Shows
The Church Things Podcast#195: "Keepers at Home": Does Scripture Prohibit a Christian Mother from Working Outside the Home?Should a Christian mother work outside the home? In this episode, Kerry and Becky take a look at Paul's admonition to Christian mothers that they be "keepers at home" in Titus 2:4,5. Also, they discuss the occasional nature of the New Testament epistles and John MacArthur's alarming interpretation and application of this text in Titus.2025-07-1526 minThe Church Things Podcast#192: Follow-up to Steve Brannan InterviewKerry and Becky discuss the Steve Brannan interview (episode #191).2025-05-1227 minThe Church Things Podcast#183: Volunteerism: Obstacles to Keeping Volunteers: Burnout and EntitlementWhat are some of the obstacles to keeping volunteers in the church? In this episode, the final one in their series on "Volunteerism in the Church," Kerry and Becky discuss the dangers of burnout and entitlement to volunteers and their ministry teams. Also, they briefly discuss what church leaders can do to deal with both.2025-03-1223 minThe Church Things Podcast#172: Serve ThemIn episode number 5 in the series, "Individual Outreach," Kerry and Becky talk about the next step in building a friendship with those who may not yet know the Lord, serving them. Listen in for a discussion of the biblical warrant for serving others and practical suggestions for doing so.2024-06-1819 minThe Church Things Podcast#170: ListenThis is the third episode in the series, "Individual Outreach." In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss the need for us to first listen to those whom we are trying to reach for the Lord before we speak. Listening comes before speaking!2024-05-1717 minThe Church Things Podcast#168: Building Relationships with Those Who Don't Know JesusOne of the reasons followers of Jesus may not be reaching the lost could be that they don't really know any. That is, they may not have any non-Christian friends. In this episode, Kerry and Becky begin a new series on "Individual Outreach." Episode one in the series is on the need to build relationships with people who don't yet know the Lord.2024-04-2412 minThe Church Things Podcast#166: Implement a Guest Followup StrategyDoes your church have a step-by-step plan for following up with guests to your Sunday morning assemblies? In this episode in the series, "Community Outreach," Kerry and Becky offer several tips for how churches may follow up with those who come to the assembly.2024-03-2423 minThe Church Things Podcast#163: Give Attention to Your Digital PresenceIn this week's episode, Kerry and Becky offer a few tips and suggestions for churches who wish to use their online and digital presence to reach outsiders.2024-02-0722 minThe Church Things Podcast#162: Develop an Outward FocusPerhaps the very first step for churches to take to increase their community outreach is for their church to develop an outward focus. In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the need for an outward focus--so many churches seem to have turned inward--and they offer five suggestions for doing so. This is episode #2 in the series, "Community Outreach."2024-01-1317 minThe Church Things Podcast#161: Coming AttractionsIn this first podcast episode of the new year, Kerry and Becky preview the topics they plan to discuss and produce in The Effective Church Leaders Podcast in 2024. Also, they announce the subject matter for first free webinar of the year, scheduled for February 13.2024-01-0613 minThe Church Things Podcast#160: Revealing the Vision & Next StepsIn this final episode in their series, "Vision Casting for Your Church," Kerry and Becky discuss tips for introducing the vision to the church and recommended next steps to take once the vision has been approved.2023-11-1314 minThe Church Things Podcast#158: How to Brainstorm Your VisionSo, your church has selected a Vision Casting Team to craft a 3-5 year vision for your church. What's next? What does that team need to know before they begin the brainstorming process? And, what should the VC Team leader encourage the team to do as they brainstorm ideas to accomplish the church's mission? Join Kerry and Becky in this next episode in the series, "Vision Casting for Your Church."2023-11-0110 minThe Church Things Podcast#151: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (6)What can church leaders do to encourage more volunteer engagement in their church? In this sixth episode of the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ," Kerry and Becky discuss five tips for encouraging people to serve and use their God-given gifts.2023-06-1815 minThe Church Things Podcast#150: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (5)More churches are reporting that they are finding it difficult to attract and keep volunteers. Volunteerism is on the decline. What can be done to alleviate this problem? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss some of the common barriers that prevent followers of Jesus from using their gifts. It's episode number five in their series to help Christians find their place of service in the church. 2023-06-1118 minThe Church Things Podcast#149: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (4)Every follower of Jesus and every church leader has a calling in the church and should feel a sense of calling! In this podcast, Kerry and Becky discuss some of the New Testament passages on the subject of a calling and raise six questions to help Christians identify their calling. This is episode #4 in the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ."2023-05-1322 minThe Church Things Podcast#148: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (3)In this podcast, Kerry and Becky discuss four big ideas about gifts from Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. What are the gifts in Ephesians 4? What is their purpose? What does it mean that we are "stewards" of "our" gifts? These are just a few of the questions discussed in episode 3 in the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ."2023-05-1319 minThe Church Things Podcast#147: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (2)Last week the Holtons examined what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12 about giftedness; this week, Kerry and Becky are reviewing Romans 12:3-8. Besides a brief discussion of the seven gifts mentioned in Romans 12, they also talk about the need to know ourselves and our gifts, to accept how God has gifted us, and to use what the Spirit of God has been so generous to give. This is episode #2 in the series, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ."A brand, new Circle Group Podcast will be published next week. If you would like to sign up to r...2023-04-1522 minThe Church Things Podcast#146: Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ (1)In this episode, Kerry and Becky are beginning a new series entitled, "Finding Your Purpose in the Body of Christ." This week they take a look at 1 Corinthians 12 to find principles that are as relevant today, as they were when Paul first penned them. Some of these principles include these notions: There are varieties of gifts, and each gift is necessary in a healthy church; God distributes the gifts as he wills; and gifts are given and should be used for the common good--for the health and growth of the church.2023-04-1020 minThe Church Things Podcast#145: Church Health: Sunday Morning & the Worship AssemblyChurch leaders, how much attention are you giving to what happens in your church on Sunday morning? To the worship service? To the children's Bible classes or the children's Bible hour? To guest services? In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss the importance of the weekend services. They talk about the need to give primary attention to what goes on during the Sunday morning hour, both for the sake of discipleship and outreach. This is episode #4, and the last one, in their series on Church Health.2023-03-1915 minThe Church Things Podcast#144: Church Health: Change and the Willingness to ChangeIn this episode, #3 in their series on Church Health, Kerry and Becky discuss a third characteristic of healthy and growing churches: change is expected and is a part of their church's culture. They give a few examples of the kind of change that churches should consider in order to accomplish their mission. Also, they discuss why so many churches and church leaders are resistant to change.2023-03-0516 minThe Church Things Podcast#143: Church Health: OutreachHow healthy is your church? In this episode, Kerry and Becky talk about a second characteristic of healthy and growing churches: they prioritize reaching new people. They have an "outsider focus." Many churches seem to be "insider focused," which may partially explain why they are not growing. Tune in to this discussion of some of the statements regarding outreach in the ECL Church Health Assessment Tool. 2023-02-1917 minThe Church Things Podcast#142: Church Health: Mission & VisionHow healthy is your church? Using their Church Health Assessment as a discussion starter, Kerry and Becky talk about what they see as some of the characteristics of healthy and growing churches. In today's episode, the first in this series, they discuss the importance of mission and vision to church health.2023-02-0512 minThe Church Things Podcast#140: 2023 Church Trends (1)In this episode Kerry and Becky discuss two of the eight predicted trends itemized in Carey Nieuwhof's blogpost: "Future Church: 8 Church Trends to Watch in 2023." They have to do with the decline of the Boomer generation in church and the openness to spirituality of members of Gen Z. 2023-01-0922 minThe Church Things Podcast#139: The Leadership Team of Your ChurchWho should be on the leadership team of a church? In our experience, the leadership team of most churches is comprised of the elders--and only the elders. New Testament elders are responsible for the spiritual oversight of their church. That's biblical. But, why must they be the ones or the only ones who are responsible for setting the direction and making day-to-day decisions of the church? Why, for example, shouldn't a church's minister or ministers have a seat on that important leadership team? In this episode, Kerry and Becky reflect on the composition of THE leadership team in a church2022-12-1220 minThe Church Things Podcast#138: Best Practices of EldershipsIn this episode, Kerry and Becky identify five best practices submitted to them by elders across the country.2022-12-0512 minThe Church Things Podcast#137: Onboarding New EldersHow may an eldership orient additional elders to their new role? In this episode, Kerry and Becky offer three general suggestions for onboarding new elders. They consider what an eldership may do to build trust, provide key information about church policies, processes, and systems, and introduce new elders to their role and expectations. Also, they discuss the importance of asking each elder to sign a covenant that spells out expectations.2022-11-2718 minThe Church Things Podcast#136: A 5-Step Method for Appointing EldersJoin Kerry and Becky as they discuss a recommended way to select and appoint elders in the local church. They discuss a 5-step plan, with special focus on who should screen nominees.2022-11-1439 minThe Church Things Podcast#132: Questions from the Mail BagIf the scriptures support paying elders, why is this practice so uncommon? How involved should elders be in scheduling and planning church events? In today's episode, Kerry and Becky discuss two questions raised by listeners to the podcast.2022-10-1619 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#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#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#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#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#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#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#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#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#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 min