Claim OwnershipThe Small Church Ministry Podcast
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The only podcast created for volunteers and everyday leaders in smaller congregations, this show embraces small church ministry as a place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry and the Small Church Network, Laurie J. Graham shares why small churches matter—not as a scaled-down version of something bigger, but as powerful communities with their own unique strengths. Each episode offers creative solutions to real challenges with a mix of honest encouragement, leadership skills, and actionable next steps.
Laurie hosts the show with a perspective shaped by decades in ministry on every side of small church life—as a volunteer, staff leader, and pastor’s spouse. She knows both the pressure and the beauty of small churches firsthand, and brings steady encouragement, practical wisdom, and deep care for both volunteers and ministry leaders.
200 Episodes
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In this Church Spotlight, Ruth A. Popkin shares how her small church started A Really Free Market - a ministry built on listening, not assumptions. Instead of following trends, they followed people, meeting real needs with dignity and creativity. It’s a story of simple generosity that’s reshaping how small churches think about outreach. Listen in for: How to listen to your community before deciding what they “need”The difference between following people and following trendsWhat makes A ...
When a pastor retires, moves, or suddenly steps away, small churches often feel lost in the in-between. If this is hitting home for you, you’re not alone. Pastoral transitions are on the rise as more pastors retire and fewer step into ministry roles. In this episode, Laurie talks with Kari Bartkus, who served on her church’s pastoral transition team, about what it really looks like to help your church through a season like this—without panic, burnout, or losing your sense of purpose. In...
If your church feels “too old” or “too small” to reach young families, this episode is packed with simple, practical ideas you can try this week. We’re talking about how small churches can connect with young families—not by doing more, but by showing up differently. It’s not about flashy programs or keeping up with trends. It’s about presence, warmth, and creating spaces where tired parents feel seen, supported, and safe. Because maybe your steady, faithful little church is exactl...
You don’t need a title to change the culture of your church. You’re already carrying influence—whether anyone names it or not. In this Lead Well replay, we’ll talk about how emotional health, spiritual maturity, and everyday presence shift the room around us—and why that matters more than chasing status or hustling harder. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why influence isn’t about titles, but about how you show upThe link between emotional health and the culture women create in small c...
Tradition can be beautiful — but when “we’ve always done it this way” becomes the default answer, it stops being wisdom and starts being a wall. In this episode, we talk about why resistant church culture burns women out, silences new ideas, and quietly drives people away. And honestly? It’s costing us more than we realize. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why “we’ve always done it this way” feels safe — but slowly kills momentumHow resistant culture silences women’s voices and fresh i...
In small churches, titles can build invisible walls—like pastors’ wives on one side, “regular” women on the other. Or ministry leaders here, and occasional volunteers over there. But those labels don’t tell the whole story, and they often keep us from the deep, honest community we long for. In this episode, Kristen Joy Humiston and I share from both sides of the wall, uncovering how much more we have in common than what separates us. What you’ll hear in this episode: How titles like “pa...
Women have often been told to be strong, hold it together, and do it all for everyone else. But the truth? That version of “strength” is quietly breaking us — and it’s breaking our small churches too. In this episode, we name the lie, call out the pressure, and talk about a better way to live and serve. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why the “do it all” mindset isn’t holy at allHow invisible labor is crushing women in small churchesThe hidden cost of always being “the strong one”Why burnou...
Women in small churches often feel like we have to hold it all in or keep it together for everyone else. But shutting down emotions doesn’t make us stronger — it cuts us off from one of the main ways God shapes us. In this episode, Becky Brown and I bust the myth that emotions are a weakness and show why they might be your greatest strength. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why “managing” your emotions can backfire — and what to do insteadThe surprising connection between emotional growth an...
When people don’t show up, it’s easy to assume they don’t care. But labeling them “uncommitted” doesn’t make us stronger leaders—it just makes us bitter, burned out, and less curious. In this episode, we’re calling out the commitment myth that keeps showing up in church conversations—and talking about what it really means to lead with presence, hope, and agency. Because what we believe about people? It shows up in how we treat them. In this episode: Why labeling people “uncommitte...
If you listened to Episode 189, you know we tackled the hard truth about what happens when grace gets twisted into protecting bullies in the church. This episode stands on its own — but it’s also a continuation of that conversation. We’re getting real about how to handle church conflict in a healthy, biblical way … and why the space between ignoring bad behavior and asking someone to leave matters so much. Here’s what’s inside: The “in-between” - why it matters and how to live there wit...
Sometimes “just be gracious” is really code for “don’t rock the boat.” But when grace gets twisted into silence, avoidance, or fear, it stops looking like Jesus. In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet damage that happens when harmful behavior is tolerated in the name of patience or peace. What do you do when you’re not in charge but can’t ignore the dysfunction? Let’s get real about boundaries, truth, and the courage to speak up in love. What You’ll Hear: Why avoidance oft...
That question — “Would you keep doing your ministry if you weren’t paid?” — drives me nuts. Ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is pay. Some serve as a career, others as a calling — and both deserve respect. This episode isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about honesty, healthy boundaries, and giving yourself permission to choose what works for your life, whether that includes a paycheck or not. What You’ll Hear: How the “Would you work for free?” question misses the messy...
1If your church is shrinking, struggling, or just doesn’t look like it used to—it can feel like failure. But what if it’s not? In this episode, we talk honestly about fear, change, and what actually makes a church vibrant (hint: it’s not numbers). Because while buildings close, callings don’t—and Jesus isn’t panicking. You’ll hear: Why panic isn’t a strategy—and what to focus on insteadHow to grieve well without getting stuck in itWhat to do when the youth group disappears (or never existed)Wh...
What if you could enter the next ministry year with clarity, unity, and a plan that actually fits your church? In this episode, I talk with Lauren Jackson from Kids Ministry Circle about how churches of any size can create a meaningful, intentional KidMin plan—and why July is the perfect time to start. Whether you're leading solo or working with a team, this conversation will give you practical ideas and a whole lot of encouragement. In this episode, you'll hear: 1. Why summer is ...
What if your small church could run a meaningful, Jesus-centered children’s ministry—even with just a few kids and a couple of volunteers? In this episode, I’m talking with Group Publishing about their brand-new Sunday School curriculum, Two or More, designed specifically for smaller churches and mixed-age groups. If you've been trying to “make it work” with curriculum that doesn’t fit your context… this one's for you. In this episode, you'll hear: 1. Why Two or More was created w...
In this episode of The Small Church Ministry Podcast, Laurie names something many small churches deal with—but haven’t had the words for: ministry silos. You know when two ministries plan events on the same night—and no one realizes it? Or you hear about something great after it already happened? That’s a silo—and it’s more common than we think. We’ll talk about why silos form, how they quietly hurt small churches, and—best of all—how to start breaking them down without adding mor...
In this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham talks with Heather Harkins about transforming children's ministry in a small church. Heather shares practical strategies for increasing congregational involvement, breaking down traditional ministry barriers, and creating meaningful intergenerational connections. Learn how her church reimagined children's ministry by Involving senior adultsCreating church-wide eventsDeveloping a flexible, incl...
In this series, we’ve been naming what’s broken in church culture—and today, we’re talking about what we lost in discipleship. When did spiritual growth become just facts, checklists, and classroom settings? Jesus didn’t disciple minds—He discipled hearts. He invited people into His life. He wept. He asked questions. He modeled emotional depth, not just theological accuracy. Somewhere along the way, we started ignoring that side of discipleship—and it’s costing us. Real transformation d...
This anniversary series is about naming what’s broken in church culture—and making room for leadership that looks like Jesus. In this episode, we’re rethinking the phrase “We’re a biblical church.” It’s often used to divide, not unite—and that’s a problem. We’ll cover: 1. Why “we’re a biblical church” can actually drive people apart instead of uniting us. 2. My personal frustration with how “biblical” has sometimes been used as a measuring stick for others’ faith. 3. Celebrating our diverse, ...
Church should be a place of growth and healing—but too often, dysfunction gets disguised as “unity” or “God’s will.” In this episode of our anniversary series, we’re naming the unhealthy systems churches cling to and calling for leadership that reflects Jesus’ heart. We’ll talk about: 1. True unity vs. fear-based “togetherness” 2. The damage of avoiding hard conversations 3. How power imbalances keep people silent 4. Why dysfunction isn’t spiritual maturity 5. What it takes to build an emotio...
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