how they may relate to ministers, the 2-seat model of member engagement, advice for smaller churches, encouraging people to use their God-given gifts, elder visibility, vision-casting, and more. This is Part 2 in Kerry's conversation with John.
May 23, 2021•24 min
How should elders organize themselves to do the work of the Lord in a local church? There is no direct reference in the Bible to how they should be organized. In this episode of the podcast, John Royse, one of the shepherds of The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, Texas, describes the unique model their elders use to organize themselves and some of the benefits of this model.
May 16, 2021•24 min
What is the first step church and ministry leaders should take for the health of their church or ministry? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the all-important step of conducting a reality check. Then, they identify three steps church leaders may take to conduct that self-assessment.
May 09, 2021•17 min
Are you worried your people won't come back to church once the doors reopen? Are you wondering if your church should continue streaming your worship service when you return to in-person worship? In this episode, Kerry and Becky continue their conversation regarding what church leaders can do if people don't "come back to church." Then, they address the question: Should churches continue to embrace a digital ministry after returning to in-person worship? Join the conversation!
Apr 25, 2021•23 min
Some studies indicate that as many as 20-30% of a church's members will not return to in-person worship services once the pandemic has run its course. What should church leaders do if church members don't come back? How should they respond? Kerry and Becky discuss a few suggestions in this episode.
Apr 18, 2021•22 min
What can be done when a church is stuck, and changes need to be made? How may church leaders begin--where do they start--to make the necessary changes that will help them make forward progress? The first step is to create urgency for change. But how is that done? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss two ways to pave the way for change: by communicating a positive vision of the opportunities that will be realized by making necessary changes and by communicating a negative picture of the hazar...
Apr 11, 2021•15 min
Since it is true that our resources, time, and energies are limited, we should admit the reality that there are only so many things we can do well. How does this apply to your church? Are there ministries, programs, and activities in your church that need to be pruned? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the first step in the pruning process: staying in touch with reality! It is acknowledging that pruning is a necessary, natural, and beneficial part of everyday life.
Apr 04, 2021•16 min
Do any of the ministries or programs in your church need to be pruned? Why prune ministries at all? What is the value in pruning programs and ministries? In this episode, Kerry and Becky apply the gardening principle of pruning to the ministries and programs of a church. They discuss the distinction between "hurt" and "harm," doing something that may only hurt temporarily but does not harm the church. After encouraging church leaders to answer two important questions before beginning the process...
Mar 28, 2021•22 min
Whether during a pandemic or otherwise, conscientious church leaders understand their responsibility to keep watch over the souls in their charge (Hebrews 13:17). But how is that staggering responsibility accomplished? What can church leaders do to stay connected with the members of their church and keep them from "falling through the cracks"? Several church leaders were surveyed and asked to explain what they were doing to stay in touch with their members. Five recommendations to help church le...
Mar 21, 2021•30 min
When should a minister consider a move? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss scenarios in which it might be advisable, even necessary, for a minister to relocate. When might it be best for the minister and his or her family to consider a move? When might it be best for the church and the kingdom of God for the minister to move? Join us for this discussion!
Mar 16, 2021•17 min
There are times when ministers and their families consider moving from one church to another. Sometimes, a move may be recommended. But, when might it not be a good time to move? In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss four scenarios in which it may not be a good time to leave a particular ministry for another. Feel free to join the discussion!
Mar 07, 2021•27 min
In this episode, Kerry and Becky answer a couple of questions they received in response to recent podcasts, questions related to the independence of church leaders: What does it mean that ministers need some degree of independence from their elders or other church leaders? Should the fear of backlash from the church affect the decisions church leaders make? Interesting and relevant questions! Join the discussion!
Feb 28, 2021•26 min
Is longevity in ministry always a good thing for the church? What do you do if a minister who is hurting a church won't leave? What do you do if the leaders of the church won't deal with a a minister who, by most accounts, should leave? Who should hold ministers accountable, why church leaders should hold them accountable, and how ministers should be held accountable are some of the topics discussed in this episode.
Feb 22, 2021•28 min
Why should minsters plan to stay where they have been called to serve? Why should they not look to move from a certain field of service too quickly? And why should church leaders plan to keep ministers in their churches for the long haul? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss some of the advantages of longevity in ministry.
Feb 15, 2021•20 min
What is one of the primary works of ministry? How important is diligent Bible study for ministers? Who must lead the church (besides Jesus)? Can ministers be too bonded to the elders of their congregation? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss four more foundational principles of effective ministry.
Feb 08, 2021•24 min
What is your motivation for ministry? Are you a hard worker? Do you see yourself as a servant? Do you love people? These are some of the questions Kerry and Becky urge church leaders and every follower of Christ to ask in this episode as they discuss some of the key, foundational principles of effective ministry.
Jan 31, 2021•18 min
Do you feel a sense of calling from God on your life? Like the Apostle Paul and so many of the prophets of the Old Testament, do you feel God has tapped you on the shoulder and given you a job to do? Church leaders need to feel a sense of calling, at the very least, in order to endure suffering, hardship, and persecution. But, how might one confirm a calling? In this episode, Kerry and Becky identify seven questions that one might ask to confirm a call.
Jan 25, 2021•21 min
Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a difficult and challenging year for God's people. But, with a new year before us, there are reasons for hope. In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss five reasons church leaders can be hopeful in 2021.
Jan 18, 2021•20 min
Why keep a daily appointment with God? What are the basic components of a daily quiet time with him? How can a person start such a practice? These and other questions regarding a daily meetup with God are discussed in this episode.
Dec 14, 2020•9 min
How does one cope with suicide loss? What may church leaders do or say to help those who are suffering from suicide loss? What may be said or done that does not help? Toni Webb, who lost her son to suicide, shares her experiences, advice, and suggestions for those who have suffered suicide loss and for church leaders who aim to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Dec 06, 2020•39 min
What is "moving the needle" and what is not "moving the needle" in our church family? What are we doing that is moving us in the direction we desire to go? What programs or events need to be modified or discontinued because they are not "moving the needle"? These are some of the questions church leaders ask who feel they are accountable to their church's goals and strategies. Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss four suggestions for church leaders who are concerned about "moving the needle" in t...
Nov 29, 2020•16 min
What is the difference between a church's mission and vision? What are the church programs that might be called her "core growth engines"? In this episode, Kerry and Becky answer questions that often surface in their Effective Church Leaders Workshops.
Nov 15, 2020•15 min
In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the need for church leaders to engage two groups of people. They discuss two types of engagement strategies: strategies that engage insiders to grow in Christ and strategies that engage outsiders to encourage them to become followers of Jesus.
Nov 08, 2020•13 min
Sociologists and therapists speak of "closed family systems," and unfortunately a church can become a "closed system." What are some of the characteristics of closed systems and how may those characteristics show up in a church? The sad fact is that church leaders may unknowingly be promoting attitudes that keep their church closed to outsiders and that keep those inside the church from growing to maturity in Christ.
Nov 01, 2020•31 min
