The podcast is back for another year! We're really excited for the work ahead and the conversations we get to be a part of with local churches all across the country. In this first episode of the year, we catch up on the holiday break, talk about what's coming on the podcast this year, and share a little bit about our team kick off to 2019.

Links mentioned:

Podcast Survey

Fishhook Events

Hubspot "Scamper" Activity

Leah and Evan sit down to look back at 2018. Both express their gratitude for the work, the relationships, and the path of Fishhook. Evan shares what he has been wrestling with in recent months and years and unpacks the news of his transition away from leading the Fishhook team. It's an honest, vulnerable conversation, but also one filled with appreciation and confidence in God's faithfulness.

Who is your church trying to reach? If you have a hard time answering that question with a specific answer, we want to help you out! Every church is in a specific place, with specific resources, at a specific time—so you have a unique opportunity to reach certain people in ways other churches can't. Aimee and Shayla talk about how to identify your audience, why it matters, and what next steps you can take to help your church leaders understand the importance of audience.

In this episode, Dale Sellers from the 95 Network joins us to talk about three unique challenges small churches are facing today. Dale brings practical experience and a deep passion for small churches, which he calls the "bread and butter" of the church in America. More than 95% of churches today are less than 500 people. How can church leaders lead with a strong mission and vision? How do they create a discipleship path? Dale brings practical insight and an inspiring drive to help small churches thrive.

Get a chance to hear behind the scenes in this episode as Evan prepares for speaking at the Alignment Conference. Aimee and Adam also share how they each approach preparing for a talk, workshop, or teaching a class. Then, Evan walks us through his main points for his talk entitled, "Communicating in Your Context."

Links Mentioned:

www.alignmentconference.com

www.fishhook.us/speakingengagements

Every team needs a vision and people who can make the dream a reality. The challenge then becomes helping the dreamers and the doers move in the same direction. How do you begin to bridge the gap between people or teams that see the world in fundamentally different ways? In this conversation, Evan and Lindsay share their personal experiences of learning to communicate and work together as dreamers and doers. There is so much wisdom and insight in this episode, so you get a longer episode than normal!

Aimee Cottle is back and we have plenty of updates for you. Get a rundown on all the places Fishhook will be this fall. Plus, we break down some of the latest tech updates – IGTV, Facebook Groups, Bible Lens, and more.

Links:

https://www.fishhook.us/events

https://www.fishhook.us/learn

Evan and Shayla continue the conversation about running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this continued conversation. Hear how you can move beyond managing your own time to leading a team and influencing others to operate for effective, efficient project work that fulfills the mission of your church.

Free Downloadable: Planning Worksheet

We're back! After a summer podcast hiatus, Evan and Shayla sit down to talk about a key mindset we have shared with many, many churches: running your communications team with an agency mindset. Whether you are a team of one or a fully-staffed department, there is something for everyone in this first part of a two-episode conversation.

Links mentioned:

AgencySpotter.com

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Summer is flying by and we are checking back in to share some fun updates, including details for a special event taking place in July. Aimee shares her quick review of the new Instagram TV feature, and we share some rapid-fire tips for you to make the most out of the remaining time in your summer.