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The Church Things Podcast#167: Serve Your CommunityIn this final episode in their series, "Community Outreach," Becky and Kerry discuss first, the legitimacy of churches addressing the felt needs of those in their communities. Then, they discuss several practical suggestions for how churches can serve people with the love of God. "Presence before preaching" is a concept church leaders should consider!2024-04-0620 minThe Church Things Podcast#165: Give Special Attention to Your Children's MinistryIf you want your church to reach outsiders, you'll want to go all out for the children. In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss five recommendations for doing just that. This episode is number four in their series on "Community Outreach." 2024-03-0723 minThe Church Things Podcast#164: Design Your Sunday Gatherings with Outsiders in MindIs it legitimate and biblical for church leaders to design their Sunday worship assembly with outsiders in mind? Is there a connection between the Sunday assembly and community outreach? Becky and Kerry discuss these questions and nine suggestions for improving the weekend services for the sake of outsiders in this episode, number 3 in their series on "Community Outreach."2024-02-2025 minThe Church Things Podcast#157: Make Sure Your Vision for the Future Meets These TestsIn this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss the three essential characteristics of effective vision statements/goals for your church.2023-10-1611 minThe Church Things Podcast#156: Know the Difference between Mission and VisionOnce the vision casting team has been selected they need to be clear on the difference between the church's mission and her vision. This is one of the themes in episode #3 in the series, "Vision Casting for Your Church." In addition, Becky and Kerry discuss the importance of the vision casting team seeking God's vision for their church, rather than their own. Spending time in prayer is key to identifying that! 2023-09-3013 minThe Church Things Podcast#154: Your Church Needs a Vision!In this first episode in their series, "Vision Casting for Your Church," Becky and Kerry discuss the rationale behind vision casting. They define what a vision is, then they provide half a dozen reasons why every church needs to have a clear and compelling set of goals for the future. 2023-09-0214 minThe Church Things Podcast#153: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (8)In this final episode in their series on how church leaders can help members of their local churches identify and use their God-given gifts, Becky and Kerry discuss several gifts' assessments. They discuss free, online assessments for individuals. They also talk about three assessments for helping ministry teams identify their gifts and how these teams can become healthier and more effective by understanding better each other's gifts.2023-07-1527 minThe Church Things Podcast#152: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (7)In this episode in the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ," Becky and Kerry introduce the need for a certain ministry team in every local church. What is that ministry team? For lack of a better term, it's an "HR Department." This ministry team would recruit volunteers, list job openings in the church, publish job descriptions, assess volunteer giftedness, and onboard volunteers to the roles in which God has gifted them to serve. 2023-07-1020 minThe Church Things Podcast#133: Who Should Be Involved in the Selection of Elders?In this episode, Kerry and Becky respond to a couple of questions raised by listeners. They are: Who should have a say in the appointment of a church's elders? and To what extent should the members of a congregation be involved in the selection of the church's elders? Kerry and Becky affirm that three groups or parties should have a say in who serves in this pivotal role.2022-10-0923 minThe Church Things Podcast#128: Three Duties of EldersKerry and Becky discuss three specific duties of elders in this episode. Elders are to make decisions, teach the word of God, and care for God's children. This episode is #2 in their series on "Elders."2022-09-1811 minThe Church Things Podcast#127: What Is the Role of Elders?In this first episode in their series on "Elders," Kerry and Becky discuss the overall role of elders who are trying to imitate first century, New Testament elders. That role is to provide spiritual oversight. Of note in this episode is an explanation of the definition of an overseer or episkopos, according to the New Testament. There is also a brief discussion about one of the more specific duties of overseers, that of making decisions.2022-09-1114 minThe Church Things Podcast#125: Measure What Really MattersIn this brief episode, Becky and Kerry discuss what every church should be about and how they can measure the church's progress in that department. The number of baptisms, the weekly attendance, and contribution are important metrics to measure a church's health. But, is there another metric that is even more significant?2022-08-2111 minThe Church Things Podcast#124: What Might Be Done to Prevent Church Closures?In episode #123, Kerry and Becky discussed the present reality that so many churches are closing their doors. In this episode they offer several suggestions for what church leaders might do to prevent church closures. Your suggestions are welcome, too. To participate in the discussion and give your feedback, go to hello@efectivechurchleaders.com.2022-08-1525 minThe Church Things Podcast#123: Church ClosuresMany churches are closing their doors today. According to a recent study of Churches of Christ by Stan Granberg and Tim Woodruff, nine congregations close their doors every month. And the problem is not unique to Churches of Christ. In this episode, Kerry and Becky reflect upon this concerning state of affairs, a concern of so many church leaders today. 2022-06-1013 minThe Church Things Podcast#122: Recent Trends in U.S. ChurchesThe Unstuck Group, a church consultation and coaching group, recently published a survey of 119 churches. This survey highlights certain trends and benchmarks in U.S. churches over the last twelve months. Kerry and Becky discuss some of the interesting statistics from this survey.2022-06-1016 minThe Church Things Podcast#121: How the Pastoral Care Model of Ministry is Stunting Your Church's GrowthWhat do you expect from your ministers? Do you expect them to visit all the hospitalized and those in nursing homes? Do you expect them to be the church's primary pastoral care givers? If so, if you are expecting them to immerse themselves primarily in pastoral care, you are stunting your church's growth. How so and what can be done to turn things around? Join Becky and Kerry as they address this challenging topic!2022-06-0516 minThe Church Things Podcast#120: How Do You Measure Success in Ministry?What does success in ministry look like? And how do you measure it? Numbers are not always an accurate metric--either of success or failure. In this episode, Kerry and Becky attempt to define success in ministry. And it may not be what most of us think it is.2022-05-2918 minThe Church Things Podcast#118: Two More Important Rules for Bible StudyIn this episode, Kerry and Becky close their brief series on how to read and understand the Bible by discussing two more important rules for Bible study: 1) Look for the plain meaning of the text, and 2) Observe to whom a passage is spoken or written. Finally, they note that accurately interpreting the Bible is not the final step. The purpose of reading the Bible, after all, is not merely to gain Bible knowledge, but to apply it and allow it to transform our lives.2022-05-1518 minThe Church Things Podcast#117: Three Important Rules for Bible StudyWhat baggage do we bring to our reading of God's word that affects how we interpret scripture? How do we determine the meaning of words, sentences, and paragraphs in the Bible? Does the Bible have a "personalized meaning" for each of us? These are some of the questions Becky and Kerry discuss in this episode, which unpacks three important principles for reading and interpreting God's word.2022-05-0418 minThe Church Things Podcast#116: How Should We Study the Bible?How should we read a book that carries the same weight as the audible voice of God? Kerry and Becky offer two suggestions in this thought-provoking episode.2022-05-0412 minThe Church Things Podcast#115: Why Study the Bible?In this episode, Kerry and Becky talk about motivation for studying the scriptures. They discuss three wrong motives and three right motives for studying God's word. Before we develop skills for reading and studying the Bible, we need to work through our motivation for studying this precious book.2022-04-2518 minThe Church Things Podcast#113: Reach New People (Part Seven): Give Attention to Weekend ServicesSunday services can reach new people, people who look to the church to help them solve their problems and answer their deepest questions. In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss a few suggestions on what churches can do to give attention to the message, guest services, and the children's ministry. This is the seventh and last episode in the series, "Reach New People."2022-04-1117 minThe Church Things Podcast#112: Reach New People (Part Six): Use Facebook and Facebook LivePart Six in this series, "Reach New People," is about how churches can use their church's Facebook page and Facebook Live to connect to outsiders. Kerry and Becky offer several practical tips on how to make the most of social media and the technology of the day. Podcast #113 will be the last in this series and will be about how churches may use their weekend services to reach new people.2022-04-0314 minThe Church Things Podcast#111: Reach New People (Part Five): Use Social MediaWhat can churches do to reach new people using the digital tools of the age? Kerry and Becky offer three suggestions in this episode for extending a church's reach digitally. As an example, did you know that 74% of the people in this country use Facebook every day? Every day! How can churches use Facebook and other social media platforms for outreach? We think you will appreciate some of the very practical recommendations in this podcast! 2022-03-2724 minThe Church Things Podcast#110: Reach New People (Part Four): Build RelationshipsBecky and Kerry discuss the need for followers of Jesus to build relationships with those who don't yet know Jesus in this episode. In Part Four of their series on what churches can do to reach new people, they discuss the process by which strangers become neighbors, neighbors become acquaintances, acquaintances become friends, friends become family, and family members becomes missionaries of the gospel of Jesus to their neighborhood or community. While practical suggestions are offered for building friendships with unbelievers, Becky and Kerry also remind that our unbelieving friends must never become "projects." 2022-03-2029 minThe Church Things Podcast#109: Reach New People (Part Three): Identify and Serve Your Mission FieldIn Part Three of their series on what churches can do to reach new people, Kerry and Becky discuss the need for churches to identify and love their mission field. We want to reach every one with the gospel of Jesus, but trying to reach "everyone" often results in reaching no one. After identifying specific groups churches may identify as those they want to reach, Kerry and Becky mention a few ways churches can love and serve those they desire to reach.2022-03-1428 minThe Church Things Podcast#108: Reach New People (Part Two): Renew Your Sense of MissionIn this episode, Part Two in their series on what churches can do to reach new people, Kerry and Becky go back to the scriptures and talk about the missionary fervor of the early Christians. Not only were they zealous to share the gospel of Jesus, but they were also a prayerful people. Two things we can do, then, to renew our passion for the lost is to become devoted to prayer--to lean on the power of prayer--and to immerse ourselves once again in biblical passages that speak of our mission to reach all of God's children with the sa...2022-03-0619 minThe Church Things Podcast#107: Reach New People (Part One): Love One AnotherWhat can churches do to reach new people? In this episode, Kerry and Becky go to scripture and back to the basics for answers to this question. Could outreach be as simple as loving one another as Jesus has loved us? Could it be as simple as having a dogged resolve to pursue unity in God's church? In this episode, Becky and Kerry argue that doing these things, obeying the plain commands of Jesus, is a pretty good start to reaching those who don't know Jesus! 2022-02-2819 minThe Church Things Podcast#106: Why Don't We All See the Bible Alike?Why do sincere and capable Bible students disagree on what the Bible teaches? Why don't we all understand the Bible alike? After discussing three possible reasons, Becky and Kerry focus on one of the primary reasons: we all read the Bible in our own cultural context. We have been influenced by our culture to read and understand the Bible in certain ways. The question is not whether we will be influenced by our culture, but whether we will be bound by it!2022-02-2021 minThe Church Things Podcast#104: Are Christian Women Today Prohibited from Wearing Gold and Pearls?Our custom may be to interpret scripture as timeless and universal. We may tend to read the New Testament letters, for example, as containing specific commands and prohibitions that have direct application for all people in all ages. But should we? Since the letters are occasional or situation-specific documents, written to address specific problems in certain first-century churches, should we treat the specific prohibitions and commands there as directly applying to us? In this episode, Kerry and Becky take a look at 1 Timothy 2:9 and why they believe the prohibition in that text does not apply to women of al...2022-02-0620 minThe Church Things Podcast#102: The Bible Was Not Written To UsIn this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss one of the first and most basic rules of Bible study: Observe to whom a passage is spoken. Before interpreting and applying scripture, we must determine whether a passage was spoken to us or to others. Why is this so important? Because ignoring the distinction that the Bible was not written to us, but for us, can easily lead to the misinterpretation and misapplication of God's word. The aim of this episode is to help church leaders and every Christian to become better Bible students.2022-01-2421 minThe Church Things Podcast#101: How to Make a New StartWhat can a church leader who is tired, bored, and maybe even, depressed do to make a fresh start? To renew his or her passion for ministry? Kerry and Becky discuss five suggestions for making a new start in ministry.2022-01-1631 minThe Church Things Podcast#100: 5 Threats to Small ChurchesWhat are some of the most common threats to small churches? In this episode, Kerry and Becky identify five hazards that small churches often face and offer a few suggestions on how they can be overcome. Interim Ministry Partners has reported that 91% of all Church of Christ attendees belong to churches of less than 250 members. Further, 55% of Church of Christ congregations have an average attendance of just thirty-four people. So, church leaders will likely discover that this podcast episode is relevant for most churches.2021-12-1222 minThe Church Things Podcast#99: How to Cast a Vision for Your ChurchWhat can church leaders do to cast a vision for their church? In this episode, Kerry and Becky talk about the importance of a vision and some suggested steps for casting a church's desired future. You'll want to hear this podcast as you prepare for a brand, new year!2021-12-0517 minThe Church Things Podcast#98: What Is the Role of Overseers?In part three of our series on the role of elders, Becky and Kerry discuss their work as overseers, or bishops. After briefly mentioning some of the relevant New Testament passages on the subject, they turn to what "exercising the oversight" means in practical terms.2021-11-2818 minThe Church Things Podcast#97: What Is the Role of Shepherds?In last week's episode Kerry and Becky discussed the role of elders. In this week's podcast they discuss the elders' role as shepherds. After looking at Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Ephesians 4, John 10, and other passages in the Bible, they identify three functions of biblical shepherds. No doubt, to shepherd God's people is a tough assignment! But, it's God's will that someone care for his people, and surely, he will provide the grace, strength, and wisdom that is needed to carry out these important responsibilities.2021-11-1420 minThe Church Things Podcast#96: What Is the Role of Elders?After a brief glimpse into the backstory of New Testament elders, Kerry and Becky examine the practice of appointing elders for every church in the first century and take a quick look at what those elders did for those churches. Elders who are trying to imitate the elders of the New Testament churches will find this podcast to be informative and thought-provoking. This podcast only highlights their work as elders, not as shepherds or overseers. 2021-11-0714 minThe Church Things Podcast#95: What Should Be Measured When Assessing Church Health and Growth?Church leaders often track attendance, giving, and baptisms, but what are they doing to track other important metrics of their church's health and growth? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the importance of tracking metrics in five phases of spiritual growth. Also, they offer suggestions on what may be measured in those five phases. For example, they talk about how one might measure engagement with those who may be disinterested in God, the church, and spiritual things. For church leaders the challenges are to know what success and growth looks like in their church, and then, to identify what...2021-10-3119 minThe Church Things Podcast#94: Why Track Church Health and Growth?How important is it for church leaders to track or try to measure such things as individual spiritual growth, church health, and church growth? What is the rationale for doing so? In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss six reasons for tracking church health and growth. Feel free to join the discussion! Your feedback is always appreciated!2021-10-2416 minThe Church Things Podcast#93: Helping Guests Engage Beyond the Sunday Assembly (Part Two)Kerry and Becky identify three levels of guest engagement--a church's pre-guest strategy, welcoming first-time guests, and encouraging returning guests to take a step toward community--and "the win" for each level. Then, they identify and discuss a simple strategy for engaging guests to take a next step in their journey toward Christ. Please join the discussion in Part Two of the series, "Helping Guests Engage Beyond the Sunday Assembly."2021-10-1617 minThe Church Things Podcast#92: Helping Guests Engage Beyond the Sunday Assembly (Part One)In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss three levels for engaging guests to the Sunday assembly. Then, they identify and discuss three barriers to such engagement. What can church leaders do--and what should they not do--to encourage guests to go beyond just sitting in a pew on Sunday? Tune in for Part One of this discussion!2021-10-1215 minThe Church Things Podcast#91: Pastor the Local CommunityHighly-effective churches have influence in their communities. They are like salt and light, like "a city set on a hill." In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss three strategies used by best-practice churches to "pastor their local community." This is Part 4 in their series, "Best Practices of Highly-Effective Churches."2021-10-0322 minThe Church Things Podcast#90: Create Ownership "It's not enough to belong to the church; church members must be encouraged to embrace the values of Christ." The question for church leaders is: How can that be done? What some of the most effect churches do to create ownership is the topic of this episode, number three in the series, "Best Practices of Highly-Effective Churches." Here, Kerry and Becky discuss three strategies church leaders can use to create ownership among congregants of a discipleship agenda.2021-09-1916 minThe Church Things Podcast#89: Embed the Bible in EverythingBecky and Kerry discuss a second best practice of effective churches in this episode, a best practice that was identified by the REVEAL survey of over 1,000 churches. It is: embed the Bible in everything. They share three strategies for making the Bible a defining characteristic of your church culture.2021-09-1913 minThe Church Things Podcast#81: How to Make Worship Services More Guest-FriendlyWhat might what some sociologists are calling "the great resignation" affect churches? If more people are looking for meaning in their lives, and if they choose to look to the church for purpose and meaning, what can church leaders and churches do to welcome them? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss eight suggestions for making the Sunday worship assembly more guest-friendly.2021-07-1123 minThe Church Things Podcast#78: Mistakes We Make When Talking with Our Religious Friends and NeighborsWe want to be an influence for good. We want to make a positive impression for the gospel and the Lord. But, sometimes, our words and attitudes get in the way. Our words may offend and alienate, and that's the last thing we want our words to do! In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss some of the mistakes Christians make when talking with their religious friends and neighbors.2021-06-2018 minThe Church Things Podcast#77: Rather Than Judging Others, Love ThemThis is Part 3 in the series, "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church." In this episode Kerry and Becky suggest that effective church leaders and churches post-pandemic will focus on loving and embracing others, rather than judging them and that they will be gospel-driven, rather than ideologically-driven. We would love to hear what you think about these recommendations. Join the conversation!2021-06-1315 minThe Church Things Podcast#76: Focus on Moving People ForwardNow that the pandemic is waning and church doors are re-opening, bringing people back is the primary concern of many church leaders. That's legitimate. After all, the scriptures speak of the importance of the assembly. In this episode, however, Kerry and Becky discuss the need to move people forward in their walk with God and some of the steps church leaders can take to do so. This is Part 2 in their series, "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church."2021-06-0618 minThe Church Things Podcast#75: Decide to Become a Fully Hybrid ChurchIn this episode Kerry and Becky begin a three-part series: "4 Ways to Improve the Post-Pandemic Church." Many of the ideas in this episode came from a Carey Nieuwhof blog post entitled, "The Coming Church Split." After discussing the notion that believers should pursue truth wherever or from whomever they find it, Becky and Kerry talk about one way church leaders can improve the post-pandemic church: by deciding once and for all to become a fully hybrid church.2021-05-3016 minThe Church Things Podcast#72: The First Step to Take for the Health of Your ChurchWhat is the first step church and ministry leaders should take for the health of their church or ministry? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the all-important step of conducting a reality check. Then, they identify three steps church leaders may take to conduct that self-assessment.2021-05-0917 minThe Church Things Podcast#71: Worship and "Performance"/Continuing Digital Ministries When Churches ReopenAre you worried your people won't come back to church once the doors reopen? Are you wondering if your church should continue streaming your worship service when you return to in-person worship? In this episode, Kerry and Becky continue their conversation regarding what church leaders can do if people don't "come back to church." Then, they address the question: Should churches continue to embrace a digital ministry after returning to in-person worship? Join the conversation!2021-04-2522 minThe Church Things Podcast#70: What If They Don't Come Back to In-Person Worship Services?Some studies indicate that as many as 20-30% of a church's members will not return to in-person worship services once the pandemic has run its course. What should church leaders do if church members don't come back? How should they respond? Kerry and Becky discuss a few suggestions in this episode.2021-04-1822 minThe Church Things Podcast#69: Creating Urgency for ChangeWhat can be done when a church is stuck, and changes need to be made? How may church leaders begin--where do they start--to make the necessary changes that will help them make forward progress? The first step is to create urgency for change. But how is that done? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss two ways to pave the way for change: by communicating a positive vision of the opportunities that will be realized by making necessary changes and by communicating a negative picture of the hazards that may result by refusing to make the necessary changes.2021-04-1115 minThe Church Things Podcast#68: The First Step in the Pruning ProcessSince it is true that our resources, time, and energies are limited, we should admit the reality that there are only so many things we can do well. How does this apply to your church? Are there ministries, programs, and activities in your church that need to be pruned? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the first step in the pruning process: staying in touch with reality! It is acknowledging that pruning is a necessary, natural, and beneficial part of everyday life.2021-04-0415 minThe Church Things Podcast#67: Do Your Ministries Need Pruning?Do any of the ministries or programs in your church need to be pruned? Why prune ministries at all? What is the value in pruning programs and ministries? In this episode, Kerry and Becky apply the gardening principle of pruning to the ministries and programs of a church. They discuss the distinction between "hurt" and "harm," doing something that may only hurt temporarily but does not harm the church. After encouraging church leaders to answer two important questions before beginning the process of pruning, they introduce the first step in the pruning process. 2021-03-2822 minThe Church Things Podcast#65: When It May Be Time to MoveWhen should a minister consider a move? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss scenarios in which it might be advisable, even necessary, for a minister to relocate. When might it be best for the minister and his or her family to consider a move? When might it be best for the church and the kingdom of God for the minister to move? Join us for this discussion!2021-03-1617 minThe Church Things Podcast#64: When It May Not Be a Good Time to MoveThere are times when ministers and their families consider moving from one church to another. Sometimes, a move may be recommended. But, when might it not be a good time to move? In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss four scenarios in which it may not be a good time to leave a particular ministry for another. Feel free to join the discussion!2021-03-0726 minThe Church Things Podcast#63: How Independent Should Church Leaders Be?In this episode, Kerry and Becky answer a couple of questions they received in response to recent podcasts, questions related to the independence of church leaders: What does it mean that ministers need some degree of independence from their elders or other church leaders? Should the fear of backlash from the church affect the decisions church leaders make? Interesting and relevant questions! Join the discussion! 2021-02-2825 minThe Church Things Podcast#61: Longevity in MinistryWhy should minsters plan to stay where they have been called to serve? Why should they not look to move from a certain field of service too quickly? And why should church leaders plan to keep ministers in their churches for the long haul? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss some of the advantages of longevity in ministry.2021-02-1520 minThe Church Things Podcast#60: 4 More Principles of Effective MinistryWhat is one of the primary works of ministry? How important is diligent Bible study for ministers? Who must lead the church (besides Jesus)? Can ministers be too bonded to the elders of their congregation? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss four more foundational principles of effective ministry. 2021-02-0823 minThe Church Things Podcast#59: 4 Foundational Principles of Effective MinistryWhat is your motivation for ministry? Are you a hard worker? Do you see yourself as a servant? Do you love people? These are some of the questions Kerry and Becky urge church leaders and every follower of Christ to ask in this episode as they discuss some of the key, foundational principles of effective ministry.2021-01-3118 minThe Church Things Podcast#58: 7 Questions to Confirm Your CallingDo you feel a sense of calling from God on your life? Like the Apostle Paul and so many of the prophets of the Old Testament, do you feel God has tapped you on the shoulder and given you a job to do? Church leaders need to feel a sense of calling, at the very least, in order to endure suffering, hardship, and persecution. But, how might one confirm a calling? In this episode, Kerry and Becky identify seven questions that one might ask to confirm a call.2021-01-2520 minThe Church Things Podcast#57: 5 Reasons for Hope in 2021Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a difficult and challenging year for God's people. But, with a new year before us, there are reasons for hope. In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss five reasons church leaders can be hopeful in 2021.2021-01-1819 minThe Church Things Podcast#54: Moving the NeedleWhat is "moving the needle" and what is not "moving the needle" in our church family? What are we doing that is moving us in the direction we desire to go? What programs or events need to be modified or discontinued because they are not "moving the needle"? These are some of the questions church leaders ask who feel they are accountable to their church's goals and strategies. Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss four suggestions for church leaders who are concerned about "moving the needle" in their churches.2020-11-2916 minThe Church Things Podcast#53: Mission, Vision, and Core Growth EnginesWhat is the difference between a church's mission and vision? What are the church programs that might be called her "core growth engines"? In this episode, Kerry and Becky answer questions that often surface in their Effective Church Leaders Workshops.2020-11-1514 minThe Church Things Podcast#52: Insider + Outsider ChurchesIn this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the need for church leaders to engage two groups of people. They discuss two types of engagement strategies: strategies that engage insiders to grow in Christ and strategies that engage outsiders to encourage them to become followers of Jesus. 2020-11-0813 minThe Church Things Podcast#50: Six Important Components of a Church's Digital StrategyKerry and Becky get down to the nitty-gritty in this episode as they offer recommendations for what should compose a church's online, digital strategy. After researching several church websites, they identified several best practices of churches that are trying to reach out to their communities and reach people where they are--online! If you are interested in trying to reach those who may as yet not be interested in your church or in building a relationship with Jesus, check out this conversation and consider these recommendations.2020-10-2525 minThe Church Things Podcast#49: Building a Digital StrategyChurches that want to reach new people for Jesus need to meet those people where they are. And where are they? Online! So what steps can churches take to build a digital strategy for reaching those who are outside the faith and outside the church. Kerry and Becky discuss five steps--from clarifying engagement goals with those who may be disinterested to creating a dashboard to measure the progress of the church's digital strategy. Join us for this important discussion on how to reach those who are not participating in the church's Sunday worship assemblies.2020-10-1930 minThe Church Things Podcast#48: 3 Strategies for Reaching New PeopleEvery conscientious follower of Christ wants to see others become disciples of Jesus. But what can churches do to reach those who are outside the church or those who may be unbelievers? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss three things churches can do to reach God's lost children. Join the discussion!2020-10-1227 minThe Church Things Podcast#47: Rogue MinistriesWhat are some of the warning signs that church ministries may be going rogue? What are some of the dangers of rogue ministries? How might church leaders prevent the growth of rogue ministries in their churches? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss these questions!2020-10-0528 minThe Church Things Podcast#41: Eight Recommendations for Managing the Money Given to Your ChurchMake it easy for people to give electronically. Empower leaders with purchasing guidelines. Don't let big givers dictate your church's vision and strategy. Becky and Kerry discuss these and other suggestions regarding how to handle the church's money in Part 3 of their series, "The Church and Money."2020-08-2420 minThe Church Things Podcast#40: Tips for Your Church's Budget ProcessShould churches allow contributors to earmark their gifts to support their pet projects or special interests? What about the advisability of various fundraising programs in the church? Should church leaders construct a "faith budget" or one that is more "realistic"? Kerry and Becky address these questions in the second podcast in their series on "The Church and Money."2020-08-1717 minThe Church Things Podcast#39: How to Talk About Money in Your ChurchWith this episode, Kerry and Becky begin a three-part discussion of the Church and Finances. In this episode they discuss six suggestions for how to talk about money in the church, from seeing giving as a spiritual topic and not neglecting to talk about this subject to saying "Thank you" for the faithfulness people show when they give.2020-08-1018 minThe Church Things Podcast#38: How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center: Track Your Church's Progress (Part 5)In the final episode in their series, "How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center," Becky and Kerry discuss the importance of keeping the church's goals before the people, tracking the church's progress, and celebrating victories. 2020-07-0622 minThe Church Things Podcast#37: How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center: Choose Core Growth Strategies (Part 4)Kerry and Becky discuss Steps 6 and 7 in their series, "How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center." They are: Choose 3-5 core strategies for accomplishing your 5-year vision and identify the role that each ministry and each person plays in reaching the church's 12-month goals.2020-06-2925 minThe Church Things Podcast#36: How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center: Determine 5-Year Vision and 12-Month Goals (Part 3)Do you know where you believe God is calling your church in the next five years? Do you have a vision for where you want the church to go five years from now? And have you identified shorter-term, twelve-months goals that will help you achieve your five-year vision? Join Kerry and Becky as they discuss vision-casting and goal-setting for your church in episode number three in their series, "How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center." 2020-06-2221 minThe Church Things Podcast#35: How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center: Identify a Discipleship Path (Part 2)Do you know what spiritual maturity looks like and how to encourage movement from spiritual infancy to adulthood? In this second episode in their series, "How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center," Kerry and Becky discuss the importance of determining what a follower of Jesus looks like and then identifying a step-by-step path that helps people become devoted followers of Christ. 2020-06-1518 minThe Church Things Podcast#34: How to Help Your Church Get Off Dead Center: Clarify Your Mission (Part 1)What can church leaders do who feel that their church is not making any real progress? That it's just stuck. In this episode, Kerry and Becky suggest that step one to getting unstuck is identifying the mission of the church. Where there is clarity about the mission and alignment behind the mission, progress can follow.2020-06-0816 minThe Church Things Podcast# 33: Opportunities Created by the Pandemic: To Equip the Church for MinistryIn this final episode in their series, Opportunities Created by the Pandemic, Becky and Kerry discuss the opportunity of professional church staff to equip the church for ministry. Ideally, church leaders do not hire staff to do ministry for us. Rather, they hire staff to equip us to do ministry. This ancient proverb has application in the church: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."2020-05-2714 minThe Church Things Podcast#31: Opportunities Created by the Pandemic: To Focus on Your Local CommunityIn this episode, Becky and Kerry consider the opportunity that churches have to focus on their local community. Perhaps it's time for church leaders to earmark more of the church's funds to help those in their local community that they are trying to reach. This is the fifth episode in their series, Opportunities Created by the Pandemic.2020-05-1311 minThe Church Things Podcast#30: Opportunities Created by the Pandemic: To Simplify Ministry StrategyIn this fourth installment in their series, Opportunities Created by the Pandemic, Kerry and Becky suggest that this may be an ideal time for church leaders and churches to simplify their ministry strategy. This may be, for example, the right time to move from a program-centered strategy to a path-centered one. To focus on a singular path to spiritual maturity, rather than offering multiple programs that don't really "move the needle."2020-05-0612 minThe Church Things Podcast#28: Opportunities Created by the Pandemic: To Pay More Attention to the Church's Digital PresenceIn this episode Becky and Kerry discuss one of the opportunities for churches that has been created by the coronavirus pandemic: the opportunity to give greater attention to the church's online presence. What is the value in churches continuing to stream their worship services after the pandemic is over? What other online resources can churches take advantage of during this crisis? These and other questions are discussed in The Effective Church Leaders Podcast, Episode #28. Free Church Online Platform: churchonlineplatform.com2020-04-2220 minThe Church Things Podcast#27: Communicating in a CrisisThe coronavirus pandemic has surely affected the church in many ways. How should church leaders respond to it? In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss how and what church leaders can communicate to their church during such a crisis. It's the first in a series devoted to an exploration of how church leaders can respond to the present pandemic.2020-04-1515 minThe Church Things Podcast#24: Improving Church CommunicationsWhat is the value of better communication from church leaders to the church? What should be communicated and why? What can church leaders do to improve their communication to the church? These are a few of the questions Becky and Kerry discuss in this episode.2020-03-2322 minThe Church Things Podcast#23: How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly (Part 2)In Part 2 in their series, How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly, Becky and Kerry discuss the practice of asking guests to complete a visitor's card and asking them to stand or be recognized in some way. Also, they talk about the value of guests texting their presence in the assembly and ways in which churches can show appreciation for their visit.2020-03-1616 minThe Church Things Podcast#22: How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly (Part 1)How should churches welcome first-time guests to their weekend assemblies? What qualities do church leaders need to look for in those who serve as greeters? How important is it for church leaders to create a compelling and remarkable assembly? Becky and Kerry discuss these and other questions in Part 1 of their series: "How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly." 2020-03-0918 minThe Church Things Podcast#19: Q and A: How to Attract More Guests to the Sunday Morning AssemblyIn this episode, Kerry and Becky answer questions that were submitted by listeners regarding their series, How to Attract More Guests to Your Sunday Morning Assembly.2020-02-1724 minThe Church Things Podcast#18: Develop a Pre-Guest Marketing StrategyDo you know whom you are trying to reach? Do you have an intentional strategy to engage guests before they ever visit your church? In Episode #5 in their series, How to Attract More Guests to Your Sunday Morning Assembly, Kerry and Becky discuss the need to develop a pre-guest, marketing strategy for your church and offer a few suggestions on how to get started.2020-02-1020 minThe Church Things Podcast#17: Serve Your CommunityAccording to Scripture, Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:36-38). Shouldn't his church be doing the same? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss ways in which local churches can serve their communities. Who can doubt that a church that is known for being for their community might bring more people to their doors, people who are searching for more in their lives which they believe the church just might be able to offer!2020-02-0321 minThe Church Things Podcast#16: Encourage Christians to Invite Their Friends to ChurchIn the third episode in their series, How to Attract More Guests to Your Sunday Morning Assembly, Kerry and Becky discuss a simple method to grow the Sunday Morning assembly: invite your unchurched friends to church. But, how many of us have unchurched friends? And how can we develop relationships with the unchurched?2020-01-2625 minThe Church Things Podcast#15: Create a Compelling ServiceIn this episode in their series, How to Attract More Guests to Your Sunday Morning Assembly, Kerry and Becky discuss the need to create a compelling Sunday morning service. Why should church leaders consider how to make the Sunday morning time together as good as it can be? And what does a compelling service look like in practical terms? Join us for some practical suggestions on what we can do to improve the quality of the Sunday morning assembly.2020-01-2024 minThe Church Things Podcast#14: Design Your Sunday Assembly for Both Insiders and OutsidersOne of the questions that church leaders ask is: What can we do to attract more guests to our Sunday morning assembly? That's an important question for churches who want to arrest their decline and accomplish their mission! In this episode, the first in a series on Attracting Guests, Kerry and Becky discuss two, fundamental questions: Why should churches care about attracting more guests to their Sunday assembly? What is the purpose of the Sunday assembly? 2020-01-1317 minThe Church Things Podcast#13: How to Look Back on the Year Ending and Look Ahead to the Year BeginningMid-December to mid-January can be one of the most important times on the church calendar. It's a time for the church to look back on how God has blessed them in the last twelve months and to look ahead to a new year. In this episode, Kerry and Becky offer suggestions on what church leaders can do to inspire their church during this time and to make the most of this once-a-year opportunity.2019-12-1623 minThe Church Things Podcast#12: How to Respond to Moral Failure in Church LeadersHow should church leaders respond to moral failure? In the fourth and final episode in their podcast series on Moral Failure in Church Leaders, Becky and Kerry discuss how church leaders should respond when allegations of moral failure are found to be true.2019-12-0929 minThe Church Things Podcast#11: How to Respond to Allegations of Moral FailureWhat should church leaders do if allegations are made against a ministry staff member? How should they respond? In Part Three of their series on Moral Failure in Church Leaders, Becky and Kerry offer suggestions on developing a response protocol when sexual allegations are raised.2019-12-0230 minThe Church Things Podcast#10: How to Prevent Moral Failure in Church LeadersIn Part Two of their series on Moral Failure in Church Leaders, Becky and Kerry offer suggestions on what church leaders may do to prevent this kind of failure from occurring. They discuss potential warning signs of moral failure, reasons even long-term ministers may fall, and questions that church leaders may ask themselves to see if they are in danger of falling.2019-11-2526 minThe Church Things Podcast#8: 7 Reasons Ministers Avoid a Counseling MinistryShould preachers and ministers participate in a counseling ministry? According to a 2018 Thom Rainer poll, many say, "No." A majority of ministers polled listed counseling as their least favorite activity of ministry. Why? In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss the potential downside of a minister's involvement in the counseling of church members.2019-11-1129 minThe Church Things Podcast#7: The Value of Professional, Biblically-Based CounselingMany in our churches face specific, and sometimes complex problems. How may church leaders assist these people with the special care they need? In this episode, Becky and Kerry discuss the differences and similarities between pastoral counseling and professional counseling and the value of professional therapy in the church's toolbox. 2019-11-0419 minThe Church Things Podcast#5: 7 Ways to Reach a DecisionHow may church leaders and leadership teams reach decisions? Often, they look for consensus, but there are other ways. In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss seven ways to make a decision and the disadvantages and advantages of each.2019-10-2125 minThe Church Things PodcastIntroductionWelcome to The Effective Church Leaders Podcast where we offer practical advice and insights to help you get better equipped, lead more effectively, and help your church thrive! In this introductory podcast Kerry and Becky explain why they are beginning this podcast, what they have to offer, and who will benefit from listening.2019-09-1207 min