The Church Circle Podcast

By Church Circle

The Church Circle Podcast, hosted by Reuben Rohard, interviews real people working in real churches, leading the way in communications, graphic design, and beyond. You'll hear a blend of inspiration a... more

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FAQs about The Church Circle Podcast:

How many episodes does The Church Circle Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.

The Church Circle Podcast episodes:

December 02, 2024Reaching Gen Z Through Gaming and Digital Ministry with Jon Rush
In this episode of the Church Circle podcast, host Reuben Rohard interviews Jon Rush, a seasoned ministry leader with over 15 years of experience, currently transitioning into a new season of content creation, gaming, and ministry innovation. Jon shares his insights on using gaming and digital platforms as tools for ministry, breaking down misconceptions, and discussing how the church can engage Gen Z effectively in today’s culture. If you're curious about how video games and online spaces can serve as mission fields, this episode will offer you plenty of inspiration and practical advice.
Key Takeaways
Gaming is the Future: 75% of Gen Z engage with video games weekly, and the church must find ways to be present in those digital spaces.

Gaming as Social Media: Video games offer a real-time social experience that can foster meaningful relationships and community building.

Empower, Don’t Control: Rather than trying to own every digital initiative, churches should invest in and empower individuals who are already skilled in these areas.

Success in Digital Ministry: It’s not about numbers or brand control—it’s about reaching people where they are, even if that’s through nontraditional methods like gaming or online communities.

Balance Digital and In-Person Ministry: Digital platforms can complement in-person church experiences, but churches should focus on creating relational, transformative moments during physical gatherings.
Key Moments
02:00 Jon’s Journey in Ministry and Transition: Jon shares his ministry background, experience at Elevation Church, and his current transition into the digital mission field.
07:30 The Growing Influence of Gaming: Jon breaks down the significance of gaming, dispelling misconceptions about it being just for "nerds" and explaining its massive cultural influence.
12:00 Why Gaming Matters for Ministry: A conversation on why the church should care about gaming and how it can be used to reach people globally and locally.
17:00 Empowering Creators in the Church: Jon emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals in the church who have a passion for digital spaces, rather than forcing ministries that don’t align with the church’s specific calling.
29:00 Balancing Digital and In-Person Ministry: Practical advice on how to balance digital engagement and in-person gatherings for a holistic ministry approach.
Practical Tips
Use Gaming as a Social Tool: Engage young people by creating real-time connections through gaming, which serves as a powerful form of social media.

Identify and Empower Leaders: Find individuals in your church who are already passionate about gaming, social media, or content creation, and support them in building their digital ministries.

Utilize Discord: Create a Discord server to facilitate constant communication and discipleship among youth and church members, allowing for 24/7 engagement.

Measure Digital Success Carefully: Don’t get lost in vanity metrics. Focus on meaningful engagement, such as real interactions and life change, rather than impressions or views.

Leverage Digital to Enhance In-Person Ministry: Use online communities to drive deeper relationships that eventually translate into in-person engagement and church participation.

Connect with Jon
Instagram: @jonwrush
...more
42min
November 18, 2024The Psychology of Influence with CJ Alvarado
CJ Alvarado, a marketing veteran with experience both in the corporate and church worlds, shares insights into the psychology behind effective communication, how to break through noise and distractions, and build trust with leaders and teams. This episode offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their influence, trust, and communication skills, especially in leadership and creative settings.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the "Crocodile Brain": The first step to winning the room is breaking through the brain’s natural defense mechanisms to grab attention quickly and effectively.
Building Trust Is Key: Trust affects speed and cost in decision-making—when trust is high, things move faster and cost less.

Straight Line Communication: Communicate in straight lines, not circles, to keep your audience engaged and get to the heart of the matter.

Emotional Intelligence: Leaders need emotional intelligence to navigate high-pressure situations, manage feedback, and present ideas without getting caught up in ego or emotions.

Self-Awareness and Perception: Leaders should be mindful of the perceptions others hold about them and work actively to align their self-perception with how they are viewed by others.
Practical Tips
Capture Attention Fast: Get past the "crocodile brain" by starting with something new and exciting, making your point quickly and effectively.

Be Instrumental, Not Just Nice: Leaders value usefulness over flattery. Present your ideas with a focus on how they solve problems.

Straight-Line Communication: Avoid rambling—communicate in clear, concise, and direct ways to keep leaders engaged.

Acknowledge and Address Perceptions: Use CJ's LAND method (Listen, Ask, Navigate, Demonstrate) to manage how you are perceived in leadership roles.

Manage Emotional Responses: Separate your identity from the feedback you receive and focus on solving problems with emotional intelligence.
Connect with CJ
Instagram: @CJAlvarado
Substack: Take New Ground
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34min
November 11, 2024 Breathing New Life into Ministries with Adi Reed
Adi Reed, a passionate leader from Soul Church, has experience in revitalizing struggling ministries. Originally from South Africa, Adi shares his insights on leadership, fixing broken ministries, and the critical role of confidence and collaboration in rebuilding. Drawing from his decade of experience in youth, young adult, and kids ministry, Adi offers practical wisdom for church leaders navigating similar challenges.

→ Key Takeaways
• The health of a ministry is a reflection of its leadership.
• Leaders must be willing to acknowledge when things aren’t working and approach challenges with humility and an open heart.
• Rebuilding trust and excitement in a ministry requires relational leadership—prioritizing personal connections over aggressive training and vision casting.
• To build trust externally, leaders must tell compelling stories of progress and wins, leveraging communications to show transformation.
• Change takes time. Focus on achieving small but significant wins to rebuild confidence in your team and ministry.

→ Connect with Adi on Instagram: @ad_reed
...more
44min
November 04, 2024Building Gen-Z's Confidence in Christ with Mariah Seda
Pastor Mariah Seda of Vertical Church discusses the journey of leadership, youth ministry, and building confidence in the next generation. Mariah shares her personal story of moving from a shy youth to a bold leader, her approach to nurturing leadership in young people, and how the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in transforming lives.

→ Key Takeaways
Leadership starts with relationship-building and affirming young people where they are.
True transformation in youth ministry comes when leaders create space for the Holy Spirit to move.

Churches need to stay relevant by understanding culture without compromising the Gospel message.

It's crucial to give young people opportunities to lead and gradually build their confidence.

Guiding young people to realize their potential requires patience, persistence, and a nurturing spirit.

→ Connect with Mariah:
Instagram: @MariahSeda

Email: [email protected]
...more
44min
October 28, 2024Dreaming Big and Taking Action with Jon Norman
In this episode of the Church Circle podcast, host Reuben invites Jon Norman, pastor of Soul Church in Norwich, UK, to discuss the journey of building a faith-filled church in a lesser-known part of the UK. Jon shares his personal story of leading Soul Church, from Bible school in Australia to starting the church in 2013, and the extraordinary vision behind their recent ambitious building project.
Key Takeaways
Dreams vs. Action: Vision attracts people, but faith and action bring them along.

Faith Requires Movement: Just like Noah building the ark before it rained, leaders must take steps even before they see results.

Pioneering in Unlikely Places: God often calls leaders to work in places overlooked by others.

Honesty and Transparency: Keeping the church involved and informed helps build trust and community.

Faith-Led Leadership: When following God's direction, success may come after setbacks, but persistence is key.
Key Moments
2:00 - Jon's Journey to Leading Soul Church: Jon shares his global journey in ministry, including Bible school in Australia and starting Soul Church in 2013.
10:25 - Vision for Soul Church's New Building: Jon talks about the seven-year process of building Soul Church’s new facility, including setbacks and miracles.
20:15 - Importance of Faith and Action: Discussion on how dreams alone don't move people—taking bold steps in faith is what inspires.
31:00 - Seven Marathons in Seven Days: Jon’s personal sacrifice, running seven marathons in seven days to raise funds, showing his commitment to the vision.
45:30 - Leading Through Challenges: How being honest about delays and setbacks helped maintain trust and unity in the congregation.
58:00 - The Role of Peace in Decision Making: Jon shares that he never lost his peace throughout the seven-year project, which was his guiding compass.
Practical Tips
Take Bold Steps: Don’t just dream—start taking concrete actions towards your vision.

Surround Yourself with Visionaries: Get around people who have accomplished what you aim to achieve; let their faith inspire you.

Be Honest with Your Community: Share both the highs and lows of your journey. Transparency builds trust.

Pivot When Necessary: Be flexible and willing to change course when faced with challenges or new opportunities.

Lead by Example: If you expect your community to sacrifice for the vision, show your commitment first, as Jon did with his marathons.

Connect with Jon
Instagram: @JonNorman
Church Website: Soul Church
...more
43min
October 21, 2024Why Your Church Needs a Brand Strategy with Stephen Houk
In this episode of the Church Circle podcast, we dive into the world of church branding with Stephen Houk, a branding expert from Church Media Squad. Stephen shares his journey in design and explains why branding is crucial for churches in today's digital age.
Takeaways:
Branding is more than just a logo; it's your church's reputation and testimony.

Consistency is key in all aspects of church communication and visual identity.

Effective branding aligns with your church's mission and biblical principles.

Understanding your audience is crucial for developing a successful brand strategy.

Branding mistakes can hinder a church's ability to connect with its community.
Key Moments:
08:19 - Stephen explains what branding means for churches
13:51 - Three key steps to start building a brand strategy
21:47 - The importance of brand attributes: voice, feeling, and impact
25:24 - The historical significance of beauty and art in Christianity
30:50 - Common branding mistakes churches make and how to avoid them
Practical Tips:
Clarify your church's mission and set clear goals for your brand strategy.

Seek feedback from your community when developing your visual identity.

Ensure consistency across all platforms and communication channels.

Simplify your design and focus on what truly represents your church's values.

Invest time and resources in developing a strong, consistent brand.
...more
40min
October 14, 2024Church Social Media Secrets with Kelsea Moore
In this episode of the Church Circle podcast, we dive into the world of church communications with Kelsea Moore, Director of Social Media Squad at Church Media Squad. Kelsea shares her journey in communications and provides valuable insights on how churches can enhance their digital outreach and engagement.
Takeaways:
Align your communication strategy with your church's mission and vision

Identify your target audience and tailor your messaging accordingly

Utilize digital platforms, especially social media, to reach and engage your community

Create a communications style guide to maintain consistency across different ministry areas

Empower volunteers to serve in communications roles, providing proper training and support

Focus on impact and transformation rather than just social media metrics
Key Moments:
03:13 Kelsea's journey in communications and how it led to her current role

11:41 Developing an effective church communication strategy

18:45 Practical tips for using digital platforms to enhance outreach

25:54 Maintaining consistent communication across different ministry areas

31:35 Involving volunteers in church communications

39:08 Kelsea's perspective on measuring church impact beyond social media metrics
Practical Tips:
Show faces in your social media content to increase engagement

Use 30-second sermon clips on social platforms

Utilize Instagram Stories for easy engagement with your audience

Create a communications style guide for consistency across ministries

Identify and ask potential volunteers to serve in communications roles
Connect with Kelsea:
Instagram: @kelsea.moore

Church Media Squad Instagram: @churchmediasquad
For more church communication resources and real templates, check out the Church Media Squad Instagram page.
...more
45min
October 07, 2024Building a Thriving Church Culture with Jonathan Malm
Join us as we sit down with Jonathan Malm, author of "The Volunteer Effect" and church communications expert, to discuss the art of fostering a positive volunteer culture in churches. Jonathan shares his insights on effective strategies for recruiting, managing, and nurturing volunteers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and mission-driven invitations.
Takeaways:
Invite volunteers to a mission, not just a role

Recruit volunteers personally, highlighting their unique qualities

Create a family-like atmosphere in volunteer teams

Focus on pastoral care and discipleship, not just task delegation

Measure success through the growth of the fruits of the Spirit in volunteers
Key Moments:
05:54 The importance of a family-like volunteer culture

15:25 Strategies for recruiting volunteers effectively

22:23 Balancing excellence and efficiency in church operations

30:21 Measuring the success of volunteer programs

34:16 The leader's role in equipping and supporting volunteers
Connect with Jonathan Malm:
Instagram: @jonathanmalm

Books: "The Volunteer Effect," "The Comeback Effect," and "Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright"
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39min
May 09, 2024Faith & Fashion with Dustin Harper
Dustin Harper, the Design Director of Church Media Squad, shares about his role as “the merch guy.” Dustin discusses the balance between secular and church inspiration and the impact of apparel design in the Church. He also offers some advice for those interested in starting their own apparel design projects.

Takeaways
Finding inspiration from various sources, both secular and church-related, can help in creating unique and impactful designs.

Apparel design in the church can be a powerful tool for spreading the message of the gospel and creating conversations about faith.

Balancing the secular and church aspects of design can lead to authentic and relatable creations that resonate with a wide audience.

When starting an apparel design project, it is important to have a clear vision, focus on the target audience, and prioritize printability and quality.
Key Moments
06:23 Becoming the Merch Guy at Church Media Squad
12:02 Finding Inspiration
19:59 Balancing Secular and Church Inspiration
25:13 The Impact of Apparel Design in the Church
30:41 Advice for Starting Apparel Design
Connect with Dustin
Dustin’s Instagram — www.instagram.com/dustin___harper/
...more
35min
May 02, 2024Understanding Gen Z's Perspective on Faith and Church with Jacob Salguero
Jacob Salguero, a Gen Z creative and youth pastor, is diving into all things reaching and engaging with Gen Z in the Church. He shares his personal journey and how he stumbled into design and creativity through his love for the local church. His heart beats for the Church to understand and address the hunger for spirituality among Gen Z, and the importance of stewarding and valuing this generation. If you’re looking to learn how to better connect with Gen Z, this episode is for you.
To learn more about Church Media Squad, visit: www.churchmediasquad.com
Takeaways
Gen Z has a hunger for spirituality and is interested in exploring faith, but the church needs to be intentional in reaching and engaging this generation.

The church should focus on stewarding and valuing Gen Z, rather than trying to bring them back later.
Personal relationships, intentional discipleship, and adding value to young people are key strategies for reaching and connecting with Gen Z.

The church needs to go beyond Sunday services and focus on community, pastoral leadership, and building personal relationships with young people.
Key Moments
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Jacob's Background
03:00 Jacob's Trip to Europe
05:09 Gen Z's Interest in Spirituality
08:14 Gen Z's Hunger for Spirituality
10:20 Gen Z's Interest in Faith
12:43 Gen Z's Hesitation for Lordship
19:23 The Impact of Gen Z in the Church
27:15 Strategies to Reach Gen Z
31:53 Final Thoughts
Connect with Jacob
Jacob’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacobsalguero/
...more
37min

FAQs about The Church Circle Podcast:

How many episodes does The Church Circle Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.