The ChurchCandy Podcast

Want more new guests? Need help growing your church plant? Schedule a free discovery call with the ChurchCandy team: churchcandy.com

Is Canada facing a hidden church crisis, and what does it mean for pastors, church planters, and missionaries today?

In this powerful episode of the ChurchCandy Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Dan and Amber from Connect Church in Calgary, Canada, to uncover a growing reality that many in the global church are overlooking: Canada is rapidly becoming one of the most unchurched nations in the Western world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Practical outreach strategies that are working right now
• How to successfully plant a church in a post-Christian society
• How digital evangelism (Facebook & Instagram ads) is driving real growth
• Why younger generations are becoming spiritually hungry again
• The importance of relationships, collaboration, and culture in ministry
• Why Canada is one of the most overlooked mission fields today
• The biggest differences between U.S. and Canadian church culture

You’ll also hear powerful testimonies of life change, church growth, and how God is moving in one of the least reached regions in North America.

Did you know? In some parts of Canada, less than 5% of people know Jesus, and in regions like Quebec, that number drops to around 1.5%.

This is not just a conversation. It’s a wake-up call for the Church.

2:30- The Church Crisis in Canada 

 7:15- Why Canada = Major Mission Field

 12:45- Cultural Differences: U.S. vs Canada Church

 18:30- Secular Culture Church Planting Challenges

 26:00- Today's Outreach: What Works

 34:15- Growth from Digital Evangelism 

 42:30- Next Generation's Spiritual Hunger

 50:30- Encouraging Pastors, Planters & Missionaries

#churchgrowth #churchplanting #churchmarketing #missionsincanada #unchurchedcities #digitalevangelism #facebookadsforchurches #instagramadschurch #churchoutreach #churchoutreachideas #arcchurchplanting #howtogrowachurch #reachingthelost #postchristianculture #ministryleadership #evangelismstrategies #churchplanters #pastors #missionarylife #churchleadership #growyourchurch #churchstrategy

Want more new church guests? ChurchCandy helps churches get more Sunday guests with social media ads. Schedule a free discovery call at: https://churchcandy.com

AI is changing church giving faster than most pastors realize.

In this episode of the ChurchCandy Podcast, Brady Sticker sits down with Vance Roush (Founder & CEO of Overflow) to break down what’s actually happening in church giving today — and what pastors must do to keep up.

If you want to increase giving, remove friction, and unlock generosity in your church, this conversation is for you.

We cover:

• Why most churches are missing 90% of available generosity (and where that money actually is)
• How AI is helping pastors understand and disciple their givers more effectively
• Why stock and crypto giving are no longer optional for growing churches
• How Tap-to-Give and digital tools are reshaping the giving experience
• The biggest mistake churches make that quietly limits generosity
• How to increase recurring giving without asking people for more money
• The $30 trillion wealth transfer and what it means for your church’s future
• A simple strategy that can unlock six-figure giving almost immediately

Whether you're planting a church, leading a growing ministry, or trying to break through a giving plateau, this episode will give you practical strategies and real insight into the future of church generosity.

Learn more about Overflow: https://overflow.co

Subscribe for weekly episodes on church growth, digital marketing, and reaching your city for Jesus.

1:02 — Overflow Origin Story
5:04 — Stock & Crypto Giving
10:18 — Does it Really Work?
12:55 — Real Testimony 
14:30 — Tap to Give
20:05 — AI & Church Giving
29:58 — Future of Church Giving
34:55 — Why People Don't Give
40:10 — Migrating to Overflow

#ChurchGiving #ChurchGrowth #ChurchLeadership #Pastors #ChurchPlanting
#AIinChurch #ChurchTechnology #DigitalGiving #Tithing #ChurchFinance
#ChurchStrategy #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #ChristianLeadership #MinistryGrowth 

Want more new church guests? Need help growing your church plant? Schedule a free discovery call with the ChurchCandy team: churchcandy.com

Pastor Dino Rizzo has helped launch over 1,100 churches through ARC (Association of Related Churches). In this episode, he sits down with Brady Sticker to break down what's actually working in church planting today... and what's not.

If you're planting a church or thinking about it, this one is for you.

They cover:

• Why church planting is still one of the best forms of evangelism
• What's changed about church planting after COVID
• Why launch Sunday is just the beginning
• How much money you actually need to raise (and why it's more than you think)
• The most common mistakes new church planters make
• How to find your church's unique voice in a crowded city
• Why focus is the secret weapon most church planters ignore

Whether you're in pre-launch, just getting started, or trying to break through a growth plateau, this conversation will give you real talk from someone who's seen it all.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on church growth, digital marketing, and reaching your city for Jesus.

0:00 - Introduction

1:06 - The Story Behind ARC & 1,100+ Church Plants

3:49 - Do We Really Need More Churches?

9:12 - Post-COVID Church Planting 

12:32 - Big Launch Sunday vs Small Launches

14:45 - Long-Term Church Health

17:06 - Navigating Tense Cultural Moments

24:58 - The Most Common Mistakes Church Planters Make

#ChurchPlanting #ChurchGrowth #ARC #DinoRizzo #ChurchLeadership #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #PastorLife #ChurchPlanter #ChristianPodcast

I’m donating $500 to the first 100 churches that sign up for ChurchCandy in September. This $500 will help cover the cost of your first month of running ads! Sign up below and claim your first month of ads for FREE:👉  https://go.churchcandy.com/500-donation

📥 Download Free Resources:
* Video Ad Script Examples ✍️ http://churchcandy.com/video-scripts
* B-Roll & Shot List 📸 http://churchcandy.com/b-roll

In this episode, Brady shares the Connect Church case study, where Pastor Ken Bennett and his team grew from just 120 weekly attendees to more than 900 members in only two years. Discover the exact systems they used with ChurchCandy to see this kind of explosive growth.

Brady breaks down the 3-part strategy:
0.Promote – running over 275 ad campaigns to invite new guests.
0.Pursue – building a personal concierge follow-up system to connect with families before Sunday.
0.Plug In – helping new visitors get connected, nurtured, and fully integrated into the church family.

You’ll hear Pastor Ken’s first-hand experience, see examples of their ads, and get practical strategies that you can apply at your church to see more guests, higher retention, and long-term growth.

CHAPTERS 📖

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:45 Connect Church Growth Story

02:10 The Role of Social Media & God’s Favor

03:00 Step 1: Promote with Ads

07:00 Step 2: Pursue with Personal Follow-Up

13:00 Step 3: Plug In New Guests

18:00 Recap & How You Can Implement This

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:🌐 Website: https://churchcandy.com (https://churchcandy.com/)📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

📖 Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and share this video with another church leader who needs these strategies!

#ChurchGrowth #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #ChurchLeadership #ChurchPlanting

I’m donating $500 to the first 100 churches that sign up for ChurchCandy in September. This $500 will help cover the cost of your first month of running ads! Sign up below and claim your first month of ads for FREE:
👉 
https://go.churchcandy.com/500-donation

📥 Download Free Resources:
Fall Festival Marketing Playbook:
https://churchcandy.com/fall-festival

In this episode, Brady presents the Ultimate Church Festival marketing plan to help churches attract large crowds for Fall Festivals or Trunk-or-Treat events and encourage attendees to return for Sunday services. The video emphasizes the importance of Facebook and Instagram ads, offering tips on creating engaging video ads with compelling hooks and incentives for RSVPs. Brady also discusses utilizing SMS and email campaigns for follow-ups and reminders, along with tactics for ensuring attendees come back for future services through felt-need sermons or family fun days. The episode includes a full SOP document available for download from the ChurchCandy website.

CHAPTERS 📖
00:00 Introduction and Mission
00:42 The Ultimate Church Festival Marketing Plan
01:52 Creating Effective Video Ads
02:47 Engaging Your Audience with Incentives
03:04 Optimizing Ad Performance
05:47 SMS and Email Campaign Strategies
07:56 Leveraging Organic and Local Media
08:42 Onsite Registration and Data Collection
09:37 Encouraging Return Visits
11:22 Follow-Up Strategies
12:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:
🌐 Website: 
https://churchcandy.com

📸 Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

📖 Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and share this with another church leader who needs these strategies!

#ChurchGrowth #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #ChurchLeadership #ChurchPlanting

I’m donating $500 to the first 100 churches that sign up for ChurchCandy in September. This $500 will help cover the cost of your first month of running ads! Sign up below and claim your first month of ads for FREE:👉 
https://go.churchcandy.com/500-donation

📥 Download Free Resources:
* Video Ad Script Examples ✍️ http://churchcandy.com/video-scripts
* B-Roll & Shot List 📸 http://churchcandy.com/b-roll

In this episode, Brady shares a comprehensive follow-up strategy to help churches retain new guests. He emphasizes three main components of an effective follow-up strategy: ensuring the follow-up is seen, making it personal, and ensuring it is scalable. Brady explains the importance of using text messages over emails due to higher open rates and stresses the significance of personal touches in follow-up communication. He also introduces a special offer for the first 100 churches that sign up for Church Candy in September, covering the first month's ad cost. Additionally, he provides practical tips and a downloadable SOP for churches to implement this strategy immediately. The video also features success stories from various church leaders who have successfully applied these strategies.

CHAPTERS 📖
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:52 The Importance of a Good Follow-Up Strategy
01:25 Special Offer for September
02:09 Key Components of a Follow-Up Strategy
03:19 Making Follow-Up Personal
06:18 Scalability and Systems
07:13 Concierge Team and Practical Examples
11:46 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Breakdown
14:54 Conclusion and Invitation

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:🌐 Website: 
https://churchcandy.com
📸 Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

📖 Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and share this with another church leader who needs these strategies!

#ChurchGrowth #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #ChurchLeadership #ChurchPlanting

I’m donating $500 to the first 100 churches that sign up for ChurchCandy in September. This $500 will help cover the cost of your first month of running ads! Sign up below and claim your first month of ads for FREE:👉 
https://go.churchcandy.com/500-donation

📥 Download Free Resources:
* Video Ad Script Examples ✍️ http://churchcandy.com/video-scripts
* B-Roll & Shot List 📸 http://churchcandy.com/b-roll

In this episode, Brady breaks down the Top 10 Facebook & Instagram ads that actually work for churches. After testing over 1,000 ads with churches across the country, he shares the strategies proven to get new guests through your doors. From event promotions and coffee invites to “Plan Your Visit” ads and retargeting, Brady shows you how to maximize results, lower costs, and use creative content that makes people stop scrolling.
He also shares real-world success stories, targeting strategies, and why consistent follow-up is the real key to church growth. Plus, you’ll see ad examples that you can start using immediately.

CHAPTERS 📖
00:00 Introduction – Why Ads Matter for Churches
00:44 Best Platforms for Church Ads (Meta: Facebook & Instagram)
02:31 The Power of Instant Form (Lead) Ads
03:03 Promoting Events with Ads
05:00 Coffee with the Pastor Ads
08:00 Plan Your Visit Ads & Follow-Up Strategies
11:30 Success Story: Pastor Ken’s Growth to 900+ Members
12:00 Targeting: Cold Ads & Geo-Radius Setup
14:00 Avoiding Targeting Mistakes (Mosaic Example)
15:00 Retargeting Ads (Pixel, Custom Audiences)
17:00 Creative Strategies for Church Ads
17:40 Invite Videos with B-Roll & Multiple Hooks
19:00 Real Results: Ad Cost & New Guests
20:00 Free Video Editing Support from ChurchCandy
21:00 Collage Image Ads (Pros & Cons)
22:30 Carousel Ads & Shot List Resource
23:00 Using Trends & Reels as Ads
24:00 Final Thoughts & $500 ChurchCandy Offer

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:🌐 Website: 
https://churchcandy.com
📸 Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

📖 Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and share this with another church leader who needs these strategies!

#ChurchGrowth #ChurchMarketing #ChurchCandy #ChurchLeadership #ChurchPlanting

I’m donating $500 to the first 100 churches that sign up for ChurchCandy in September. This $500 will help cover the cost of your first month of running ads! Sign up below and claim your first month of ads for FREE! 
https://go.churchcandy.com/new-guests

Download the BEST ChurchCandy video ad script examples here! ✍️
http://churchcandy.com/video-scripts

Download the BEST ChurchCandy B-roll & Shot List examples here! 📸
http://churchcandy.com/b-roll

In this episode, Brady shares effective strategies for using Facebook and Instagram ads to attract new visitors to churches. He details the importance of creating ads that prompt immediate action, rather than just boosting posts. Brady provides a step-by-step guide, including the importance of direct response lead generation, calculating cost per lead, and examples from successful implementations at various churches. He emphasizes the need for personalized follow-ups and shares complete video ad scripts and filming tips. To support churches in adopting these strategies, ChurchCandy is offering a $500 donation to cover the first month of ads for the first 100 clients who sign up in September.

CHAPTERS 📖
00:00 Introduction to Effective Church Ads
00:44 The Foundation of Successful Ads
01:32 Direct Response Lead Generation
02:31 Understanding Cost Per Lead
04:11 Case Studies: Success Stories
07:13 Creating Impactful Video Ads
07:42 Crafting Engaging Intros
09:04 Key Elements of Your Video
11:56 The Importance of Follow-Up
14:36 B-Roll and Technical Tips
23:03 Conclusion and Special Offer

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:
Website: https://churchcandy.com (https://churchcandy.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this with fellow church leaders looking to make an impact!

ChurchGrowth #Leadership #ChurchCandy #PastorLeadership #ChurchMarketing #ChurchPlanting #VisionaryLeadership

Are You Ready to Take Your Church to the Next Level? ⛪️
 Schedule a Discovery Call With Our Team Today! ⬇️
 https://go.churchcandy.com/new-guests

In this episode of the ChurchCandy podcast, Brady sits down with Jacob Salguero — founder of Tomorrow Creative and a leading voice helping churches reach the next generation. Jacob unpacks why Gen Z is engaging with faith in surprising ways, the rise of Christian creators on social media, and how authenticity (not production) is the key to connecting with this generation.

Together, Brady and Jacob dive into the differences between millennial and Gen Z church culture, why rebellion looks like following Jesus, and how churches can use creativity and digital strategy to disciple effectively. They also tackle cringey church trends, the role of social media in evangelism, and the future of church services for young people.

This conversation is packed with insights and practical strategies for pastors and church leaders who want to connect with Gen Z without being cringe.

📖 CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome & Jacob’s Background

03:45 Why Gen Z Finds Christianity “Edgy”

06:12 The Shift from Millennials to Gen Z in Church

08:45 Authenticity vs. Relevance in Ministry
12:10 Hard Conversations Gen Z Wants to Have
16:20 Why Creators Are the New Shepherds
9:05 Breaking Sermons Into Social Media Content
21:45 Podcasts, Panels, and the Future of Church
23:50 Creativity in Preaching & Visual Engagement
26:30 Why the Church Lost Its Creative Edge
30:15 Lessons from the Sistine Chapel & Creativity as Discipleship
33:00 Cringey Church Trends That Need to End
36:55 Copycat Culture: Why Churches Shouldn’t Just Imitate Megachurches
41:20 Building a Creative Team for Your Church
44:15 Brand Books vs. Aesthetic Guides Explained
47:30 Church Hot Takes
55:40 Tomorrow Creative: Resources for Churches
57:00 Final Thoughts & Outro

👋 Connect with Jacob Salguero
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsalguero
 Tomorrow Creative: https://www.instagram.com/t_____________________mrw/

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:
 Website: https://churchcandy.com
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

📘 Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this with fellow pastors and church leaders who want to reach Gen Z effectively!

#GenZ #ChurchGrowth #Leadership #ChurchCandy #PastorLeadership #ChurchMarketing #ChurchTrends

Are You Ready to Take Your Church to the Next Level? ⛪️Schedule a Discovery Call With Our Team Today! ⬇️
https://go.churchcandy.com/new-guests

In this episode of the ChurchCandy podcast, Brady sits down with Pastor John Ware Jr. from Lifehouse Church in Virginia. Pastor John shares his powerful journey of church planting, soul health, and leading a diverse, portable church. Together, they discuss the realities of ministry, the importance of authentic relationships, and practical strategies for building a healthy church culture. Pastor John opens up about overcoming personal challenges, fostering unity, and the impact of digital outreach. This conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement for pastors and church leaders looking to grow, serve, and make a lasting difference.

📖 CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome
03:20 Planting Lifehouse Church
04:59 Advice for Youth Pastors Considering Church Planting0
6:02 The Importance of Soul Health in Ministry
10:55 COVID, Identity, and Pastoral Burnout
16:47 Soul Shepherding & Personal Growth
23:12 Impact on Family and Staff
28:31 Building a Diverse Church
33:11 Navigating Racial Tension & Unity
38:16 Launching a Second Campus
42:20 Portable Church: Pros, Cons, and Strategies
47:40 Social Media & Partnering with ChurchCandy
52:32 Real Stories: Growth & Testimonies from ChurchCandy Ads
57:06 How to Connect with Soul Shepherding & Pastor John
1:01:57 Final Thoughts & Outro

👋 Connect with Pastor John Ware Jr.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stutteringpastor/Lifehouse Church: https://lifehousenn.com/Soul Shepherding: https://www.soulshepherding.org/

📍 Learn More About ChurchCandy:Website: https://churchcandy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchcandymarketing

Get Brady’s book for church planters, Launch Big:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH1XB7F7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_XWCVF6K6TNSFRF8HB82D?linkCode=ml1&tag=bradysticker-20

💬 Let us know your thoughts in the comments and share this with fellow church leaders looking to make an impact!
ChurchGrowth #Leadership #ChurchCandy #PastorLeadership #ChurchMarketing #ChurchPlanting #VisionaryLeadership