Church Leadership Lab

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.Encouragement for Those Who Want to Leave the Church.Join the conversation as we discuss the honest turbulence that many church leaders feel, healthy habits to begin practicing, and how to stay the course of ministry.Links from the Show:Connect with Mike Minter: WebsiteResources Mentioned: Stay the Course by Mike MinterDangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp CityAlightRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

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 we discuss what it looks like to assess, cultivate, and protect the health of your church.Connect with Sean & The Unstuck Group:Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeResources Mentioned Unstuck Group Self AssessmentThe Unstuck Church Report: Q1 2023The Unstuck ChurchRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

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 digital presence as a church, and ways to maximize your social media presence.Connect with Nils:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | YouTube | TikTok | TwitterConnect with Amplify Social Media:Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedinResources mentioned:Book: Emotionally Healthy Leader by Pete ScazzeroLast Thing You Listened To: The Wealthy Way Podcast by Ryan PinedaRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Thomas, President and Founder of Connect Ministries. In our conversation, we talk about the following:The history and impact of Connect Ministries. Why camps are way more than just “something for the kids to do”.How events and camps are catalysts for connection.Common mistakes churches when planning for Summer camps and events.How churches can develop growth opportunities for young leaders.Join the conversation as we discuss the opportunities for growth and development that churches can have when they engage those in their community and beyond.Links for Connect Ministries: Instagram | Website | LinkedInResources Mentioned: Connect Camp's Student Staffer InformationConnect Camp's Free SurveyFinal Five:Book: A Legacy that LastsRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Vaters, teaching pastor at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, author of multiple books, and small church leadership expert. In our conversation, we talk about the following:How to Define a Small Church.Benefits and Challenges of a Small Church.How to Find Rest as a Small Church Pastor.How to Measure the Health of a Small Church.Join the conversation as we talk about the importance of being “small,” embracing the unique value your church can bring to your community, and how to thrive as a small church.Links from the show:Connect with Karl Vaters:Instagram | Website | LinkedinResources mentioned:Book: Dirt Matters by Jim PowellTechnology: CanvaRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Deatherage, a church media and communications consultant who works with churches and non-profits to find the right tech solutions. In our conversation, we talk about the following:How to create a digital communications strategy in the church.Common church website mistakes.How to maximize your communications channels.Join the conversation as we talk about how digital tools can be used to create a journey that further grows your congregation.Links from the show:Connect with Jonathan:LinkedinConnect with Ministry Brands:Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | WebsiteResources mentioned:Book: Building a StoryBrand By Donald MillerFavorite Technology: AlexaRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we talk with Creative Arts Pastor and CEO of Creative Level Leadership, Nicole Lucas. In our conversation, we talk about the following:Transitioning from Peer to Leader: Navigating the Change.Leading Creatives: Wins and Challenges.Communicating with Creatives: How Leaders Can Be Effective.Relational Equity: Why it’s Important.Ways to Increase Your Church’s Creativity.  Listen as Nicole shares from her years of experience leading and managing diverse creative disciplines. Links from the show:Connect with Nicole Lucas:Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Podcast | WebsiteResources mentioned:Book: Making of a Manager - Julie ZhuoPodcast: Hidden Brain PodcastFavorite Technology: AirPodsRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Bealer, the Director of Ministry Engagement at Generis. She's been leading in ministry for 22 years. Six of these were spent overseeing standards, systems, staffing, and atmosphere for the family ministry of Elevation Church. She's overseen the launch of twenty locations and is considered a specialist in multisite.  In our conversation, we talk about the following:Common hindrances to impactful family ministry.How to effectively communicate your need for volunteers.The biggest changes in ministry post-COVID.How to be proactive in providing a safe environment for families.Join us as we talk about ways to cultivate a healthy volunteer culture, strategically recruit volunteers, and be proactive when providing a safe environment for kids and families.Links from the show:Connect with Jessica Bealer:Instagram | Linkedin | Twitter | EmailResources mentioned:Book: Lead Small - Reggie JoinerPodcast: The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership PodcastFavorite Technology: Evernote, Blinkist AppRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

Easter weekend is a busy season for church leaders. A lot of time is spent planning, preparing, and doing ministry, but what about when the weekend is over?Hopefully, your heart is full and most likely your tank will be empty. So what do you do? How do you recover?In this episode, Scott & Kacie give 7 practical ways (plus a bonus) that church leaders can rest well post-Easter weekend to ensure they are refueled and ready to lead their churches. Bible Reading Plan: Reset After Easter: A YouVersion Rest Plan for PastorsRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Shipley, a social media strategist who previously worked for YouVersion Bible App and is currently over the Digital Customer Experience at Tyson Foods. In our conversation, we talk about the following:Creating an effective social media strategyHow to carefully plan your social contentSteps to take to repurpose your contentHow to define success in social media as a churchPractical ways to keep up with changes in social mediaThree ways to be consistent on social media without adding to your workloadJoin the conversation as we talk about why social media matters and how the intersection of social media and the church can effectively reach people within and beyond your church walls.Connect with Jacob Shipley:Linkedin | Twitter | Email: chat@howtosocialmedia.comResources mentioned:Book: MetaChurch by Dave AdamsonBook: Strong Fathers, Strong DaughtersTechnology: Motion – Calendar AppRegister for the Healthy Church Summit for FREE:HealthyChurchSummit.com