This week, we are pressing pause on our regular Church Leadership Lab episodes to share something a little different. Hosts, Kendall Conner and Jess Moore recorded a short, meaningful Thanksgiving message just for our podcast community.

We know this season brings full tables, full schedules, and full hearts. Ministry leaders, as you serve your church and gather with family, remember to slow down and let your own soul be renewed. God is at work through you, but He is also at work in you.

Take a moment to listen to this special Thanksgiving message, then get ready for us to jump back into another great episode next week.

Bonus: We even share a few recommended episodes to check out while you rest!

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3XjDepY

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Van Kirk, Campus Pastor at Spring Lake Church, digital communications leader, and certified ministry coach.

We explore practical ways churches can build a digital ministry strategy that connects people beyond Sunday.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why your website is a digital front door
• Using technology for discipleship all week
• Repurposing sermons into weekday devotionals
• Leveraging stories and testimonies online
• Building a team for digital ministry

Join us as we dive into How to Build a Digital Strategy That Reaches Beyond Sunday with Bill Van Kirk.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4ihYg20

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Joanna la Fleur, podcaster, TV host, and executive director of Word Made Digital.

We explore how churches can tell better stories with limited resources and make the Good News compelling in the digital age.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Storytelling that fits church budgets
• Authentic content for younger generations
• Proven digital tools and practical tips
• Collecting and sharing impactful church stories
• Measuring success in local church outreach

Join us as we dive into How Churches Can Tell Better Stories with Limited Resources with Joanna la Fleur.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49QWi6n

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Preston Hocker, a pastor of 20+ years and experienced protection specialist.

We explore how churches can prioritize safety while maintaining a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Building a safety-minded church culture
• Practical steps for church security teams
• Best practices for creating safe environments
• Technology for kids ministry safety
• Training staff and volunteers effectively

Join us as we dive into How Churches Can Prioritize Safety While Staying Inviting with Preston Hocker.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4nyyWpf

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. The conversation shared by the hosts and guest is not intended to replace professional training, legal guidance, or consultation with qualified experts. Kendall Conner, Jessica Moore, the Church Leadership Lab Podcast, and Ministry Brands are not safety or security professionals. Every church’s situation is unique. Please seek guidance from trusted experts and local authorities regarding safety decisions. 

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, hosts Kendall Conner and Jessica Moore explore practical ways that churches can inspire generosity and make the most of Giving Tuesday for their year-end campaigns.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• What Giving Tuesday means for churches
• Leveraging stories of impact to inspire giving
• Effective church communications for generosity
• Utilizing digital giving tools and platforms
• Thanking and engaging givers for future generosity

Join us as we dive into How Ministries Can Inspire Generosity On Giving Tuesday with Kendall Conner.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47AtcW9

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Lippi, writer, speaker, and conference director at Church Facilities Conference & Expo (CFX).

We explore how churches and ministry leaders can empower and provide care to volunteers to help them thrive in their roles.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• The heart behind volunteering in ministry
• Keys to making volunteers feel seen and valued
• Building healthy communication with volunteer teams
• Creating relational and operational volunteer cultures
• Recognizing signs of volunteer fatigue or feeling stuck

Join us as we dive into how churches can support volunteers to help them succeed with Stephanie Lippi.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4oCN6qA

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Darcy Danson, creative team lead at Ministry Brands and a seasoned designer who blends creativity with purpose. 

We explore how visual design can bring clarity and creativity to your church’s communication and identity.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Why visuals matter in church ministry
• Building a consistent church brand
• The power of color, fonts, and style guides
• Empowering creative teams and volunteers
• Tools and resources for church design
• Clarity and hospitality through great visuals

Join us as we dive into Cultivating Clarity and Creativity in Your Church through Visual Design with Darcy Danson.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4haGFIs

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong, mental health clinician, and host of the Care Ministry podcast.

We explore how church leaders can prioritize their own mental health while creating caring, resilient church cultures.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Recognizing compassion fatigue and burnout
• Setting healthy boundaries in ministry
• Building care teams and support systems
• Creating a safe culture for mental health
• Empowering peer support within the church

Join us as we dive into How Church Leaders Can Prioritize Mental Health in Their Ministry with Laura Howe.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48UbuiB

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care or counseling. Kendall Conner, the Church Leadership Lab Podcast, and Ministry Brands are not mental health professionals. If you or someone you care about is struggling, please seek help from a qualified mental health provider.

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Free Resource:
Year-End Giving Toolkit
https://bit.ly/3KlNeMd

In this episode, we recap our recent Healthy Church Summit and some of the key takeaways we learned about planning an impactful Christmas service. We share 5 practical tips that will help guide your ministry to make your upcoming holiday season your best yet.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The importance of prayer in planning
• Building the right creative planning team
• Choosing creative spaces for brainstorming
• Incorporating classic carols and music
• Crafting messages with clear next steps
• Overcommunicating to first-time guests

Join us as we dive into this Healthy Church Summit recap and learn how to plan a memorable Christmas service from start to finish.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4pJFxzt

Watch the Healthy Church Summit on-demand: https://bit.ly/46kLA65

In this episode, we recap our recent Healthy Church Summit and some of the key takeaways we learned about holiday communications. We share 5 practical tips that will help to communicate things clearly about your ministry's Christmas and end-of-year plans.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• Planning ahead for seasonal communications
• Leading with “why” instead of just details
• Centralizing church event information
• Prioritizing the most impactful promotions
• Equipping your congregation for word-of-mouth invitations
• Making event information easy and shareable

Join us as we dive into this Healthy Church Summit recap and learn how to cut the chaos from holiday church communications.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/46jD47k

Watch the Healthy Church Summit on-demand: https://bit.ly/46kLA65