The Small Church Ministry Podcast

Apr 30 2024 20

The Small Church Ministry Podcast artwork

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

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122: The Genius Envelope Idea For Intergenerational Connection | with Adrienne Dillard

Apr 30 2024 39 mins

If you don’t have enough people for a preschool class, a junior high youth group, or a study for young married couples, join the club! But what if that was a gift and not a liability? Listen in to this episode as guest Adrienne Dillard shares:Why intergenerational ministry is the bestBest tips for growing more connections across the generationsHow to use the Envelope Fundraiser I

121: Neurodiversity, Storytelling, & Fidget Toys | with Krissy Richardson

Apr 23 2024 38 mins

Listen in for some great Sunday School insights and storytelling tips from children’s ministry expert Krissy Richardson. After serving for decades in small churches with a sensitivity to neurodivergent children, Krissy learned of her own autism with a later-life diagnosis in her 30s. Whether you’re looking to learn some teaching tips or you’d love a better understanding of di

120: Why Relationship Comes Before Discipleship With Unchurched Youth | with Pastor Sunny Brown

Apr 16 2024 32 mins

Is your smaller church truly a welcome space for all? As idyllic as this sounds, reality often sets in at the first sign of unchurched youth who don’t seem to “know the church rules” or visiting friends who seem difficult or disrespectful. After decades of experience as a pastor, teacher, parent, community leader, and advocate, Sunny Brown joins us on today’s episode with d

119: How To Make All-Age Worship Work (& Why We Should) | with Andrew Pressley

Apr 09 2024 41 mins

Andrew Pressley joins us in this episode to share his take on all-age worship and why children don’t need a separate worship space for great discipleship. As an associate pastor, veteran music minister, and director of KidsCore (a ministry for children's worship and music that is used in small churches all around the world), Andrew shares his heart, wisdom, and extensive exp

118: Children’s Ministry In Small Churches: Here’s The Gift We Have To Offer | with Natalie Frisk

Apr 02 2024 38 mins

If you think you need more volunteers or more kids, we want you to think again.According to children’s ministry expert and professional curriculum writer, Natalie Frisk, with smaller numbers come amazing opportunities. After growing up in a small church and then serving as a children’s leader on a large church staff for years, Natalie and her husband find themselves now raising

117: 7 Things To Do When You're Tired Of Church Ministry

Mar 26 2024 22 mins

How are you feeling about ministry right now? I hope you’re feeling fantastic! But if you’re not, I’ve been there. In fact, if we’re being honest, we all have. Instead of beating yourself up for losing your passion or (worse yet) pressing through hoping it’ll get better, listen in for practical steps to give your ministry mood a lift. Perfect for personal application or t

116: Why Celebrating Mother's Day In Church Is Complicated

Mar 19 2024 29 mins

Mother’s Day is complicated. For some, it’s a special day to honor a mom who was there when we needed her most or at least did the best she could. For others, Mother’s Day is a painful reminder of loss, unmet needs, and sometimes tragic memories. It can also be a slap in the face if the role of mother is held up as ideal fulfillment, where non-mothers are pitied or perceived

115: Recruit & Retain More Volunteers: Make These 5 Changes To Your Volunteer Environment

Mar 12 2024 40 mins

If your small church needs more volunteers, you’re not alone. When you’ve tried the sign-up sheets, creative announcements, and personal asks - and you’re still coming up short - it’s time to step back and look at your volunteer environment. Every church has a “volunteer vibe” - and it’s either helping to draw volunteers in or it’s repelling them from coming near. L

114: How To Host A Tea Party That Makes An Impact

Mar 05 2024 28 mins

Too often the impact of our ministry doesn’t match the time and effort we pour into it. Instead of wondering if you’re making a difference, plan on it! Listen in to hear the three most important questions to ask when planning your next event. I’ll be sharing three specific examples of tea parties with three different purposes that lead to different results. Great ministry isn

113: Great Ministry Starts With Where You Are And What You Have

Feb 27 2024 38 mins

Not enough volunteers? Not enough kids? Not enough funds? You’re not alone. Ministry can be tough. In fact, it can be so full of challenges that it’s easy to focus on what we lack - which leads us nowhere good. The truth is that God has given us all we need to enjoy a ministry full of depth and good growth. Listen in for tips to start turning what you already have into a small