The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

By Todd Rhoades

We're all about helping create a healthy, positive, and spiritually positive environment for church staff members and leadership teams.

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4.9

88 ratings

FAQs about The Healthy Church Staff Podcast:

How many episodes does The Healthy Church Staff Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 693 episodes available.

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast episodes:

August 31, 2026 Yesterday You Were One of Us
This episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast hosted by Todd Rhoades discusses the challenges and dynamics of being internally promoted within a church staff. While an internal promotion can be seen as a continuation rather than a change of role, it involves significant shifts in relationships and power dynamics. Todd emphasizes the need to openly address and communicate these changes with staff to manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
• Internal promotions involve changes in power and relationships.
• Communication about the role change and its implications is crucial.
• New internal dynamics can impact personal relationships and workplace atmosphere.
• Addressing these changes upfront can help mitigate discomfort and confusion.
• The promotion affects not just the individual but also their family and colleague relationships.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
10min
August 28, 2026 Succession From the Seat That Doesn't Get a Vote
The podcast episode discusses the challenges faced by church staff during pastoral succession, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to mitigate uncertainties and ensure staff stability. The episode is hosted by Todd Rhoades from Chemistry Staffing, highlighting how inadequate communication can lead church staff to feel sidelined during transitions. It provides practical advice on briefings, involving staff in discussions, and clearly defining roles during the succession process.
• Church staff often feel sidelined during pastoral succession due to lack of communication and involvement.
• Associate pastors and staff face uncertainty about their roles with the arrival of a new pastor.
• Effective succession communication involves providing briefings, asking staff for input, and clarifying their roles.
• Poor communication can lead to elevated flight risk among associate staff, as high as 69% during transitions.
• Church leadership should focus on clear and honest communication despite the discomfort it may bring.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
10min
August 27, 2026 The Year-Three Conversation That Would Have Saved Them
This podcast episode discusses the phenomenon known as the '3-5 year wall,' where staff members within three to five years of tenure pose a high flight risk. Todd Rhoades, co-founder of Chemistry Staffing, highlights the need for proactive career conversations rather than reactive measures, emphasizing the importance of making staff feel valued and having a growth plan in place. He advises church leaders to engage staff at the 24-36 month tenure with meaningful discussions about their roles, compensation, and future aspirations before they decide to leave.
• 3-5 year staff members are at high risk of leaving, known as the '3-5 year wall.'
• 59% of staff within 3-5 years consider leaving, marking a significant increase from earlier years.
• Typical practices (annual reviews) are inadequate for retaining these staff members.
• Feeling valued is crucial for staff retention during the 3-5 year phase.
• Proactive career conversations addressing role, compensation, and future aspirations are recommended.
• Top-level involvement is necessary for effective career conversations.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
11min
August 26, 2026 A Shepherd After His Own Heart
In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, Todd Rhoades emphasizes the importance of hiring and nurturing church leaders whose hearts align with God's values. He discusses how the heart, rather than external metrics like attendance or budget, is critical in choosing a senior pastor. Rhoades highlights that God looks at the heart, both when hiring leaders and while they serve, and suggests practical steps for those involved in the hiring process to focus on spiritual alignment rather than outward appearances.
• The most crucial aspect in church leadership is the heart of the leader, not attendance or budget.
• God promises to provide leaders after His own heart as per Jeremiah 3:15.
• Hiring a senior pastor is a significant decision impacting the church for years.
• God assesses leaders on their heart, not outward appearances or accomplishments.
• Church leaders are encouraged to focus on soul care and personal spiritual health.
• Todd Rhoades encourages prayer and mindfulness in the leader selection process.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
6min
August 25, 2026 Stop Hiring Eliab
This episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, hosted by Todd Rhoades, discusses the pitfalls of hiring based on outward appearances rather than character when filling church staff positions. Using the biblical story from 1 Samuel 16, where Samuel almost anoints the wrong king, Todd highlights the importance of evaluating candidates' internal qualities rather than being swayed by polished resumes and appearances. He emphasizes the need for interview questions to focus on character and heart to make better long-term hires for church positions.
• Importance of evaluating character over appearance in hiring.
• Biblical reference to 1 Samuel 16 and Samuel's near mistake with Eliab.
• Outward appearances are easy to assess but can lead to bad hires.
• Character leads to lasting, effective staff members.
• Recommendation to include character-focused questions in interviews.
• Chemistry Staffing assists churches in finding the right candidates.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
8min
August 24, 2026 God Already Picked the Person
This episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, hosted by Todd Rhoades from Chemistry Staffing, addresses the challenges churches face during a senior pastor search. Rhoades emphasizes that while such searches may feel daunting, it's important to trust that God knows the right candidate. Church search committees are encouraged to approach their task as a discernment process, focusing on uncovering rather than manufacturing the right match. Patience, trust, and thoughtful prayer are key to finding the God-chosen leader.
• Churches often face difficulties finding a new senior pastor, leading to feelings of desperation and fear.
• God already knows the right candidate; the search process should focus on discovering this pre-chosen leader.
• Search committees should avoid settling for convenience and should be patient in their discernment.
• The search is a spiritual discernment process, not just a talent hunt.
• Encouragement to change prayer focus to seeking God's guidance to the chosen candidate.
• Next episode will discuss potential pitfalls with ideal candidates on paper.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
7min
August 21, 2026 The Support Your Staff Says They Need (And You're Not Offering)
In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, Todd Rhoades discusses the issue of burnout among church staff and what truly helps in addressing it. Recent Barna research highlights that mental and physical health support, rather than additional resources like conferences or curriculums, significantly aids burned-out pastors. The podcast emphasizes the importance of providing proper mental and physical support systems such as counseling and gym memberships, and encourages proactive dialogue to understand the actual needs of staff members.
• Burnout in church staff is not solely a ministry problem but often linked to health issues.
• Barna research indicates that mental and physical health support is most effective for combating burnout.
• Traditional solutions like conferences and resources rank low in effectiveness.
• Churches need to offer access to mental health care and promote its use without stigma.
• Physical health care, including wellness stipends or gym memberships, is crucial.
• Understanding staff needs through direct communication is essential.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
7min
August 20, 2026 The $36/Hour Question: Are You Valuing Your Volunteers Right?
The episode discusses the economic value of volunteer work, highlighting that volunteer hours in 2025 are valued at $36.14 each. It emphasizes recognizing volunteers' sacrifices instead of viewing them as free labor. The discussion centers around shifting from a scarcity mindset to a stewardship mindset to better appreciate, train, and celebrate volunteers. This approach aims to improve volunteer retention and fulfillment. • Volunteer work is valued at $36.14 per hour in 2025. • Churches often undervalue volunteers, viewing them as free labor. • Shift from scarcity to stewardship mindset in managing volunteers. • Proper training, planning, and communication are essential for respecting volunteer contributions. • Regular and specific acknowledgment of volunteer work is important. • Avoiding guilt to recruit volunteers leads to better results. • Valuing volunteer time contributes to longer tenures and increased satisfaction.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
8min
August 19, 2026 What Gen Z's Church Exodus Means for Your Hiring Strategy
This episode of the Healthy Church Staff Podcast discusses the challenge of attracting young leaders, particularly Gen Z, to church staff positions. Todd Rhoades highlights that the cultural perceptions of a church, especially political associations, can deter potential candidates. He emphasizes the need for churches to be explicit about their culture, focusing on aspects like safety, diversity, and openness in handling disagreements. Churches should make their culture visible through their website, job descriptions, and interviews to attract younger staff effectively.
• Gen Z feels alienated from churches due to political perceptions.
• Churches need to explicitly communicate their culture and values.
• Younger candidates prioritize honesty, safety, and mental health over perfection.
• Rewrite job descriptions to reflect church culture, not just tasks.
• Involve current younger staff in the recruitment process.
• Ask candidates about their cultural fears during interviews.
• Be willing to lose candidates who aren't the right cultural fit.
• Leadership questions are not solely asked by Gen Z but also by older leaders.
• Emphasize visibility of culture over doctrine in your church communications.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
8min
August 18, 2026 Your Inner Circle Isn't Optional: Building Your Ministry Advisory Group
In this episode of the Healthy Church Staff podcast, Todd Rhoades emphasizes the importance for church leaders to build a circle of trusted advisors to help in decision-making. He highlights the pitfalls of making decisions in isolation and provides practical steps for assembling an advisory group. The episode underscores the value of having outside perspectives from individuals who have no agenda but your personal growth in mind. • Leaders often make significant decisions without a supportive sounding board. • Isolation in decision-making can lead to stress and poor leadership outcomes. • Building an inner circle of two to three trusted advisors is essential. • Advisors should provide honest feedback and share your values but remain outside your immediate circle or church context. • Practical steps include identifying and asking potential advisors directly. • Engage with advisors not only in crises but during the consideration phase. • Intentionality in seeking advice can prevent leadership disasters. • Isolation makes leaders vulnerable, not strong.
Have questions or comments? Send to [email protected]

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

- - - - -

Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.
...more
10min

FAQs about The Healthy Church Staff Podcast:

How many episodes does The Healthy Church Staff Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 693 episodes available.

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The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

FAQs about The Healthy Church Staff Podcast:

How many episodes does The Healthy Church Staff Podcast have?

The Healthy Church Staff Podcast episodes:

FAQs about The Healthy Church Staff Podcast:

How many episodes does The Healthy Church Staff Podcast have?

More shows like The Healthy Church Staff Podcast

The Briefing with Albert Mohler

The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

Watermark's Church Leadership Podcast