Shows
The Small Church Ministry Podcast184: Breaking Down Ministry Silos: Why Collaboration Matters in Small ChurchesIn this episode of The Small Church Ministry Podcast, Laurie names something many small churches deal with—but haven’t had the words for: ministry silos. You know when two ministries plan events on the same night—and no one realizes it? Or you hear about something great after it already happened? That’s a silo—and it’s more common than we think. We’ll talk about why silos form, how they quietly hurt small churches, and—best of all—how to start breaking them down without adding more to your plate.In this episode, y...
2025-07-0828 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast183: Church Spotlight: Building a Church-Wide Team - Involving All Ages in Children’s Ministry | with Heather HarkinsIn this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham talks with Heather Harkins about transforming children's ministry in a small church. Heather shares practical strategies for increasing congregational involvement, breaking down traditional ministry barriers, and creating meaningful intergenerational connections. Learn how her church reimagined children's ministry by Involving senior adultsCreating church-wide eventsDeveloping a flexible, inclusive approach that works for churches with limited resourcesWhether you're a children's ministry volunteer or church leader, this episode offers creative solutions for building a vibrant, supportive ministry that engages the entire congregation.
2025-07-0126 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast177: The Small Church Advantage & The Vital Role of Laity | with Teresa StewartIn this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Theresa J. Stewart, author of "The Small Church Advantage," to challenge traditional views of small churches. Theresa shares powerful insights on how smaller congregations are not deficient, but unique "test kitchens" for innovative ministry. Learn how volunteers and lay members are the secret sauce of church vitality, and discover how embracing your community's specific gifts can transform worship. Whether you're feeling discouraged about your small church's size or looking for fresh perspectives, this episode will encourage you to...
2025-05-2028 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast176: Getting on the Same Page: Trust & Understanding Between Pastor & Volunteers | with Doug BeutlerIn this insightful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Pastor Doug Butler to explore the often-challenging dynamics between pastors and church volunteers. They dive deep into building trust, understanding, and unity in small church settings, discussing how to:Overcome communication barriersEmbrace diverse personalitiesCreate a supportive church communityDoug shares practical wisdom from 27 years of pastoral experience, offering valuable insights for both church leaders and volunteers on how to work together effectively, validate each other's ministries, and focus on discipleship. Whether you're a pastor, volunteer, or church me...
2025-05-1334 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast175: Church Spotlight: Outreach Ideas To Increase Visibility and Connect with Your Community | With Sarah HarlowIn this special episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham talks with Sarah Harlow about creative, meaningful outreach strategies for small churches. Sarah shares innovative ways her church connects with the local community, from blessing baristas to writing appreciation cards for community leaders.In this episode:Discover how to do outreach with limited resourcesLearn simple, impactful ways to show community loveGet practical tips for engaging local businesses and leadersHear creative ideas for church events and community connectionUnderstand how small churches can make a big differenceWhether you're struggling with outreach i...
2025-05-0630 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast174: More Volunteers, Jesus-Style: Developing People, Not Just ProgramsIn this powerful opening session of the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference, host Laurie Graham explores volunteer recruitment through a Jesus-centered lens. She challenges ministry leaders to shift from merely recruiting volunteers to developing people, emphasizing the importance of seeing and valuing individuals. Drawing on personal stories and biblical insights, Laurie discusses how small churches can create meaningful ministry experiences by focusing on:relationshipsemotional healthgenuine care This episode offers a refreshing perspective on building volunteer teams that goes beyond traditional church programming, encouraging leaders to see volunteers as part of their ministry, not...
2025-04-2950 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast173: Recognizing & Connecting With Hurting Kids: Broken Families, Shifting Realities, & Small Churches | with Melissa J. MacDonaldIn this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Melissa MacDonald to explore the critical role of recognizing and connecting with hurting kids in small church settings. Melissa shares her personal experiences as a foster parent, after-school program director, and ministry leader, offering practical insights on how to love, support, and disciple children from challenging backgrounds. Learn how to shift your ministry mindset from lesson completion to heart connection, and discover why every child matters - regardless of church size or resources. Perfect for volunteers, ministry lea...
2025-04-2231 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast172: Beyond Inclusion: Helping Every Child Find Their Place in Church | with Kim BottoIn this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Kim Botto to explore how small churches can create a welcoming environment for every child, especially those with neurodivergent needs or trauma backgrounds.Listen in to:Discover why 1 in 3 families with children with disabilities have left a churchLearn practical strategies for inclusion that don't require big budgetsUnderstand the difference between simply including children and helping them truly belongGet actionable tips for supporting children with sensory needs and behavioral differencesHear inspiring stories of churches making meaningful changesKim shares practical...
2025-04-1536 min
The Small Church Ministry Podcast171: Teaching Today’s Teens: Leveraging Their Limited Availability, Perceived Apathy, & Growing Agency | with Mike HaynesLaurie Graham and Mike Haynes discuss effective strategies for engaging and teaching teenagers in small church youth groups.
2025-04-0800 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast171: Teaching Today’s Teens: Leveraging Their Limited Availability, Perceived Apathy, & Growing Agency | with Mike HaynesLaurie Graham and Mike Haynes discuss effective strategies for engaging and teaching teenagers in small church youth groups.
2025-04-0800 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast171: Teaching Today’s Teens: Leveraging Their Limited Availability, Perceived Apathy, & Growing Agency | with Mike HaynesLaurie Graham and youth ministry expert Mike Haynes discuss effective strategies for engaging and teaching teenagers in small church youth groups. Key topics include: Recognizing the challenges of over-scheduled teensLeveraging teenagers' natural agencyStructuring interactive youth group timeAdapting teaching methods to match teenage cognitive developmentThe episode equips small church youth leaders to better connect with and disciple the next generation.Connect with Mike Haynes:www.youthministrycurriculum.comGet your free ticket to the Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference:www.smallchurchsummits.com...
2025-04-0842 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast170: A Great Children's Ministry Doesn’t Require A Building, A Budget, Or A Brand | with Angela MarksJoin Laurie Graham and special guest Angela Marks in this inspiring episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast as they dive deep into children's ministry. Angela shares her transformative journey from an IT professional to a passionate children's minister, revealing how a great children's ministry isn't about big budgets or fancy programs, but about seeing the incredible potential in every child.In this episode: Discover how to minister effectively with limited resourcesLearn to see children's potential beyond their current behaviorUnderstand the power of affirmation and personal testimonyGain strategies for staying motivated when ministry feels ch...
2025-04-0136 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast169: Engaging Adults With Disabilities In Your Small Church: Respect, Support, & Connection | with Victoria WhiteLaurie Graham and Victoria White discuss the inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the church. Victoria, an experienced advocate, shares her passion for this issue and the benefits of welcoming this population, such as slowing down and gaining new perspectives.The conversation covers practical steps for churches to reach out and build relationships with the IDD community, as well as the importance of addressing attitudes and misconceptions. The key takeaways highlight the need to recognize the underrepresentation of people with IDD in many congregations and the transformative impact their pr...
2025-03-2540 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast168: Church Spotlight: How A Planning Party Sparked Creativity, Community, and Collaboration | Kelly WilsonIn this episode, Laurie Graham welcomes guest Kelly Wilson to discuss her experience implementing a "planning party" at her small church. Kelly shares how the planning party concept helped address the challenges she and her husband faced as the primary planners and implementers of church activities.The planning party involved the congregation in a low-pressure way to generate ideas ...leading to a positive responsesuccessful volunteer recruitmentongoing enthusiasmKelly explains the execution and impact of the planning party, and encourages other small churches to try this approach to build momentum, gain volunteers, and share t...
2025-03-1828 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast167: Healthy Responses To Church Conflict: What to Do When Silence Isn’t The Solution | Brenna Fields HayesIn this episode, host Laurie Graham and guest Brenna Fields Hayes dive into the topic of healthy responses to church conflict. They discuss the prevalence of unresolved conflict in many churches and the importance of creating safe environments for open communication. Brenna shares insights on: the role of personal responsibilityevaluating one's own motives and emotional readinessfinding scriptural guidance during challenging timesThis conversation offers practical steps for navigating conflict in a measured, prayerful manner, benefiting volunteers, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to foster healthier, more unified church communities.C...
2025-03-1133 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast165: Small Churches & Big Events | with Cheri KulhawickLaurie Graham and Cheri Kulhawick share tips for small churches organizing large community events, including ...The importance of early planningBuilding a diverse teamBefining a clear purposeBeing flexible when things don't go as expectedCheri also shares a candid story about pivoting after an event had more supplies than attendees. This episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement for small churches wanting to make a big impact.3 Core Values For A Successful EventJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministry
2025-02-2537 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast164: Finding Your Place: Embracing Unique Gifts & Talents In Ministry | with DG WynnIn 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 DG Wynn:www.chasmgaming.comJoin our free F...
2025-02-1838 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast163: Scheduling Volunteers & Tools That Help | with Justin KingIn 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 looking to empower their volunteers and create more sustainable ministry practices.Connect with Justin King:www.thechurchcrew.c...
2025-02-1132 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast162: 3 Types Of People Who Visit Your Church Website (& Why It Matters) | with Derek MaxsonIn 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 community.Connect with Derek Maxson:Get 50% off a Website Evaluation: h...
2025-02-0433 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast156: Emmanuel “God With Us” & The Power of WITHness in MinistryThis 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.
2024-12-2414 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast137: Please Don’t Tell Me … “Ministry Would Be Great If It Weren’t For The People”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/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"
2024-08-1334 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast136: Helping Small Churches Thrive | Interview with Karl VatersListen 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.comJoin our free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"
2024-08-0633 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast129: We Can’t Love Well Without Understanding: Church Health & CommunityThis 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.comSee our resources for sale: resources.smallchurchministry.comRate, Review, & Follow Laurie...
2024-06-1838 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast128: You Can’t Be Well, If You Don’t Love Well: Church Health & Loving OthersIf 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:Signs that...
2024-06-1132 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast127: You Can’t Serve Well If You Aren’t Well: Church Health & Personal HealingToo 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 start with you and me. Listen in to:Hear how w...
2024-06-0444 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast126: Balancing Work, Family, & Volunteering At Church | with Bill GunterToday’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!!"
2024-05-2836 minThe Small Church Ministry Podcast125: A Creative Approach To Midweek Discipleship | with Stephanie CarlsonIn 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 our kids?After considering those questions, Stephanie evolved their midweek programming into a new model that fits th...
2024-05-2132 min