The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson

We're trying something different on The Unstuck Church Podcast.  It's our first ever "Ask Anything" episode! The idea for this came from our free webinars, where we typically save time at the end for live Q&A. Some of the best takeaways from those events often happen in that live conversation, and we wanted to bring that fun and magic to the podcast. In this episode, Sean and Amy respond to questions YOU, the listeners, submitted by leaving a voicemail on our Ask Anything phone line at (615) 398-9171 or by messaging us on social media or through our free live webinars.   This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is software designed to help churches help people. With multiple tools in one connected platform, you can stay organized, communicate with your team, and create meaningful ways to connect with your congregation. Start for free at planningcenter.com—pay only for what you need, and cancel anytime.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.     

​​Two common issues in churches tend to show up together, even though at first glance they don't feel related at all: first engagement steps and physical capacity. On the surface, they sound like two completely different problems. But, in reality, they're way more connected than most leaders realize. You can't grow sustainably if you're not engaging people well, and you can't engage people well if you don't have the space to serve them. These are two of the most common barriers we see; however, the good news is that these have proven solutions.  We're wrapping up our series on Five Common Core Issues in Churches by talking about revitalizing your playbook for first engagement steps, getting ahead of your capacity limits and thinking strategically to support health and growth in these areas.    This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is software designed to help churches help people. With multiple tools in one connected platform, you can stay organized, communicate with your team, and create meaningful ways to connect with your congregation. Start for free at planningcenter.com—pay only for what you need, and cancel anytime.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Churches everywhere, no matter the size, are struggling with this: the lack of a deep leadership bench.  One of the most common pain points we see in churches is not having enough leaders in the pipeline. This puts them in a constant reactive mode, often filling positions out of desperation rather than developing leaders intentionally. New leaders don't identify themselves; you won't drift into success here. You have to be intentional to take the time to work on your leadership bench. We'll show you how. In part two of our series, "Five Common Core Issues in Churches," Sean and Amy talk about the symptoms of a shallow leadership bench, how to build out a leadership development framework and what to start (and stop) doing if this issue sounds familiar to you.   This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is software designed to help churches help people. With multiple tools in one connected platform, you can stay organized, communicate with your team, and create meaningful ways to connect with your congregation. Start for free at planningcenter.com—pay only for what you need, and cancel anytime.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

After serving more than 750 churches, we've noticed a clear pattern: No matter the size, style, or model, many churches wrestle with a similar set of challenges. They show up in different ways, but the root issues are surprisingly common across the board. That's good news for pastors and ministry leaders—because if the challenges are common, the solutions can be too. You're not alone. And you're not the first church to navigate these obstacles. In this series, we're taking a closer look at five of the most common challenges that consistently show up in our work with churches, starting with the strategy issues.  In this episode, Amy and Sean talk about strategies to reach your mission field and strategies for financial health.    This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is software designed to help churches help people. With multiple tools in one connected platform, you can stay organized, communicate with your team, and create meaningful ways to connect with your congregation. Start for free at planningcenter.com—pay only for what you need, and cancel anytime.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.   

For years, the narrative in Canada was slow decline, polite disengagement and post-Christian skepticism. But that's not the story they're living right now. There are people from every background actually exploring faith and showing up at church. What's going on in Canada? We're doing something a little different in this episode of the podcast. Sean and Amy invited our Canadian consultants, Jonathan Smith and Drake Farmer, to introduce themselves and talk about what they're seeing in the "big C" church in Canada. In this episode, we have a conversation about the real spiritual hunger emerging across Canada, how a strong invitational culture and posture of hospitality are becoming the new front door and what to be ready with when your growth is outpacing your resources.   This Episode is Sponsored by Tyndale: As ministry leaders, you are walking with people through anxiety, grief, conflict, and big questions every week. The HelpFinder Bible is a simple, practical tool to help you point them to Scripture. Its unique HelpFinder Index includes more than 100 life topics—so whether someone is struggling with stress, relationships, or doubt, you can turn straight to relevant verses that speak to their situation. Find God's answers to life's questions—check out HelpFinderBible.com.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

So far in this series, we've talked about how to clarify vision and how to build strong strategies. But even when leaders feel really good about those pieces, there's still a sticking point: getting the whole team aligned and moving together. This is where you might hit a wall. There's a gap between defining your vision and actually making it happen. So it's time to move. In the final episode of our series "How to Not Waste January," Amy and Sean talk about typical signs that show a church is lacking alignment and the three critical steps you can take to realign with your vision.    This Episode is Sponsored by Tyndale: What if your Bible could do more than just be read? Experience the innovative, awe-inspiring Filament Bible app! When you pair your Filament-enabled Bible with the FREE Filament app, you'll unlock thousands of study notes, hundreds of videos, interactive maps, devotionals, audio Bibles, and more—all designed to deepen your understanding of and enrich your time in God's Word. Discover more ways to interact with God's Word. Learn more at FilamentBibles.com.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

In January, you have permission to slow down enough to be intentional about the rest of your year. The goal isn't perfection; it's progress. And progress starts with planning. In the next part of our series, "How to Not Waste January," we're moving from reflection to talking about what's next. It's time to refocus by creating plans and establishing rhythms for the new year.  In this episode, Amy and Sean talk about how to plan when things are going well at your church, the key questions to ask when planning and how to calendar tangible planning rhythms.    This episode is sponsored by PlainJoe Studios.  Is your church building a throwback to the wood-paneled world of the 1980s? Does it feel more like going to worship or taking a big step back in time? PlainJoe's fun-loving, passionate team of designers, architects and specialists will transform your dated space, imagining and creating a worship environment that communicates your church's unique story and appeals to people of all ages. Learn more at plainjoe.net.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

January can feel like a throwaway month. If you didn't get strategic planning scheduled early, it can feel like a few weeks of just drifting. Despite all the "New Year, New You" energy our culture puts out, hibernating is often more appealing. But you're leading a church, and you still have a live event every week. You might be leading your church through a season of fasting and prayer or getting small groups up and running again. It's not exactly a slow month.  If leveraged well, January can result in a fruitful year. But if you let it slip by, you'll be stuck playing catch-up month after month. So we put our heads together: What practices, initiatives and conversations do we WISH every church leader would set aside time for in January? In the first episode of our new series, "How to Not Waste January," Sean and Amy talk about the importance of taking time to reflect and practical ways to do so.   This episode is sponsored by PlainJoe Studios.  Is your church building a throwback to the wood-paneled world of the 1980s? Does it feel more like going to worship or taking a big step back in time? PlainJoe's fun-loving, passionate team of designers, architects and specialists will transform your dated space, imagining and creating a worship environment that communicates your church's unique story and appeals to people of all ages. Learn more at plainjoe.net.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

What's really going on with Gen Z?  Gen Z is the most engaged generation right now: Research shows that they are going to church more than anyone else. However, their questions, their expectations and how they explore belief are unlike any other generation, leaving church leaders feeling puzzled.  What's resonating with Gen Z? What's falling flat? How should church leaders respond with wisdom, humility and hope?  In this episode, Amy interviews Chris Allen, Executive Pastor of CenterPoint Church in Orem, Utah, about the misconceptions of reaching Gen Z, how CenterPoint is approaching Gen Z's interest in church and some best practices for connecting with Gen Z.   This episode is sponsored by Donorbox: Still relying on cash and checks for offerings? Half of churchgoers already prefer to give electronically. Donorbox Live Kiosk helps churches like yours boost giving by 35%. Imagine thousands more dollars each month to fortify your ministry. All you need is a tablet, card reader and Donorbox's app. Donorbox lets congregants make tithes, offerings and donations instantly with cards or digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get two months free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Our culture is experiencing a massive shift fueled by one piece of technology: artificial intelligence. Yep, we're going there. How might AI impact ministry? How are churches adapting to (or resisting) the AI movement? What does AI even have to do with church? In this episode, Amy and Sean are joined by Paul Alexander, Executive Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church in Arizona and a member of the Unstuck team, and Mika Casey, Executive Director of IT at Sun Valley.  They discuss key questions and changes surrounding AI, how to use AI tools in your ministry (and what guardrails to put in place) and what's at stake for the church in the era of AI. This episode is sponsored by Donorbox: Still relying on cash and checks for offerings? Half of churchgoers already prefer to give electronically. Donorbox Live Kiosk helps churches like yours boost giving by 35%. Imagine thousands more dollars each month to fortify your ministry. All you need is a tablet, card reader and Donorbox's app. Donorbox lets congregants make tithes, offerings and donations instantly with cards or digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get two months free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Burnout is something we hear about constantly when we're working with churches. This topic is incredibly timely and personal for a lot of pastors. Burnout is not just about being tired or having a busy season—it's much deeper than that. It affects leaders physically, emotionally and spiritually, and it impacts their team and church in ways they might not even realize. In this episode, Sean and Amy are joined by Jimmy McLoud, the Lead Pastor of First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio and a ministry consultant on the Unstuck team, to talk about how burnout affects church staff members.   This episode is sponsored by Donorbox: Still relying on cash and checks for offerings? Half of churchgoers already prefer to give electronically. Donorbox Live Kiosk helps churches like yours boost giving by 35%. Imagine thousands more dollars each month to fortify your ministry. All you need is a tablet, card reader and Donorbox's app. Donorbox lets congregants make tithes, offerings and donations instantly with cards or digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get two months free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

December is the busiest season in the church world. Between Christmas services, end-of-year wrap-up and planning for 2026, you probably don't have the time or mental bandwidth to digest a content-heavy podcast series. So this month, we're doing something fun. We're focusing on some "hot topics"—things every church leader is talking about and thinking about right now.  What better way to kick off this series than by talking about Christmas? In this episode, Amy and Sean have a real, honest conversation about what's on pastors' minds as Christmas approaches.   This episode is sponsored by Donorbox: Still relying on cash and checks for offerings? Half of churchgoers already prefer to give electronically. Donorbox Live Kiosk helps churches like yours boost giving by 35%. Imagine thousands more dollars each month to fortify your ministry. All you need is a tablet, card reader and Donorbox's app. Donorbox lets congregants make tithes, offerings and donations instantly with cards or digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Get two months free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

The success of a new campus hinges on one critical hire: the campus pastor. In this episode, Amy Anderson and Sean Bublitz break down the five essential traits every campus pastor needs to thrive— especially in churches that use video teaching. Whether you're launching your first campus or refining your multisite strategy, this conversation will help you identify the right leader who can carry your church's DNA, rally people and build sustainable ministry through volunteers.   This Episode is Sponsored By Portable Church:  For over 30 years, Portable Church Industries has equipped thousands of churches with custom portable solutions that make launching, expanding, and thriving in rented spaces efficient and sustainable. We believe the smartest way to launch strong is to Go Portable First.  From complete portable systems to expert coaching, we help churches save money, stay flexible, and focus on what matters most, reaching their communities. Whether you're a church planter or a church launching a new location, PCI is your trusted partner in creating church anywhere.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Growth always brings complexity, and multisite is no exception. As churches grow, it's easy to slip into reactive mode. But with intentional planning, multisite can create a sustainable path forward and ultimately reach more people with the hope of Jesus. We're wrapping up our series on "Growing Church Problems" with a conversation about multisite. In this episode, Sean and Amy talk about the different challenges that monosite churches and multisite churches face, how to approach multisite strategically and the specific strategies that continue to allow room for growth.   This Episode is Sponsored By DonorBox:  This Christmas season could be your biggest fundraising opportunity: church attendance often doubles and generosity surges. Donorbox Live Kiosk ensures you won't miss a single gift. No cash? No problem. Your congregants can tap, swipe, or use their phone to donate instantly. Automatically capture contact information, send tax receipts, and even set up recurring gifts. Join 100,000 organizations raising billions with Donorbox. Try Live Kiosk free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast    Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Systems are one of those things we can be reluctant to change.  Most churches outgrow their systems without even realizing it. What worked then suddenly doesn't work now. And churches get stuck using old systems that are beyond their usefulness, all while hoping for different results. When you're in seasons of growth, you have to get more intentional about scaling up the systems that have started to break down due to growth to make your ministry sustainable.  In this episode, Amy and Sean discuss why systems function poorly for so long, what to do when you recognize key systems are broken and how to redesign systems during growth.   This Episode is Sponsored By DonorBox:  This Christmas season could be your biggest fundraising opportunity: church attendance often doubles and generosity surges. Donorbox Live Kiosk ensures you won't miss a single gift. No cash? No problem. Your congregants can tap, swipe, or use their phone to donate instantly. Automatically capture contact information, send tax receipts, and even set up recurring gifts. Join 100,000 organizations raising billions with Donorbox. Try Live Kiosk free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast    Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

As churches grow, one of their biggest challenges is finding the right people to add to their team. On paper, it may look like they have enough staff, but they often find themselves with a shortage of strategic leaders on their team. We're continuing our series on "Growing Church Problems" with an important topic that impacts every expanding ministry: structure and finding the right staff. In this episode, Amy and Sean talk about the structural pain points of growing churches, the tensions around staffing and practical next steps to take to address these challenges. Plus, Amy got to sit down with Jonathan Smith, lead pastor of OneChurch.to in Toronto and one of the newest members of our consulting team. Drawing from years of experience, he shares some best practices for hiring and promoting from within the congregation. This Episode is Sponsored By DonorBox:  This Christmas season could be your biggest fundraising opportunity: church attendance often doubles and generosity surges. Donorbox Live Kiosk ensures you won't miss a single gift. No cash? No problem. Your congregants can tap, swipe, or use their phone to donate instantly. Automatically capture contact information, send tax receipts, and even set up recurring gifts. Join 100,000 organizations raising billions with Donorbox. Try Live Kiosk free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast    Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Church growth is exciting…until it creates problems you've never had to solve before. This is the tension of leadership: growth always brings complexity. And yet, when you're prepared, growth doesn't have to lead to burnout or stuckness. With the right decisions about space, staff, systems and strategy, you can create a sustainable path forward. We're kicking off a new series called "Growing Church Problems." We're unpacking the real, practical challenges leaders are facing, starting with: How do you make wise decisions about service times and facilities before you're boxed in? In this episode, Sean and Amy discuss the common signs you're starting to outgrow your current space, how to evaluate new service times and practical next steps to take when you're ready to make changes to your space and service times.    This Episode is Sponsored By DonorBox:  This Christmas season could be your biggest fundraising opportunity: church attendance often doubles and generosity surges. Donorbox Live Kiosk ensures you won't miss a single gift. No cash? No problem. Your congregants can tap, swipe, or use their phone to donate instantly. Automatically capture contact information, send tax receipts, and even set up recurring gifts. Join 100,000 organizations raising billions with Donorbox. Try Live Kiosk free at donorbox.org/unstuckpodcast    Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Gen Z's interest in church is rising. Most churches want to reach the next generation, but they often lack the practical tools and strategies to make it happen. Russ Ewell from Bay Area Christian Church is helping young men and women step into leadership and faith, and he has a valuable perspective to share.   In this bonus episode, Amy had the chance to connect with Russ about Gen Z's interest in church, what's actually working to reach and develop Gen Z leaders, and how his church is engaging them to become future leaders and managers in ministry.   This Episode is Sponsored By ChurchCopy.AI There's no shortage of things happening in your church—kids, students, groups, outreaches, special events, the list goes on. Keeping communication clear across it all can be exhausting. With ChurchCopy.ai, you can turn a simple event description into a complete communication package—emails, posts, texts, and more—working together to create awareness, build anticipation, drive engagement, and provide follow-up. All organized in one place, all in your church's voice. Start free today at churchcopy.ai/unstuck.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram. 

Many of us in ministry are responsible for leading other people. It's hard to lead others well without good management skills. Management is something that, just like any other specialty, needs to be trained and developed. But, historically, churches have not been good developers of managers. Effective manager training is crucial to building a culture of health and high performance on a church staff. Without great managers, we won't accomplish great things. In this episode, Amy and Sean discuss common mistakes churches can make when training managers, specific disciplines church leaders should implement in manager training and how to create sustainable systems for ongoing manager development.    This Episode is Sponsored By ChurchCopy.AI There's no shortage of things happening in your church—kids, students, groups, outreaches, special events, the list goes on. Keeping communication clear across it all can be exhausting. With ChurchCopy.ai, you can turn a simple event description into a complete communication package—emails, posts, texts, and more—working together to create awareness, build anticipation, drive engagement, and provide follow-up. All organized in one place, all in your church's voice. Start free today at churchcopy.ai/unstuck.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.   

When it comes to numbers and metrics, churches sometimes say things like, "Our culture has never talked about numbers; we're not a business," and "Numbers are too impersonal." This topic seems to create anxiety in church staff members. But what if numbers actually weren't the enemy? What if you could use metrics and value people simultaneously? What if you could listen to the Holy Spirit and use data to support your vision and mission? Good managers bring clarity to what the wins are for their team and for their team members. And metrics are tools for clarity.  In this episode, Amy and Sean discuss why there is pushback on using numbers and metrics, how to have a healthy approach to using measurement in ministry contexts and practical tips for introducing healthy practices to your team.   This Episode is Sponsored By ChurchCopy.AI There's no shortage of things happening in your church—kids, students, groups, outreaches, special events, the list goes on. Keeping communication clear across it all can be exhausting. With ChurchCopy.ai, you can turn a simple event description into a complete communication package—emails, posts, texts, and more—working together to create awareness, build anticipation, drive engagement, and provide follow-up. All organized in one place, all in your church's voice. Start free today at churchcopy.ai/unstuck.   Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.