What if the best gift you could give your team this Christmas is permission to be themselves? Join guests Heather Kenny—ministry coach—and Rob Dyer—senior pastor and comedian from Southern Illinois—as they join host Renée to discuss how leaders can navigate the holiday paradox: the busiest season that also offers unexpected breathing room, where authenticity matters more than performance.

Discover how to support team members through grief, protect your own grounding practices when schedules tighten, actually listen without planning your pastoral response, and receive Christ's peace instead of trying to manufacture it for everyone else. Your presence matters far more than your performance this season.

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Is it better to hire a new church staff member from the outside, bringing a fresh perspective, or from the inside, leveraging someone who already knows the culture? This episode tackles one of the most common and complex questions in church leadership. Join the Ministry Architects team as they talk with Sara Bailey (Director of the Search Division) and Jeremy Shelley (Candidate Care Consultant) to explore the nuances of promoting from within. They provide practical, actionable steps for church leaders to navigate this process well, care for the candidate, and protect the health of the church. Full Show Notes and Key Takeaways

Are you a ministry leader constantly feeling pulled in a million directions, bogged down by administrative tasks that drain your energy and keep you from your true calling? You know you need help, but asking for it feels like a failure, or maybe you believe it's your job to do it all. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned ministry leaders David Gaddini and Annette Safstrom to tackle the critical, often unspoken, need for administrative support in the church. They explore why leaders hesitate to delegate, how to shift your church culture to embrace support roles, and practical ways to find the right people. Discover how to assess your own workload, determine if you need a paid or volunteer admin, and learn the difference between delegating and just dumping tasks. This conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable steps to help you find peace, increase your impact, and focus on what truly matters in your ministry. Full Show Notes

Join our hosts and our special guests, Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes and Trey Wince, for a transformative conversation that will give you permission to rethink your entire approach to goals. Discover why the traditional playbook often fails in a ministry context and learn how to shift from shame-inducing output goals to life-giving habits, systems, and stories. This is your guide to building a healthier, more innovative, and genuinely impactful ministry.

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From social media strategy and volunteer training to the very tools we use on Sunday morning, technology is woven into the fabric of modern ministry. But are we using it effectively? How do we navigate the learning curves, avoid the pitfalls, and truly partner with families in a digital age? In this episode, we sit down with author and ministry leader Brittany Nelson to discuss the heart behind her book on digital discipleship. She offers a wealth of wisdom on how to thoughtfully integrate technology, avoid common mistakes, and lead your people well through change. Full Show Notes

Is the local church enough for deep theological learning, or is formal education essential for ministry leadership? What if you feel called to more but seminary isn't an option? In this episode, we tackle the critical and often-debated topic of continuing education for ministry leaders. Joined by guests Lesleigh Carmichael and Bianca Howard, we explore the practical reasons for pursuing a seminary degree, how to build a powerful learning plan without formal education, and what to do when you encounter a leader who thinks they've already learned enough. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone feeling stuck or wondering what's next in their leadership journey.

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Are church milestones just traditions, or do they hold the power to shape faith and engage families? In this episode, we explore how to create a "theology of milestones" that moves beyond one-off events to become a core part of your discipleship journey. Joined by family ministry experts Elaine Pendergrass and Werner Ramirez, discover why celebrating everything from baptism to getting a driver's license can be a profound act of ministry and the practical first steps you can take to make them more meaningful.

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Are small groups a non-negotiable for pastors and staff? This episode tackles the sensitive topic of staff participation, exploring how to foster genuine community while protecting your own soul. Guests Phyllis Kim Myung, a Lead Pastor in LA, and our very own Mike Crain join the conversation to unpack the nuance.

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Today we're joined by guests Candi Cylar and James Warren to unpack what keeps people coming back to churches and ministries. The conversation draws from decades of ministry leadership, event planning, and hands-on experience with church growth, all aimed to equip pastors, church leaders, and volunteers—especially those serving in small or plateaued churches. Whether you're wrestling with attendance, wondering about the real impact of big events, or searching for actionable church marketing and hospitality tips, these comprehensive show notes will help you capture all the wisdom, strategies, and next steps discussed in the episode. Full Show Notes

In this episode, we are joined by Derek DeGroot, President of Aspen Group, to explore the overlooked yet essential role of physical space in church ministry. Drawing from Derek's expertise as a licensed architect dedicated to designing and building church spaces, the discussion encompasses sacred stewardship, the intersection of tradition and innovation, and practical next steps for churches—especially those feeling stuck or seeking meaningful growth.

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