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The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Author: Laurie Graham

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The only podcast for volunteers in small churches and those who lead them, this show is about embracing small church ministry for what it should be - a unique place where God is already at work. Founder of Small Church Ministry, Laurie Graham, shares why large church strategies don’t work in small churches and how to get moving on what does. Each episode dives into creative solutions to small church struggles with a mix of inspiration, leadership skills, and actionable next steps to make an impact. Here’s to healthy small church ministry where you have all the volunteers you need to do exactly what God has in mind! Small church ministry isn’t less - but it is different. Small Church Ministry, the World's #1 Resource for Small Churches, includes a top-rated website, a Facebook community spanning 6 continents, free quarterly online conferences, and a small church ministry certification program.

165 Episodes
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In this episode, Laurie Graham and DG Wynn discuss finding your place of influence and using your unique gifts and passions in ministry. They explore ... The limitations of spiritual gifts inventoriesShare examples of people making an impact through unexpected talentsEmphasize the importance of embracing small beginningsThis episode encourages listeners to be open to using their gifts, no matter how unusual, and to create space for others to do the same in their churches. Connect with...
In this episode, Laurie Graham welcomes Justin King, the founder of The Church Crew, a scheduling tool designed to help small churches manage their volunteers more effectively. They discuss: Justin's personal experience with volunteer management challenges, the features of The Church CrewThe importance of healthy systems to support volunteersBalancing the use of scheduling tools with leaving room for the Holy SpiritThis conversation provides valuable insights for small church leaders lo...
In this episode, Laurie Graham welcomes Derek Maxson, an expert in helping small churches improve their online presence. Derek shares his insights on the three types of church website visitors: InsidersShoppersSeekersHe emphasizes the importance of catering to "Seekers" - those visiting in crisis - and provides practical tips on what to add to your church website. This episode is a must-listen for small churches looking to leverage their website as an effective front door to their commu...
Have you ever noticed that “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t really fit anyone well? The same is true in ministry. In this episode, we’ll explore how to build a women’s ministry that truly meets women where they are—whether they’re just starting their faith journey, deepening their walk with God, or seasoned in spiritual maturity. Filled with practical ideas and real-life examples, come discover how to create a space where all women feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Join ...
In today’s episode, guest Dee Bryce explains why copying other women’s ministries often falls short and how to create a ministry that truly resonates with your unique context. Dee shares practical advice on discovering the rhythms that work for your church and community, focusing on authenticity over imitation. Tune in to hear Dee’s story and get some great tips on building a ministry to women that’s personal, impactful, and reflects not only your vision but the needs of the women you’re ...
This month on The Small Church Ministry Podcast, we’re focusing on women’s ministry as we gear up for our annual Women’s Ministry For Small Churches Conference. Today’s guest, Aimee Nelson, shares how unexpected turns in her life became the driving force behind her ministry, transforming challenges into her greatest message. Tune in to hear how embracing the twists and turns in your own life can lead to your own uniquely powerful and impactful ministry. Get your free ticket to the Women...
While some women crave a vibrant “women’s ministry,” other women aren’t excited by the idea. With the myriad of differences in upbringing, past experiences, personalities, and interests, no women’s ministry will be a perfect fit for all. The good news is that the most incredible impact we can have in the lives of others is in building authentic relationships. While not every woman appreciates a tea party, each one craves to be seen, understood, accepted and loved. In this episode, ministry...
As the year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to step back and reflect. In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite end-of-year journaling prompts to help you process what’s unfolded over the past 12 months and get reset for a new year too. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your wins or learn from your challenges, this episode is for you. Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts "I ...
This episode features a personal Christmas message from Laurie. We were all created to experience Emmanuel - God with us - in life and in ministry! Too many times in small churches, we are so busy working and striving for God, that we miss out on the experience of being with Him. This encouraging message reminds us of the power of living and moving in the WITHness of God. Only then can we replace our drivenness to do for God with grace upon grace instead. Join our free Facebook Communit...
Too often in small churches, Christmastime carries a heavy weight of ministry. Volunteers, ministry leaders, and pastors often feel torn between family and church, struggling to find their own peace and joy in a busy season with extra ministry programs and pressures poured on. Listen in as Pastor Troy Matchett shares his experience as a small church pastor and what he’s learned along the way to lighten the load during the holidays. Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook....
This episode wraps up our small church series about accessibility and inclusion with five steps we can all take to create more welcoming spaces for everyone, no matter their background, abilities, or differences. Whether you're a volunteer, Sunday School teacher, deacon, or pastor, these practical tips will help us all be more mindful of the difference we can make in helping people know they belong. Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry R...
Whether you’re a Sunday school teacher, ministry leader, pastor, or volunteer, this important episode explores the intersection of faith, family, and inclusion. Ministry leader and adoptive parent, Sandy Smith, shares how we can do better at creating welcoming spaces for unchurched youth and non-traditional families, who often feel on the outside looking in. Join this conversation as we discuss the challenges faced by these young people and families and how small churches can cr...
Join our conversation with Rebecca Wall as she shares how we can strengthen our churches not by doing ministry for those with disabilities, but by doing ministry with them. As the Executive Director of With Ministries, Rebecca’s heart and expertise speak loud and clear. With Ministries “seeks to build church communities where congregations are truly with people experiencing disability, where all are known, have opportunities to serve and lead, and worship alongside fellow believers.”&n...
In this episode, learn why it’s important to understand the needs of neurodiverse adults and how creating a space where neurodiverse individuals are seen, heard, and celebrated strengthens your church body - from worshipers to volunteers. Pastor Ruth A. Popkin, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion, joins us to discuss how small churches can better serve people of all ages in the neurodivergent community. Listen in to hear: What neurodiversity includes and how common ...
As we desire to create faith communities where all are welcome, we’ve dedicated a series of conversations to accessibility and inclusion in small churches. Churches of all sizes are missing entire segments of people not far from our doorsteps, and we can do better. Today’s topic dives into creating spaces and communities that are truly accessible for those with mobility challenges. After an accident in her 20s, today’s guest found her life significantly altered as she adjusted to being a ...
In this introductory episode of our Accessibility & Inclusion Series, we’re diving into how small churches can be amazing spaces of inclusion and belonging. Join us as we chat with church leaders and members who are passionate about making their communities welcoming for everyone, no matter their abilities or differences. We’ll share real stories, helpful tips, and creative ideas that can inspire your church to embrace accessibility and foster a sense of belonging for all. In this...
The topics of church hurt, church health, and toxic organizational systems are hot topics in today’s culture. In this episode, Pete Singer, Executive Director Of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) helps us define and discuss what’s needed for a healthy church culture. Listen in for: Six key principles of trauma-informed ministryHow to identify healthy vs. unhealthy systemsAnd what to do about it (especially if you’re not in charge) Connect with Pete Sin...
Effective community outreach involves a lot more than just getting people in the door of your church. Successful outreach involves building connections where there were none, growing in awareness of needs outside your church walls, and stepping out to meet them. Christmastime is the perfect season to lean into the needs of your community. Listen in to this week’s episode to hear: Three things great outreach churches have in commonOne need all of our communities have in commonHow...
In this week’s episode, Pastor Doug Marshall shares practical insights on transforming church conflict into opportunities for growth and reconciliation. Discover the four essential steps that can guide your congregation toward peace and unity. Discover why having a goal of “no conflict” can cause more harm than goodGain tools to foster open communication and more collaborationExplore the role of leadership in promoting a culture of peace.Learn a simple four-step process to build bridge...
If you struggle with participation in women’s ministry or are ready for a whole re-start, we got you covered! In this episode, we identify the most common mistakes smaller churches make in women’s ministry and how to avoid the pitfalls of a lackluster program. From establishing a long-term vision to hosting the best planning parties, listen in to discover simple steps to develop a women’s ministry that meets needs, encourages visitors, and fosters a sense of community that keeps...
Even the best curriculum falls short when you can’t get your teens and preteens engaged from the get-go. If your teens are less than enthused to be in class or you’re looking to up-level your youth ministry, this episode is for you. Today’s guest is making it easy to plan and prep for your next event with games that draw kids in. Meet Zach Hartman, youth ministry leader and founder of ActuallyFun.com. Join the conversation about why games aren’t just fun but are an ideal tool to ...
In this crucial episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, we delve into a vital topic of preventing and responding to sexual abuse within our church communities. With guests Pastor Brad Eubanks and ministry leader Kris Buckman, we’re spotlighting an invaluable, completely free resource that offers comprehensive support and guidance for your church. Whether you’re a volunteer, ministry leader, or pastor, you can help make your church a safer place for all and help build the trust of...
With epidemic levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety disorders today, small churches have a unique opportunity to step into their community like never before. Mental Health Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day are perfect opportunities to join a movement that’s changing lives. Listen in as Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit, shares practical ways for small churches to walk alongside those who long to know they are not alone....
It’s not unusual to see people sitting alone in church services. It’s so common that most people think nothing of it. Listen into this transformative story as Rachael Swihart shares, “As a society, we are the most connected we've ever been. We're also the loneliest we've ever been. About a year ago, I had a conversation with a woman who'd been coming to our church for a while. She told me that it's hard for her to get herself to come because she's divorced and comes alone. She never kne...
If you’re in a smaller church, you know that a small church means a small youth group or sometimes no youth group at all. Join the conversation with youth ministry expert and G Shades curriculum creator, Mike Haynes, as he shares his vision for a “gospel lens” when it comes to reaching teens and pre-teens in any setting. Listen in to: Discover effective strategies for teaching teens in any size groupLearn about the largest gaps to overcome when relating to teens todayReimagine Jesus as...
In today's episode, we're talking to small church volunteer Pamela Yates from Milan, Indiana. After retiring from a career in teaching, Pam never imagined she'd be learning to play an instrument, stepping into worship leading, heading up a women's ministry, and more. Listen in for an inspirational testimony of God not calling the equipped, but equipping the called! Connect with Pamela Yates: https://wheregodleads.com/ Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/...
Listen in to today's episode for a conversation with That Sunday School Girl, Waynell Henson. Growing up in a small church, Waynell shares her appreciation for smaller spaces as she encourages Sunday School teachers to teach to one like they are teaching to 100. With a YouTube following of over 42,000, Wanell shares her commitment "to encouraging a community of Sunday School Lovers who just enjoy being prepared and who come to class ready to be difference makers. Sunday School isn’t jus...
In this episode, Laurie answers 3 questions from our listeners: What are the non-negotiables in ministry?What are your thoughts on the phrase “I love ministry, except for the people”?What has been the most life-giving investment you made in yourself? How did that impact your ministry? Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts "I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" <<...
Listen in as the top leading experts in small church ministry, Laurie Acker & Karl Vaters, discuss the church growth movement, post-Covid impact, and the future of smaller congregations. Connect with Karl Vaters: www.karlvaters.com Join our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts "I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and revie...
This week we are sharing a mainstage talk from last week’s live conference, Married To The Pastor. Whether you’re a volunteer, ministry leader, or pastor, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the 5 things you need to get unstuck in any challenge, calling, or circumstance. Listen in to learn … How to cultivate hope when you’re feeling defeatedWhy your success and fulfillment are not dependent on the cooperation of othersThe relationship between courage and vulnera...
When Pastors Anthony & Dawn Baldwin Gibson set out to plant a church, they had no idea they would be feeding thousands, helping to heal a community, and building a school. Not only have they built community partnerships in their local area, but they also help other smaller churches identify needs, mobilize volunteers, and find resources they need to serve their communities. Listen in as Dr. Gibson shares their church story of: Transforming Lives,Strengthening Families, andInte...
After years of small church setbacks and church trauma, Allison and her husband were on the verge of walking away from ministry. After finding our community, this pastoral couple made simple mindset shifts that not only changed their personal trajectory but also greatly influenced their church culture to move from unhealthy to thriving. From feeling burned out to feeling totally blessed, listen in as Allison shares some easy-to-make ministry changes and self-care practices that ...
Comparing numbers seems unavoidable in church ministry. For those of us in small churches, comparison can leave us feeling defeated. Today’s guest shares why numbers are not the end of the story and often send people in directions that are not based on biblical truth. Join the conversation with ministry leader Cledra Gross as she unpacks a bit of her journey from a big church to a small church and the comparison trap ministry leaders fall into. Listen in to hear: How comp...
Life and ministry in a small church isn’t always easy. We share seasons of dwindling numbers, missing volunteers, and wondering if we’re making a difference. And yet, the unique impact of small churches is also undeniable. In this heartfelt episode, pastor’s wife and ministry leader Joni Topper shares her heart and ultimate motivation to serve and to keep on serving in a small church. Connect with Joni Topper: www.morningloryministry.com www.facebook.com/Morningloryjoni Rate...
In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between leading and teaching and why both are vital in our serving. We’re talking about getting beyond knowledge transfer and inspiring others to personal growth and transformation. This is what Jesus did. Listen in to learn how. See our resources for sale: resources.smallchurchministry.com Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts "I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consi...
This episode continues our series about healthy churches, starting with us as individuals and continuing into our relationships. Too often, when we think of church success, we immediately jump to evaluating programs, attendance, and finances when the real success in our local churches is evidenced by how we love. Learn how to grow in understanding for those the hardest for us to love - and why it matters. Email Laurie: laurie@smallchurchministry.com See our resources for sale: resource...
If asked to describe the church today, many people might not put “loving” at the top of their list. In this episode, we’re unpacking why this is and what we can do about it. For many churches, our efforts to do more, serve better, and meet our program goals result in neglecting the very people we’re trying to love. The best tools, strategies, and ideas only go so far. If we’re not loving well, all the effort in the world has minimal lasting impact. Listen in to hear: Sign...
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 star...
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!!" << If that's like yo...
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 ...
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 even...
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 lo...
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-ins Connect with...
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...
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 importan...
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...
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 a...
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 maj...
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...
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 cap...
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