Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart tells the story behind a simple but powerful outreach tool: a mobile block party trailer. He explains how one shared resource empowered everyday church members to love their neighbors, host gatherings, and start meaningful conversations without burning out leaders or volunteers.

If your church wants outreach that is relational, repeatable, and sustainable, this episode offers a practical model that works in real neighborhoods.

Key Topics Covered

The block party trailer concept – Outreach that scales through people

Earning the right to be heard – Building relationships before invitations

Sustainable outreach systems – High impact without burnout

Key Quote

“One simple trailer created hundreds of meaningful conversations.”

Scripture References

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Takeaway

Outreach does not have to be complicated or exhausting. When churches equip people with simple tools and clear vision, relational impact multiplies naturally.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

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Episode Description

In this bonus episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart shares how churches are gaining unprecedented access to public schools by serving real community needs. Drawing from his background as a science educator, Josh explains a practical outreach approach that builds trust, creates goodwill, and opens doors for the gospel.

If your church has felt shut out of public schools or unsure how to begin those conversations, this episode offers a clear, proven path forward rooted in service and wisdom.

Key Topics Covered

Why churches lost access to public schools – Understanding the relational gap

Good works and goodwill – Earning the right to be heard again

The Day of Science – A bridge building outreach model

Key Quote

“We must serve our way into the hearts of people.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:7 – “I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Takeaway

Access to public schools is not gained through arguments but through service. When churches meet real needs with excellence, doors reopen and trust is restored.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

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Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart explores how churches can host high impact outreach events without exhausting their leaders or volunteers. He introduces a practical outreach model built around clarity, simplicity, and gospel faithfulness.

If you have ever wondered whether live outreach events are worth the cost, effort, or risk, this episode will equip you with a framework for doing them in a sustainable and effective way.

Key Topics Covered

Burnout and outreach – Why many events cost more than they give back

A killer event that does not kill your team – Designing for sustainability

The Amazing Chemistry Show – A practical outreach model that works

Key Quote

“A killer event doesn’t have to kill you or your team.”

Scripture References

Joshua 3:7 – “I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel.”

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Takeaway

Effective outreach does not require chaos, exhaustion, or embarrassment. When events are designed with the gospel, the audience, and volunteers in mind, outreach becomes energizing instead of draining.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers

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Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart challenges the idea that VBS is outdated or ineffective. He explains why VBS still works as outreach when it is designed around clarity, sustainability, and gospel depth rather than exhaustion and overprogramming.

If you have ever wondered whether VBS is worth the time, energy, or budget, this episode will give you a fresh framework for doing it in a way that energizes leaders, engages kids, and reaches families.

Key Topics Covered

Why VBS still works as outreach – Separating bad models from good ministry

Burnout and volunteer fatigue – Designing systems that do not exhaust teams

A better VBS framework – Gospel clarity, simplicity, and sustainability

Key Quote

“VBS isn’t dead. Bad VBS is.”

Scripture References

Matthew 19:14 – “Let the little children come to me.”

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.”

Takeaway

VBS becomes powerful outreach when it is built to serve leaders and volunteers, not drain them. When the gospel is clear every day and systems are simple, momentum follows.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

Episode Description

In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk challenge a common mistake churches make with outreach. They explore why most churches get outreach backwards and outline a biblical, relational order that actually works in today’s culture.

If you have ever felt like your outreach efforts were ignored, resisted, or ineffective, this episode will equip and inspire you with a healthier approach that rebuilds trust and opens doors for the gospel.

Key Topics Covered

Why outreach fails when the order is wrong – Leading with message before trust

Good works and goodwill – How service restores credibility

A sustainable outreach framework – From presence to proclamation

Key Quote

“Good works lead to goodwill, and goodwill opens the door to the good news.”

Scripture References

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.”

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Takeaway

Effective outreach starts with service, not a pitch. When churches get the order right, trust grows and the gospel is heard differently.

Call to Action

We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources

Visit our website: http://leadministry.com

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Vance Martin close out their three-part series on the Progress Spiral. They explore the final step — Complete — offering practical wisdom on collaboration, communication, and course correction for ministry leaders.

If you've ever felt the tension between good intentions and real follow-through, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear path to trustworthy, consistent leadership.

Key Topics Covered
• Completing the Progress Spiral with conviction
• Why collaboration is essential for lasting change
• How communication becomes the gift that unlocks trust

Key Quote
"Your execution will only be as clear as your communication."

Scripture References
Proverbs 27:23 – "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."
Luke 16:10 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

Takeaway
The spiritual and organizational health of your ministry grows when leaders commit to honest probing, thoughtful strategy, and faithful completion. Trust is built in the follow-through. And lasting change requires both the “plumbing” of systems and the “poetry” of conviction.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and his co-host Vance Martin continue their three-part journey through the Progress Spiral. They explore why leaders must slow down long enough to assess the real problem before jumping into action, offering a practical and hope-filled framework for ministry leaders. 

If you've ever felt like you’re fixing the same issues on repeat, this episode will equip and inspire you with a clear process for diagnosing challenges, shaping strategy, and preparing for meaningful change.

Key Topics Covered
The Progress Spiral – How leaders move from evaluation to strategy
The Three S’s of Strategizing – Situation, solution, and steps explained
Root vs. Fruit Problems – Why identifying causes matters more than treating symptoms

Key Quote
"Once you know what’s wrong, now it's time to build a plan to make it right." 

Scripture References
Proverbs 15:22 – "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Luke 14:28 – "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…?"

Takeaway
Strategizing is where leadership slows down long enough to see the truth. When pastors and ministry leaders step back to understand the situation, name the real problem, and break solutions into actionable steps, progress becomes inevitable rather than accidental. Thoughtful strategy honors people, strengthens programs, and creates shared ownership for change.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers

Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and guest Vance Martin kick off a New Year series on productivity and progress in ministry. They introduce Vance’s “Progress Spiral,” a simple framework to evaluate, strategize, and execute in your ministry, starting with a deep dive into the probe phase. 

They explore how to honestly assess your people, processes, and programs across three core cultures – volunteers, parents, and kids – offering practical language and real stories to help ministry leaders diagnose what is actually happening on the ground before they start fixing anything.

If you've ever felt stuck in the same problems year after year, or frustrated that your changes never quite solve the real issues, this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple way to evaluate your ministry with clarity and courage.

Key Topics Covered
The Progress Spiral – a three-part framework for ongoing ministry improvement.
The Probe Phase – evaluating people, processes, and programs without fear or assumptions.
Hearing Hard Truth – why asking volunteers, parents, and kids for feedback builds trust and real change.

Key Quote
"Prognosis without diagnosis is malpractice."

Scripture References
Proverbs 27:23 – "Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds."
Luke 14:28 – "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost."

Takeaway
Before you rewrite your calendar, overhaul your programs, or launch something new, you must slow down and see reality as it is. When you humbly probe your people, processes, and programs – and invite honest feedback from those you serve – you discover where the real problems are and where God may be inviting you to grow. Diagnosis comes before prescription, and good leaders are willing to ask hard questions and listen well.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart sits down with leadership coach Vance Martin to unpack what it means to build a “move mental” ministry. They explore how organizational clarity, individual accountability, and team innovation work together to create not just programs, but a true movement of people on mission.

If you've ever felt like your church is busy but not actually moving forward, this episode will equip and inspire you with a simple, biblical framework to realign your team and reignite momentum.

Key Topics Covered
Organizational Clarity – Why your team spins in circles without a clear, shared scoreboard
Individual Accountability – How healthy coaching replaces fear-driven control and manipulation
Team Innovation – How creativity flourishes when people know the vision and own their role

Key Quote
“Clarity gives the right for accountability. Without clarity, leaders overextend grace instead of providing direction.” 

Scripture References
Matthew 16:18 – “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” 

Takeaway
Movements don’t happen by accident. When leaders clarify where the ministry is going, hold people lovingly accountable, and create safe space for creative risk, the Spirit often uses that environment to multiply impact. Your job is to build a culture where your team knows the vision, knows their part, and feels both challenged and released to pursue it together.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
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Episode Description
In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk unpack what it means to pursue biblical productivity at the start of a new year. They explore essential productivity for 2026, offering a God-centered vision of work, diligence, and stewardship for ministry leaders.

If you've ever felt torn between “doing more” and staying faithful to your family, soul, and calling, this episode will equip and inspire you with a framework for fruitful, sustainable productivity that glorifies God.

Key Topics Covered
Redefining productivity – moving from secular hustle to biblical stewardship
Processes and people – why ministry leaders must build systems and develop volunteers
Eternal reward – how diligence today shapes the “well done” you will hear tomorrow

Key Quote
“God doesn’t expect maintenance; He expects a return on what He’s entrusted to you.”

Scripture References
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Ephesians 5:15–16 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.”
Matthew 25:14–30 – The parable of the talents, where the Master commends faithful servants who multiply what they were given.

Takeaway
Biblical productivity is not about burning the candle at both ends. It is about honoring God with focused, diligent work that builds processes, develops people, and serves the local church. When you treat this year as your “one and only life” and labor with eternity in view, you position yourself to experience the joy of fruitfulness now and the reward of “well done” later.

Call to Action
We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week.

Stay Connected for More Resources
Visit our website: http://leadministry.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteers
Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteers