It was hard to watch Cracker Barrel try to reinvent itself this year. It tried to move away from the past and into a future that seemed to leave its customer base behind. But what can churches and ministries learn from this process? Marketing expert Mark MacDonald has been a frequent speaker at IFR's Worship & Technology Conference. In today's podcast, he breaks down some lessons that we can all take away from a $700 million rebrand that almost took a national icon down.

This past Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers approved two constitutional amendments that would tear down family and Biblical values in the areas of gender, marriage, and life. And these amendments, if approved by voters in November of 2026, directly impact every Virginian and every church. So why is this November's election so crucial and maybe even more important? We dive into those issues in today's podcast with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and our partner from the Family Foundation, Michael Morisi.

No one ever hopes for a disaster. But we all know that it's unfortunately a part of life. So, being prepared to help someone in need is so important. That's where the SBC of Virginia Disaster Relief ministries come in. In today's podcast, we talk with a brand-new, trained volunteer who also served with DR as an intern. Aiden Wolfgang shares his experience and why he would do this for a living if he could!

One of the most rewarding things in ministry is to see our church members grow in the Lord and serve with joy. But how to get people from the parking lot to the pew to serving can also be one of the most challenging. Today's episode breaks it down and gives you insightful ways to recruit, track, and train your fellow members as we "equip the saints for the work of the ministry!"

No matter where you turn, there is another digital device that is on your desk, your wrist, or your countertop, either chirping, buzzing, or ringing at you. It's just about impossible to live without digital distraction. But author and strategist, Jeff Mingee, tells us ways we can take dominion over our digital lives and even gives us ways to tell if it's actually working!

How do you serve in a historic or traditional church and make changes that don't blow up the ministry or leave a trail of destruction behind you? Josh Morgan, the pastor of 1st Baptist of Dillwyn, believes that the answer may be as simple as listening, learning, and staying long enough to build relationships that, in turn, help solve long-standing issues keeping the church from growing.

Pastor Chad Wilhelm from Winchester, VA, shares his story of how he and his church are navigating a growing community, a growing church, and nowhere else to grow! How do you move forward with limited resources but unlimited opportunities for ministry? It's an incredibly helpful revitalization story

No matter the size of your ministry, everyone needs people right beside you taking on some of the load. In a church context, it's even more important - and Biblical - to have deacons. But do they even know what they are supposed to do and how to do it? And even more importantly, why? Pastor Jamie McClanahan talks with us in this Not Alone episode about how they are revitalizing their church through a health deacon ministry!

What do you do when your church is growing but you aren't able to start a new service? How do you plan for and accommodate any new growth? In the case of Salem Baptist outside of Richmond, they decided to realize an earlier vision. They are going to actually break down the center wall of the building they currently occupy and open up major space. But Pastor Jeff Dickson believes this is just a visual representation of a bigger reality - that there are other barriers God wants to break down!

This is a historic year in Virginia! The General Assembly has passed two amendments to our constitution that will dramatically change the way we deal with marriage and abortion in the Commonwealth. And they negatively target our Biblical and family values. Virginia Delegate Mark Earley and Michael Morisi from our strategic partner in Richmond, The Family Foundation, join the Not Alone Podcast to discuss these important issues. We dive into the details and explain why it is crucial to both be informed and get involved, so we can turn the tide before these amendments become locked in place.