.png)
The Small Church Ministry Podcast
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 Graham, 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.
Episodes
167 episodes
167: Healthy Responses To Church Conflict: What to Do When Silence Isn’t The Solution | Brenna Fields Hayes
In 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 e...
•
33:45
.png)
166: Church Spotlight: We Added Dignity To A Food Pantry With A Sit-Down Cafe | Alastair & Nicola Bruce
Alastair and Nicola Bruce from a small church in Scotland share how they transformed a coffee shop space into a community pantry, cafe, and pre-loved shop to provide support with dignity and build relationships. They offer practical...
•
49:53
165: Small Churches & Big Events | with Cheri Kulhawick
Laurie 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...
•
37:46
164: Finding Your Place: Embracing Unique Gifts & Talents In Ministry | with DG Wynn
In 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 exampl...
•
38:50
163: Scheduling Volunteers & Tools That Help | with Justin King
In 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 w...
•
32:18
162: 3 Types Of People Who Visit Your Church Website (& Why It Matters) | with Derek Maxson
In 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:InsidersShoppersSeeke...
•
33:17
161: Helping Women Connect, Grow, & Thrive In Different Stages & Seasons
Have you ever noticed that “one-size-fits-all” doesn’t really fit anyone well? The same is true in ministry. In this episode, we’ll explore how to build a women’s ministry that truly meets women where they are—whether they’re just ...
•
41:04
160: Why Copying Other Women’s Ministries Doesn’t Work & How To Find What Does | with Dee Bryce
In today’s episode, guest Dee Bryce explains why copying other women’s ministries often falls short and how to create a ministry that truly resonates with your unique context. Dee shares practical advice on discovering the rhythms that ...
•
41:47
159: Women’s Ministry & Embracing God’s Unique Assignment For You | with Aimee Nelson
This month on The Small Church Ministry Podcast, we’re focusing on women’s ministry as we gear up for our annual Women’s Ministry For Small Churches Conference. Today’s guest, Aimee Nelson, shares how unexpected turns in her life became...
•
32:44
158: Beyond Events: The Incredible Impact Of Organic Relationships In Women's Ministry | with Charmaine Stulp
While some women crave a vibrant “women’s ministry,” other women aren’t excited by the idea. With the myriad of differences in upbringing, past experiences, personalities, and interests, no women’s ministry will be a perfect fit for all.
•
42:20
157: My Favorite End-Of-Year Journaling Prompts
As the year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to step back and reflect. In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite end-of-year journaling prompts to help you process what’s unfolded over the past 12 months and get reset for a ne...
•
26:06
156: Emmanuel “God With Us” & The Power of WITHness in Ministry
This 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 ...
•
14:41
155: The Weight Of Christmas & How To Lighten The Load | with Troy Matchett
Too often in small churches, Christmastime carries a heavy weight of ministry. Volunteers, ministry leaders, and pastors often feel torn between family and church, struggling to find their own peace and joy in a busy season with extra m...
•
42:05
154: 5 Simple Steps To Stop Othering And Start Including | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 6
This episode wraps up our small church series about accessibility and inclusion with five steps we can all take to create more welcoming spaces for everyone, no matter their background, abilities, or differences. Whether you're a volunt...
•
28:23
153: Creating A Welcoming Place For Unchurched Youth & Non-Traditional Family Structures with Sandy Smith | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 5
Whether you’re a Sunday school teacher, ministry leader, pastor, or volunteer, this important episode explores the intersection of faith, family, and inclusion. Ministry leader and adoptive parent, Sandy Smith, shares how we can do...
•
40:57
152: Doing Ministry With Those With Disabilities with Rebecca Wall | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 4
Join our conversation with Rebecca Wall as she shares how we can strengthen our churches not by doing ministry for those with disabilities, but by doing ministry with them. As the Executive Director of With Ministries...
•
39:14
151: How To Create A Safe Space For Neurodiverse People Of All Ages With Ruth A. Popkin | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 3
In this episode, learn why it’s important to understand the needs of neurodiverse adults and how creating a space where neurodiverse individuals are seen, heard, and celebrated strengthens your church body - from worshipers to volunteers. ...
•
36:51
150: Got Room For Wheels? Let’s Talk Mobility With Joanne Petersen | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 2
As we desire to create faith communities where all are welcome, we’ve dedicated a series of conversations to accessibility and inclusion in small churches.Churches of all sizes are missing entire segments of people not far from our door...
•
39:36
149: Welcome Place For All: Accessibility, Inclusion, & Belonging In Small Churches | Accessibility & Inclusion Series Part 1
In this introductory episode of our Accessibility & Inclusion Series, we’re diving into how small churches can be amazing spaces of inclusion and belonging.Join us as we chat with church leaders and members who are passionate about ...
•
22:11
148: Healthy Church Systems: 6 Key Principles Of Trauma-Informed Ministry with Pete Singer
The topics of church hurt, church health, and toxic organizational systems are hot topics in today’s culture. In this episode, Pete Singer, Executive Director Of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) helps us...
•
47:02
147: Why Using A Blue Christmas Service This Year Can Boost Community Outreach And Increase Connection
Effective community outreach involves a lot more than just getting people in the door of your church. Successful outreach involves building connections where there were none, growing in awareness of needs outside your church walls,...
•
31:17
146: 4 Steps To Turn Church Conflict Into Peacemaking Possibilities | with Pastor Doug Marshall
In this week’s episode, Pastor Doug Marshall shares practical insights on transforming church conflict into opportunities for growth and reconciliation. Discover the four essential steps that can guide your congregation toward peac...
•
42:17
145: How To Get Greater Buy-In And Better Attendance In Women’s Ministry
If you struggle with participation in women’s ministry or are ready for a whole re-start, we got you covered! In this episode, we identify the most common mistakes smaller churches make in women’s ministry and how to avoid the pitf...
•
24:27
144: Actually Fun (& Meaningful) Games For Smaller Teen Classes & Youth Groups | with Zach Hartman
Even the best curriculum falls short when you can’t get your teens and preteens engaged from the get-go. If your teens are less than enthused to be in class or you’re looking to up-level your youth ministry, this episode is for you.
•
31:57
143: Best FREE Resource For Church Sexual Abuse Prevention & Response With Kris Buckman & Brad Eubank
In this crucial episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, we delve into a vital topic of preventing and responding to sexual abuse within our church communities. With guests Pastor Brad Eubanks and ministry leader Kris Buckman,...
•
45:34