137: Please Don’t Tell Me … “Ministry Would Be Great If It Weren’t For The People”

It’s not unusual to see people sitting alone in church services. It’s so common that most people think nothing of it. Listen into this transformative story as Rachael Swihart shares, “As a society, we are the most connected we've ever been. We're also the loneliest we've ever been. About a year ago, I had a conversation with a woman who'd been coming to our church for a while. She told me that it's hard for her to get herself to come because she's divorced and comes alone. She never knew if she'd have someone to sit with. At the time, I sympathized with her but didn't pursue a plan to help … she started coming less and less until she stopped coming all together.”This all too common story was the catalyst to change in Rachael’s church. In this episode, Rachael shares simple steps we all can do to lead to change, strengthen our communities, and love more like Jesus.Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

If you’re in a smaller church, you know that a small church means a small youth group or sometimes no youth group at all. Join the conversation with youth ministry expert and G Shades curriculum creator, Mike Haynes, as he shares his vision for a “gospel lens” when it comes to reaching teens and pre-teens in any setting.Listen in to:Discover effective strategies for teaching teens in any size groupLearn about the largest gaps to overcome when relating to teens todayReimagine Jesus as our first model of effective youth ministryHear Mike’s best tips to stop hiding behind curriculum and start showing up in the fullness of who you areConnect with Mike Haynes:G Shades Youth Ministry Curriculum & Get a Free 4-Week Curriculum: www.gshades.org Check out the book Life Through The Lens Of The Gospelwww.instagram.com/mikeehaynes Join our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

In today's episode, we're talking to small church volunteer Pamela Yates from Milan, Indiana. After retiring from a career in teaching, Pam never imagined she'd be learning to play an instrument, stepping into worship leading, heading up a women's ministry, and more. Listen in for an inspirational testimony of God not calling the equipped, but equipping the called!Connect with Pamela Yates: https://wheregodleads.com/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!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Listen in to today's episode for a conversation with That Sunday School Girl, Waynell Henson. Growing up in a small church, Waynell shares her appreciation for smaller spaces as she encourages Sunday School teachers to teach to one like they are teaching to 100. With a YouTube following of over 42,000, Wanell shares her commitment "to encouraging a community of Sunday School Lovers who just enjoy being prepared and who come to class ready to be difference makers. Sunday School isn’t just for kids.  It’s one more way for God’s Word to become alive in our everyday lives!"Connect with Waynell Henson:Website: https://thatsundayschoolgirl.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ThatSundaySchoolGirlFacebook, IG, Twitter, TikTok: @ThatSundaySchoolGirlEquipped for Purpose: https://amzn.to/4dy5MlSF.U.T.U.R.E. Focus Participant guide: https://amzn.to/4do3AxqF.U.T.U.R.E. Focus Instructor guide: https://amzn.to/3X03DtCMy Etsy Store: https://bit.ly/TSSGSwagShopJoin 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!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

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!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Listen 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!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

This week we are sharing a mainstage talk from last week’s live conference, Married To The Pastor. Whether you’re a volunteer, ministry leader, or pastor, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the 5 things you need to get unstuck in any challenge, calling, or circumstance. Listen in to learn … How to cultivate hope when you’re feeling defeatedWhy your success and fulfillment are not dependent on the cooperation of othersThe relationship between courage and vulnerability, and why it matters in ministryHow a 1% change in your trajectory will land drastically different resultsJoin 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!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

When Pastors Anthony & Dawn Baldwin Gibson set out to plant a church, they had no idea they would be feeding thousands, helping to heal a community, and building a school. Not only have they built community partnerships in their local area, but they also help other smaller churches identify needs, mobilize volunteers, and find resources they need to serve their communities. Listen in as Dr. Gibson shares their church story of: Transforming Lives,Strengthening Families, andIntentionally Impacting CommunitiesGet your free ticket to the Married to the Pastor Conference >> www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Connect with Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson:www.peletahministries.comRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

After years of small church setbacks and church trauma, Allison and her husband were on the verge of walking away from ministry. After finding our community, this pastoral couple made simple mindset shifts that not only changed their personal trajectory but also greatly influenced their church culture to move from unhealthy to thriving. From feeling burned out to feeling totally blessed, listen in as Allison shares some easy-to-make ministry changes and self-care practices that made the difference.Get your free ticket to the Married to the Pastor Conference >> www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/

Comparing numbers seems unavoidable in church ministry. For those of us in small churches, comparison can leave us feeling defeated. Today’s guest shares why numbers are not the end of the story and often send people in directions that are not based on biblical truth. Join the conversation with ministry leader Cledra Gross as she unpacks a bit of her journey from a big church to a small church and the comparison trap ministry leaders fall into. Listen in to hear:How comparison is normal, but it doesn’t need to be negativeWays to recognize that you’re doing great ministry even if numbers don’t reflect your successThe benefits of holding church in a middle school and not having your own buildingWhy it’s important to recognize the theme of lack that accompanies comparison and how to change the narrativeGet your free ticket to the Married to the Pastor Conference >> www.smallchurchsummits.com/ps2024Connect with Cledra Gross:https://www.cledra.com/https://www.facebook.com/cledramccullersgrosshttps://www.instagram.com/cledragross/ Rate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!" << If that's like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps Small Church Ministry support and reach more people -- just like you -- in small churches! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, let us know what you loved most about this episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. This is the best way to stay updated on the new episodes we release weekly. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on future episodes. Follow now!Get the Ministry Bundles here!Follow Us:Website: https://smallchurchministry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallchurchministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallchurchministryCreative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministrySmall Church Network: https://smallchurchministry.com/membership/