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 incredible hope that we have through Christ’s resurrection.Ministry leaders, we know this can be a busy time for you. The Easter season often comes with extra events, long to-do lists, and high expectations. As much as we understand that this can be a hectic time, we want to remind you to take a moment for yourself to truly connect with God this week. We believe that God wants to do something fresh in you this Easter—not just through 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 inspiring conversations to equip and encourage you in ministry—because the best is yet to come.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/4jsYqDz

In this episode, we sit down with Micah Pritchard, a seasoned leader with a strong background in software development and team leadership, currently at Service Reef.We explore how churches can effectively mobilize their congregations for missions and the impact it can have both locally and globally.In this conversation, we discuss:• Defining missions within the church context.• Importance of discipleship through mission trips.• Balancing local and global missions opportunities.• Effective strategies for planning mission trips.• Engaging and equipping volunteers for missions.Join us as we dive into mobilizing your congregation for missions with Micah Pritchard.‍SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/3EgfQ6K

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Carter, a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience in helping ministries creating safe environments for attendees, volunteers, and children.We explore the importance of safety measures in church environments and how ministry leaders can effectively implement these practices.In this conversation, we discuss:The importance of volunteer background checks.Ensuring safety in kids ministry.Handling large events safely.The role of policies when it comes to church safety.Balancing being welcoming while also secure.Join us as we dive into creating safe ministry environments for families with Ryan Carter.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/43HezQJ

In this episode, we sit down with Mark MacDonald, a church branding strategist and founder of Be Known for Something.We explore strategies to ignite engagement at your church and the importance of clear communication in reaching your congregation and community effectively.In this conversation, we discuss:Clarifying church communication strategies.Engaging congregation beyond Sunday services.Strategies for enhancing your worship experiences.Engaging first-time guests and community members.The importance of creating a culture of invitation.Join us as we dive into strategies to ignite engagement at your church with Mark MacDonald.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/41Yk1fq

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Romine, the managing partner and CEO of HR Ministry Solutions.We explore avoiding common HR mistakes in ministry and how churches can effectively manage their teams and resources.In this conversation, we discuss:Importance of HR in ministry settings.Risks of outdated employee handbooks.Effective use of staff lifestyle agreements.Classifying and paying church roles correctly.Cultural and discipleship costs of poor HR.Join us as we dive into avoiding the most common HR mistakes in ministry with Justin Romine.SHOWNOTES: https://bit.ly/4iDFNvO

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman, founder of Selah Leaders and Lead Pastor of Propel Church in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina.We explore how ministry leaders can prioritize rest and prevent burnout through intentional rhythms and support systems.In this conversation, we discuss:Importance of rest for ministry leaders.Challenges of balancing ministry and rest.Role of identity in preventing burnout.Strategies for sustainable church leadership.Practical tips for implementing rest policies.Join us as we dive into how ministry leaders can prioritize rest and prevent burnout with Pastor Nick Newman.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/3FrleEr

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical tips to prepare your church for the Easter ministry season.We share essential advice that will equip your church for Easter, ensuring a smooth and successful event for your congregation and community.In this conversation, we discuss:Benefits of starting Easter planning early.Communicating effectively with your church.Setting volunteers up for success.Planning worship services with intention.Creating a meaningful follow-up strategy.Join us as we dive into essential tips to equip your church for Easter with Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/4ktPu1m

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Harden, a church growth consultant and co-founder of Firm Foundations Marketing.We explore how churches can utilize data to effectively identify and reach their target audience.In this conversation, we discuss:Using data for church growth.Defining your church's ideal audience.The five Ps of defining a target audience.The role of data in decision making.Aligning outreach with your ideal audience.Join us as we dive into using data to discover your church's target audience with Tyler Harden.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/41ytpre

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Goff, pastor of Radiate Church and Executive Director of the Acts 2 Network of Churches and Leaders.We explore how to navigate difficult leadership seasons and the lessons learned along the way.In this conversation, we discuss:Navigating unexpected leadership challenges.Overcoming grief as a leader.Phases of healing in leadership.The power of acknowledgment and vision.Mobilizing the church after hardship.The importance of personal leadership development.Join us as we dive into how to navigate difficult leadership seasons with Brandon Goff.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/4hFU2Qs

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Fogg, an early adopter of church online and online campus pastor at Crossway Baptist Church in Melbourne, Australia.We explore how ministries can effectively reach their communities online through digital strategies and engagement.In this conversation, we discuss:The importance of church websites.Engaging social media strategies.Benefits of live streaming services.Creating discoverable, faith-based content.Building digital ministry teams.Join us as we dive into how ministries can reach their communities online with Steve Fogg.SHOW NOTES: https://bit.ly/4gCQnl6