Church Leadership Lab

This week on the Church Leadership Lab podcast, we’re taking a break from our usual format to honor the significance of Holy Week.As we pause to reflect on this sacred time, we’re reminded of the hope we have through Christ’s death and resurrection. And while this is one of the most meaningful weeks of the year, we also know it can be one of the busiest for ministry leaders.With extra services, events, and expectations, it’s easy to move quickly through the week without slowing down to personally experience what we’re leading others through. So in the middle of it all, we want to encourage you to take a moment for yourself—to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God.We believe this week isn’t just about what God wants to do through you, but what He wants to do in you.From all of us at Church Leadership Lab and the team at Ministry Brands, thank you for your faithfulness in serving your church and community. We see you. We’re praying for you. And we’re grateful for your leadership in this powerful season.Wishing you a Holy Week filled with peace, purpose, and the joy of resurrection.We’ll return next week with more conversations to equip and encourage you in ministry—because the best is yet to come.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4bTEl6HLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify:  https://bit.ly/4lPZ67I

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore share a timely heart check for ministry leaders navigating the Easter season—helping you slow down, refocus, and lead well in the final stretch before Easter.In this conversation, we discuss:The pressure of Easter in church lifePrioritizing spiritual rest over busynessIntentional time with God amid chaosServing from a healthy heart postureLetting go of comparison in ministryLeading others with grace under stressJoin us as we dive into How Ministry Leaders Can Rest & Refocus This Easter with Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47VmX01Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4c6FEQM

In this episode, we sit down with Dustin Dozier, Teaching Pastor and Director of Next Steps at Upstate Church, coach, and author of the bestselling book "The Connected Church."We explore practical ways to move newcomers from first-time guests to fully connected members, building genuine relationships and a stronger church community.In this conversation, we discuss:The difference between attending and belongingOvercoming common connection gaps in churchesCreating clear next steps for newcomersInnovative ideas for building communityThe role of intentional follow-up processesJoin us as we dive into Moving Newcomers from Guests to Connected Members with Dustin Dozier.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4uDwkeFLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4sV9bCK

In this episode, we sit down with Mark MacDonald, a church branding strategist and founder of Be Known for Something.We explore how churches can build a consistent communication rhythm that brings clarity to their messaging and helps them reach both their congregation and their community more effectively.In this conversation, we discuss:Reactive vs. intentional church communicationWhy consistency builds trustMoving beyond announcement cultureThe "Pick It, Place It, Push It, Prove It" frameworkFinding your church’s communication “thread”Join us as we dive into practical strategies for building a consistent church communication rhythm with Mark MacDonald.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3P0sT1jLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4lqTIYC

In this episode, we sit down with Tara Banks, worship pastor at Seacoast Church, author, and worship consultant.We explore what it takes to build a healthy worship team both on and off the stage, with practical insights for leaders at any church.In this conversation, we discuss:The heart behind healthy worship teamsSigns of unhealthy team cultureStaying spiritually connected as a leaderImportance of Sabbath for ministry longevityCreating a culture of trust and clarityMutual respect between worship and senior leadershipJoin us as we dive into Building a Healthy Worship Team On and Off the Stage with Tara Banks.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4l5r6nsLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/47o4lp7

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Fogg, Melbourne-based digital strategist, pastor, and online campus leader passionate about helping churches maximize their digital outreach.We explore how churches can leverage digital tools to make a greater impact during Easter and beyond.In this conversation, we discuss:Key digital opportunities around EasterGoogle search trends and church visibilitySetting up effective Google Business ProfilesMaximizing Google Ad Grants for churchesUsing Facebook and Instagram for outreachOptimizing church websites for new guestsJoin us as we dive into Using Digital Outreach to Maximize Your Church’s Easter Impact with Steve Fogg.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4c9DikPLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/3OBb7S3

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical strategies to prepare your church’s staff and volunteers for Easter, ensuring an impactful and joy-filled holiday weekend.In this conversation, we discuss:Early and positive Easter communication.Setting clear expectations for teams.Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.Balancing service and spiritual care.Over-preparing for kids ministry needs.Celebrating and supporting your team.Join us as we dive into Tips to Prepare Your Church’s Staff and Volunteers for Easter with Kendall Conner & Jessica Moore.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4c1fcZoLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/3ML3uI6 

Jonathan Howell, a church and nonprofit accounting specialist with 10+ years helping ministries manage finances. He talks about what makes church accounting unique. He explains why finances feel intimidating and the risks of relying on Excel. He outlines creating clear, timely reports for decision-making and steps for building trust through transparent stewardship.

In this episode, we sit down with Brad Lomenick, leadership strategist, author of H3 Leadership, and former president of the Catalyst Conference.We explore practical habits that help leaders become transformational and cultivate healthy church environments.In this conversation, we discuss:Building leadership one habit at a timeThe importance of humility, hunger, and hustleSelf-awareness and team dynamicsCreating healthy rhythms versus balanceStaying curious as a leaderDeveloping credibility through executionJoin us as we dive into Becoming a Transformational Leader One Habit at a Time with Brad Lomenick.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3OmkKUlLearn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4tismr2

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Stapley, executive pastor, speaker, creative director, and church consultant with over 20 years of experience in leadership and communication.We explore practical strategies for planning a memorable Easter church service that truly connects with the community.In this conversation, we discuss:Welcoming first-time Easter guestsSelecting impactful worship musicSharing compelling stories and testimoniesEngaging families and children at EasterFostering an invite culture in churchesJoin us as we dive into Planning A Memorable Easter Church Service for Your Community with Ben Stapley.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4a29Ev0Learn more about Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4rmKCOs