Church Leadership Lab

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Samuels, Senior Director of Sales at Ministry Brands and former church leader with experience in communication strategy, outreach, and team development.

We explore practical strategies for helping churches communicate more effectively, from understanding their audience and choosing the right digital tools to delivering clear, consistent messages that strengthen engagement and build meaningful connections.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Identifying your church’s true audience
• Choosing the best communication channels
• Segmenting messages by group and need
• Timing communications for maximum impact
• Avoiding information overload in church settings
• Ensuring consistency across digital platforms

Join us as we dive into Reaching the Right People with the Right Message at the Right Time with Josh Samuels.

Watch the Healthy Church Summit: HealthyChurchSummit.com

Full Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3UNlZjb

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/47Klh9q

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Bryson, seasoned church leader and Senior Account Executive at Ministry Brands.

We explore practical strategies for creating clear next steps for every church guest to foster meaningful connections and belonging.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Preparing for first-time church guests
• Creating a culture of genuine hospitality
• Gathering guest information thoughtfully
• Effective and personal follow-up strategies
• Using technology to support guest connections
• Defining and measuring true church belonging

Join us as we dive into this helpful and practical episode, Creating Clear Next Steps for Every Church Guest, with Matt Bryson.

Watch the Healthy Church Summit: HealthyChurchSummit.com

Full Show Notes: https://bit.ly/485vRrr

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4dRWC67

In this episode, we sit down with Sallie Guillory, Executive Pastor at Saddleback Church and former NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach, to explore the intentional, behind-the-scenes work that goes into building strong, healthy teams.

Drawing from her experience in both athletics and ministry leadership, Sallie shares practical insights on creating a team culture where people feel valued, expectations are clear, and everyone can contribute to a shared mission.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why healthy teams are built, not found.
• How clear expectations create stronger, more effective teams.
• Why great leaders balance genuine care with accountability.
• How tools and AI can support team development.
• Scheduling time for relationships and self-care.
• The importance of God's presence in church health.

Whether you're leading a church staff, ministry department, or volunteer team, this conversation will help you become a more intentional leader and build a healthier team.

Join us for The Hidden Work of Building a Healthy Team with Sallie Guillory.

Watch the Healthy Church Summit: HealthyChurchSummit.com

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

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4hLbMfR

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Kristen Foster recap key takeaways from the Healthy Church Summit, sharing practical insights for empowering healthy ministries.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Developing and multiplying ministry leaders 
• Building healthy and accountable teams 
• Reaching people through digital ministry 
• Improving church guest follow-up 
• Encouraging generosity with impact stories 
• Practical uses of AI in ministry 

Join us as we dive into 9 Practical Takeaways from the Healthy Church Summit with Kendall Conner and Kristen Foster.

Watch the Healthy Church Summit: HealthyChurchSummit.com

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4z4di2A

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4rBjk8e 

This week on the Church Leadership Lab podcast, we’re taking a break from our usual format for a special invitation to the Healthy Church Summit.

On Tuesday, September 22nd, church leaders from across the country will come together for a completely FREE online event designed to help build healthier ministries, stronger teams, and renewed momentum.

In this episode, Kendall Conner gives you a preview of what to expect from the day, including Main Stage conversations with Mac Lake, Sallie Guillory, and Mark Lebrun on multiplying leaders, creating healthy team culture, and expanding your church’s influence in a digital world.

You’ll also hear about six practical breakout sessions covering some of the challenges church leaders are navigating right now, including connecting first-time guests, cultivating generosity, using AI in ministry, helping volunteers thrive, gaining greater financial clarity, and creating a more connected communication strategy.

Plus, the Summit will include live online networking sessions specifically for pastoral leaders, ministry team leaders, and executive and operations leaders. These sessions are designed to help you meet other church leaders, share what’s working, talk about current challenges, and learn from people who understand what you do.

Our theme is Together We Can because healthy churches aren’t built by one person, one program, or one Sunday. We need each other.

The Healthy Church Summit is happening on Tuesday, September 22nd, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ET. There’s no travel, hotel, or registration cost. Just bring yourself, and even better, bring your church team.

Can’t attend live? Register anyway. The Summit will be recorded, and registered attendees will receive access to the recordings afterward.

Register for FREE now - HealthyChurchSummit.com

In this episode, we sit down with Chandler Boyce, church marketing coach and owner of The Marketing Co-op.

We explore practical strategies for helping churches create digital content that truly connects and reaches people in today's online world.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The importance of digital ministry today
• Practical ways to repurpose weekly sermons
• Social media strategies for church leaders
• Leveraging AI and new tech tools
• Building a strong church website presence
• Overcoming barriers to consistent content creation

Join us as we dive into how churches can create digital content that actually reaches people with Chandler Boyce.

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

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4ikndfh 

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Beauford, executive pastor, church planter, and leadership coach.

We explore why delegation may be the critical issue holding your church back and how redefining it can unlock growth and health.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The root causes of poor delegation
• Moving from task dumping to true leadership
• Frameworks for effective team building
• Balancing responsibility, authority, and support
• Avoiding burnout by aligning strengths
• Practical steps for auditing your time

Join us as we dive into The Delegation Problem That Could Be Holding Your Church Back with Brian Beauford.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3SozFA8

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4ykgXZC

In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Miller, Technical Director at Rolling Hills Community Church and seasoned leader in church production and technology.

We explore how churches can create worship experiences that connect both in the room and online, embracing digital ministry to reach and serve more people.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The ministry purpose of church production
• Shifting from gear focus to people focus
• Building healthy production teams
• Enhancing livestream quality and engagement
• Avoiding perfectionism in ministry tech

Join us as we dive into Creating Worship Experiences That Connect In the Room and Online with Shaun Miller.

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

Learn More About Live Streaming with Amplify: https://bit.ly/4zHQd70 

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Talley, manager of product management at Ministry Brands and lead pastor of Vibrant City Church.

We explore how AI tools can help churches extend the impact of their sermons beyond Sunday and streamline content creation for ministry.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Common AI mistakes churches make
• Repurposing sermons through AI-driven workflows
• Guardrails for preserving theological intent
• AI's role in multiplying message reach
• Practical tools for small church teams

Join us as we dive into Using AI to Extend Your Sermon Beyond Sunday with Jonathan Talley.

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

Learn More About Amplify Equip: https://bit.ly/4qpwGnr

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Free Webinar:
Not another AI tool. A ministry assistant that shows up every day of the week, not just Sunday. Come find out what that actually looks like.

Register: https://bit.ly/4xH89N8

In this episode, Kendall Conner and Jess Moore offer practical tips for ministry leaders who want to create a first-time guest experience that helps people feel welcomed, known, and connected.

They dive into practical strategies to help your church create an experience for newcomers that removes barriers, builds connection, and helps people feel like they truly belong from the moment they consider visiting.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Preparing guests before they arrive with a clear online presence
• Making parking, signage, entrances, and kids check-in easy to navigate
• Using automation and personal touches to help guests feel expected
• Training volunteers to guide people, not just greet them
• Giving guests a clear next step and following up personally

Join us as we dive into Creating A First-Time Guest Experience That Actually Connects with Kendall Conner & Jess Moore.

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

Learn More About Ministry Brands Amplify: https://bit.ly/4wVLPiJ