Shows
Seeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationAre Administrative Systems Holding Back Your Innovation? With Rev. Kelly LamonSend a textWhen was the last time you gave thanks for your administrative systems? Often times, our data management, member tracking and communication systems feel out of date or out of our wheelhouse or unimportant. We don't really think about them until its time to fill out conference tables! However, these systems can be a key tool in your innovation toolbox. Join us as we explore the ways administrative systems can enhance your innovation as we chat with Rev. Kelly Lamon, lead pastor at The Grove in Woodbury, MN. From practical advice to a few 'don't do as...
2026-02-2449 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationSpring Cleaning...preparing for welcome.Send a textWinter in Minnesota has been long! We are at the point where the days are getting longer and we can begin to dream about spring. We are also on the doorstep of the season of lent. Join host Rev. Erica Koser for this timely episode that encourages your congregation to spruce up your entrances. Starting with your virtual front door (your website) Erica will share observations and suggestions that will help you welcome newcomers this spring. Possibly sounding a bit like your mom encouraging you to pick up your room, this episode will give you s...
2026-02-1033 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationReviving an Ancient Ministry Model for Today- House Church with Rev. Steve ReiserSend a textAs we say in almost every podcast- church is changing! Join us for this conversation with Pastor Steve Reiser who is passionate about bringing back the ancient ministry model of house churches- because sometimes what's old is new again! Leaning deeply into John Wesley's class meeting model and models from Paul's ministry in the early church, we will learn the basic model for the house church and how it can be used as a stand alone model as well as embedded in a more traditional setting. Steve also raises some timely questions in his top...
2025-12-1655 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationInnovative Church Security with Rev. Chris CarrSend a textDo you wonder about the safety of your church and congregation members? Joining us on this episode of Seeds and Sprouts is Rev. Chris Carr, an ordained deacon who has used a career in global security to help guide churches as they strive to walk the balance between welcome and safety. Chris has a beautiful theology of security and will share a framework to build upon. He will also share some practical tips you can do this week to increase the safety of your building and your people. In a time where division and viol...
2025-10-1657 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationInnovative Church Security with Rev. Chris CarrSend us a textDo you wonder about the safety of your church and congregation members? Joining us on this episode of Seeds and Sprouts is Rev. Chris Carr, an ordained deacon who has used a career in global security to help guide churches as they strive to walk the balance between welcome and safety. Chris has a beautiful theology of security and will share a framework to build upon. He will also share some practical tips you can do this week to increase the safety of your building and your people. In a time where division and...
2025-10-1400 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationHGTV'ing Your Church!Send a textDo you love to watch HGTV and the ways they transform homes into welcoming spaces? Have you ever thought about what it would look like to apply some of their ideas to your church building? Join Erica for a lively conversation about 'HGTV'ing' your church. In a candid but real way, Erica addresses some of the low hanging fruit that you can tend to to improve the welcome and sense of radical hospitality in your church. From sacred cows to broken crayons, take a listen to this practical and fun episode!
2025-09-3041 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationLessons from a thriving campus ministry with Jean CarlosSend a textIf you are looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a big dose of hope, you don't want you to miss this episode. Jean Carlos is the campus pastor of Neon, the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In just over a year, he has seen amazing growth in the ministry and the ways students are finding a trusting, welcoming community that is colorful, bright and new. Jean Carlos offers practical tools around building trust, engaging in relationship, and maintaining a high quality presence each week. You will be inspired! Take a...
2025-09-1654 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationMinistry on the Margins with Pastor Collette Broady GrundSend a textHave you ever wondered what it would feel like to truly trust the nudges of the Holy Spirit and launch into a new ministry? Have you ever done ministry on the margins and noticed how Jesus shows up in different ways? Are you curious about the ways you can connect with your community to make a lasting impact? Join Pastor Erica and Pastor Collette as they share some of the lessons learned in following the Holy Spirit into a creating a homeless shelter in their community. They share some of the tales of their 8 yea...
2025-08-1346 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationInnovating in Children and Family Ministry with Lindsey NuehringSend a textIs the church still relevant for families? How do you do children's ministry well if you are a small church? What do kids need right now? Join us for a powerful conversation with children's ministry expert Lindsey Nuehring from Advent UMC. Could the key to children and family ministry be as simple as being authentic and building relationships? In a fun, honest, and real conversation Erica and Lindsey explore how we can be the church where kids feel loved, safe, and welcome. This episode is worth your time whether you are a small, rural church...
2025-07-1753 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationResources and Summer Opportunities in MinistrySend a textJoin Rev. Erica Koser for a look at some current resources and some easy ideas for reaching into your community this summer. Gather a few tips that you can begin in July! Also learn more about how the office of Strategy and Innovation can help you go, sow, and grow!
2025-06-3032 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationConnecting with your Community with Pastor Jeremy PetersSend a textIs it important to reach out to your community? How do you take community demographics alongside community conversations to generate a profile of your community? In this episode, Erica and church planter Jeremy Peters of The Grove, Cottage Grove, engage in a thought-provoking conversation that will encourage you to move outside the walls of your church and become a vital partner in the work of your community. God is at work in your community- how are you joining in?
2025-06-1649 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationInnovation with Rev. Tyler SitSend a textIn this episode we are joined by the Rev. Tyler Sit; church planter, innovator and author from New City Church and Northeast UMC both in Minneapolis. We engage in a lively conversation about innovation, Marie Kondo-ing our full ministry plates, and Tyler shares his top 5 wonderings about church right now.
2025-05-0942 minSeeds and Sprouts in Ministry InnovationWelcome to Seeds and SproutsSend a textWelcome to the Seeds and Sprouts podcast. In this episode, learn what this podcast is all about and meet host Rev. Erica Koser.
2025-04-3011 min