Too many small churches are filled with saints who are overstretched and disheartened.Our modern church culture hasn’t done us any favors with its focus on church attendance over loving our neighbors. Our bent toward over-programming is exhausting the volunteers we have left and not producing the fruit we think we are working toward. We wonder what is going on and if we can even do better in our current world. The first steps toward overhauling this failing church culture start with you and me. Listen in to:Hear how what we consider normal church culture is far from reflecting the character of ChristIdentify some wrong beliefs that may be holding you and your church back from healthAssess your own soul health with a list of symptoms of self-neglect and over-servingLearn what to do in the face of ongoing, unhealthy behavior in your own churchGain practical steps to move toward your own healing so you can truthfully say, “It is well with my soul.”See our resources for sale: resources.smallchurchministry.comRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Today’s guest has been serving in children’s ministry for decades and keeps coming back for more. Listen in as Bill Gunter shares a bit of his ministry journey including church transitions, how he balances a volunteer position with a full-time job, and what keeps him inspired to keep on serving.Connect with Bill Gunter:smallchurchkidmin.com Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In this episode, guest Stephanie Carlson shares how their church’s midweek programming went from age-segregated to all-age-inclusive. Stephanie wondered if there was a better model of discipleship than the typical big-church strategy of separating ages. She kept coming back to these four questions:Why are we separating families?We say we’re “equipping,” but are we? Parents don’t feel like they know enough; how do we change that?How do we create a stickier web of influence around our kids?After considering those questions, Stephanie evolved their midweek programming into a new model that fits their church culture and is having incredible results. Listen in to hear how.Connect with Stephanie Carlson:www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrywww.facebook.com/carlson.stephaniewww.instagram.com/slcarlson227www.fccwillmar.orgRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

From sermons to faith conversations, podcasts can be a great medium to build stronger connections and deeper learning. Listen in to this interview with Tim Hull, owner of Sonimoprhic, as he shares his experience helping smaller churches expand their ministry impact with podcasting.We’re sharing podcast ideas for:Easier replay listening of missed sermonsSustaining community between annual women’s retreats or youth campsSeasonal podcasts to build connection before and after shared eventsFaith conversations across generationsFollow up connection after Vacation Bible School or family outreachConnect with Tim Hull:https://sonimorphic.com/https://ministriesthatpodcast.captivate.fm/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

What do you do when kids don’t come to Sunday school and teens have better options than youth group? When parents don’t prioritize church and our communities no longer recognize Sundays as sacred? Learn how to let go of what’s not working and grab hold of what is. Listen in to hear simple shifts and doable next steps for any size church to build a ministry legacy that starts today and impacts generations to come.Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you don’t have enough people for a preschool class, a junior high youth group, or a study for young married couples, join the club! But what if that was a gift and not a liability? Listen in to this episode as guest Adrienne Dillard shares:Why intergenerational ministry is the bestBest tips for growing more connections across the generationsHow to use the Envelope Fundraiser Idea to get people talking insteadWhy she loves spending her birthdays at youth lock-insConnect with Adrienne Dillard:adillard@newark-umc.orgEvery Day is Grandparents' Day!Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Listen in for some great Sunday School insights and storytelling tips from children’s ministry expert Krissy Richardson. After serving for decades in small churches with a sensitivity to neurodivergent children, Krissy learned of her own autism with a later-life diagnosis in her 30s. Whether you’re looking to learn some teaching tips or you’d love a better understanding of different learning styles, this is a don’t-miss episode. Among other things, we’re talking about:How tangrams, talking sticks, and fidget toys can enhance learningCreative ways to include children of all ages in active learning of Bible storiesAnd … (wait for it!) …. the return of the flannelgraphGet your FREE ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference!https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2024/Connect with Krissy Richardson:krissy@gracebaptistcc.comResources mentioned:Godly Play Story Sticks God's Big Picture Story GuideRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Is your smaller church truly a welcome space for all? As idyllic as this sounds, reality often sets in at the first sign of unchurched youth who don’t seem to “know the church rules” or visiting friends who seem difficult or disrespectful. After decades of experience as a pastor, teacher, parent, community leader, and advocate, Sunny Brown joins us on today’s episode with deep wisdom for reaching today’s youth including why relationship comes before discipleship and the importance of answering the question “why” more often than we do.Get your FREE ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference!https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2024/Connect with Pastor Sunny Brown:https://www.instagram.com/theeprofessorb/https://linktr.ee/sunnysideviewRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/Get your FREE ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference!https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2024/

Andrew Pressley joins us in this episode to share his take on all-age worship and why children don’t need a separate worship space for great discipleship. As an associate pastor, veteran music minister, and director of KidsCore (a ministry for children's worship and music that is used in small churches all around the world), Andrew shares his heart, wisdom, and extensive experience in how to engage children and youth of all ages in family-friendly worship services where discipleship is both caught and taught.Get your FREE ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference!https://smallchurchsummits.com/kidmin2024/ Connect with Andrew Pressley:https://kidscoreworship.com/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you think you need more volunteers or more kids, we want you to think again.According to children’s ministry expert and professional curriculum writer, Natalie Frisk, with smaller numbers come amazing opportunities. After growing up in a small church and then serving as a children’s leader on a large church staff for years, Natalie and her husband find themselves now raising their child in a smaller church - by choice. In this episode, she shares what she loves about small churches and the unique ministry opportunities they hold. Listen in for encouragement, wisdom, and tips to embrace the true gift of small church ministry.Connect with Natalie Frisk:https://nataliefrisk.com/https://www.facebook.com/natalie.j.friskhttps://twitter.com/NatalieFriskRaising Disciples: How to Make Faith Matter for Our KidsRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

How are you feeling about ministry right now? I hope you’re feeling fantastic! But if you’re not, I’ve been there. In fact, if we’re being honest, we all have. Instead of beating yourself up for losing your passion or (worse yet) pressing through hoping it’ll get better, listen in for practical steps to give your ministry mood a lift. Perfect for personal application or to share with team members, the seven ideas include a few easy pivots as well as a couple of major shifts.Check out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1:https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/Get the Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1

Mother’s Day is complicated. For some, it’s a special day to honor a mom who was there when we needed her most or at least did the best she could. For others, Mother’s Day is a painful reminder of loss, unmet needs, and sometimes tragic memories. It can also be a slap in the face if the role of mother is held up as ideal fulfillment, where non-mothers are pitied or perceived as “less-than” with upended priorities. What’s a church to do with this largely celebrated secular holiday?Listen in to hear:Why Mother’s Day is more complicated than in years past, and why it mattersPros and cons of celebrating this non-church holiday in your churchHow to offer compassionate care in the midst of a largely celebrative holidaySpecific tips for meaningful ministry to children & youth around Mother’s DayPrayer Ideahttps://stalbanscme.com/2019/04/16/inclusive-mothering-sunday-prayer-ideas/Check out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1:https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Check out our Blue Christmas Service Bundle:https://smallchurchministry.com/christmasbundle/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/Get the Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1

If your small church needs more volunteers, you’re not alone. When you’ve tried the sign-up sheets, creative announcements, and personal asks - and you’re still coming up short - it’s time to step back and look at your volunteer environment. Every church has a “volunteer vibe” - and it’s either helping to draw volunteers in or it’s repelling them from coming near. Listen in to hear:5 essential elements to create volunteer environments that draw people inHow a limited capacity can be our superpower, not a liabilitySpecific steps to healthier ministry practices, starting todayWhy required ministry breaks lead to stronger teams and more effective ministryCheck out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1:https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Too often the impact of our ministry doesn’t match the time and effort we pour into it. Instead of wondering if you’re making a difference, plan on it! Listen in to hear the three most important questions to ask when planning your next event. I’ll be sharing three specific examples of tea parties with three different purposes that lead to different results. Great ministry isn’t always about doing more things, but it is about adding intention to the things you’re doing.Check out our Tea Party Bundle Vol. 1: https://smallchurchministry.com/teapartybundlevol1Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Not enough volunteers? Not enough kids? Not enough funds? You’re not alone. Ministry can be tough. In fact, it can be so full of challenges that it’s easy to focus on what we lack - which leads us nowhere good. The truth is that God has given us all we need to enjoy a ministry full of depth and good growth. Listen in for tips to start turning what you already have into a small church ministry you love.Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

When it comes to ministry success, most people are measuring the wrong thing. We’ve got to remember that God’s economy is different than ours - and a lot different. By measuring church accomplishment by numbers, we take our eyes off deeper ministry opportunities, experience a false sense of ministry success or failure, and miss out on the growth God has for us as individuals and for His church. In this episode, we talk about the thinking fallacies that contribute to this belief and also how to experience God at work, no matter what your numbers.Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you’re tired of doing it all yourself and you want to get some fresh volunteers along with fresh ideas, hosting a Planning Party is the way to go. The Planning Party system we teach has been used by tons of churches with great results. Including better dates that stick, more volunteers, and increased participation. Planning Parties are a great way to:Plan your entire year in 1 eveningInvolve new volunteers in plans they are invested inIncrease all-church support and vision for your ministry areaListen in to learn the 6 steps to Planning Party success, how to avoid the most common mistakes, and a few insider tips for your best year ever. Blog posts about Planning Parties:Your Best Ever Women’s Ministry Planning Party5 Steps To A Youth Ministry Kick-Off Event!Check out our Ministry Bundles:Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Today we’re talking about core values. Before you imagine a dusty binder with statements created before your time, imagine instead more impact, increased consistency, and shared passion in your ministry area. This is what core values done right can do for you.Listen in to hear:Two of the biggest small church struggles that core values can help solveReal-life stories of how core values impact ministry decisions and directionWhy core values are a key to a ministry that outlasts the current leaderHow core values can save you time and grow more support tooCheck out our Ministry Bundles: Women's Ministry BundleChildren's Ministry BundleYouth Ministry BundleRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you’re looking for the secret to better community outreach, don’t miss this episode. Listen in to hear how one small church pastor led his church to become the place the community turns to for help. From opening their church building for local high school events to providing memorial dinners for community members with no strings attached, this small church has become a hub of community care. Our guest on the podcast today, Pastor Jeff Shouse from First Baptist Church in Ramsey, Illinois, shares the moment he realized he was the “Community Pastor.”Connect with Pastor Jeffrey Shouse: https://fbcramsey.org/Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Sometimes church ministry looks a lot like being an event planner.I’m positive that is not what Jesus had in mind, and it’s definitely not what He modeled. Join me in this episode as we take a deep dive into how to shift from program-centered ministry to relational-centered ministry, and why it matters. Events and programs can totally be part of a healthy ministry but we weren’t called to be event planners; we were called to be shepherds. Listen in to learn how.Get your ticket to the Women's Ministry for Small Churches Conference!!Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network & Academy:  https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/